TAARIQ HALIM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE Government and the private sector have employed innovative ways to support the tourism and hospitality sectors amid regional developments.
Some of the country's most popular visitor attractions and consumer services are being offered free of charge — or at discounted rates — not only to boost local business, but also to lift public morale and help families manage their stress.
Hessa Abdulrahman Tahlak, Assistant Undersecretary for the Development Sector at the Ministry of Family, said the incentives were introduced with family wellbeing in mind.
The UAE believes that the wellbeing of society begins with the wellbeing of every family living on its land, and that the stability and happiness of families are central to the country’s vision for enhancing quality of life and building a more prosperous and cohesive community," she said.
Here are some free and discount promotions, as well as support services being offered to residents.
The ENTERTAINER Promotion
Lifestyle rewards platform The ENTERTAINER launched a campaign called "Our Home. Our Heart", making up to 50,000 complimentary One Heart memberships available to residents.
Each membership includes buy-one-get-one-free offers across dining, leisure, wellness, hotel stays and more. The campaign is valid until September 15, 2026.
Memberships are available through official The ENTERTAINER channels for a limited time.
Speaking at the announcement of the initiative last week, The ENTERTAINER founder and CEO Donna Benton highlighted the need to support UAE businesses during this period.
This initiative reflects our continued commitment to the people and businesses that have been part of our journey. Supporting local businesses means supporting the people behind them — the entrepreneurs, hospitality professionals, and the teams that make this country come alive every day," she said.
Fazaa for Families
Consumer discount service Fazaa, in cooperation with the Ministry of Family, announced the launch of a community initiative granting free Fazaa memberships to resident families in the UAE.
The membership allows resident subscribers to benefit from: Offers and discounts at more than 34,000 retail outlets inside and outside the UAE; discounts on more than 28,000 food and consumer products through Fazaa Stores; discounts on accommodation and travel packages at more than 500,000 hotels worldwide through the Fazaa Amakin service; discounts of up to 70% on tickets and entertainment activities through the Fazaa mobile application.
To qualify, the family must include at least one son or daughter, and the membership will remain valid throughout the Year of Family 2026,To register, visit www.fazaa.ae,
Dubai Discounts
While many attractions have temporarily closed their doors — including Dubai Parks and Resorts, Global Village, Skydive Dubai and Wild Wadi — others are enticing the public to visit with irresistible offers.
Dubai Miracle Garden, one of the emirate's most popular attractions, is offering free entry to UAE residents from March 15 to 31.
Visitors must present their Emirates ID to take advantage of the offer. The venue will be open from 9am until 9pm over the two-week period.
Access to the world’s largest water park, Aquaventure World on The Palm Jumeirah, as well as the Lost Chambers Aquarium inside Atlantis Dubai, is also complimentary. Both attractions are free to enjoy until March 22.
Free or Waived Fees for Services
Due to the flight disruptions, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security has exempted travellers who were unable to travel from fines for delayed departures.
The concession applies to all cases in which the traveller was unable to leave the country, including those holding visit visas, tourist visas, or exit permits, as well as residents who had cancelled their residency permits in preparation for departure.
The exemption applies to fines incurred on or after February 28.
Major UAE airlines, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai, are offering free rebooking or full refunds for flights disrupted by recent regional airspace closures between February 28 and March 31, 2026.
Passengers can generally rebook to the same destination within 30 days or request refunds for cancelled flights via airline websites or travel agents.
Free Mental Health and Crisis Support
To help ease anxiety arising from the situation, authorities and NGOs have expanded free counselling and crisis support services.
The services provide licensed psychologists and multilingual counselling for stress, trauma and panic attacks.
Available nationwide are: 800-SAKINA – 24/7 government mental-health hotline; MedicoArabia mental-health helpline (call or WhatsApp support); and additional volunteer counselling services and crisis chat lines.