The United Arab Emirates has announced four new types of visit visas, expanding its entry and residency framework to attract professionals, innovators, and tourists in specialized fields. These new visa categories aim to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for talent and tourism. The initiative, introduced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to openness and economic diversification.
The newly introduced visas include entry permits for artificial intelligence specialists, entertainment professionals, participants in global events, and tourists arriving via cruise ships or luxury yachts. Each category is tailored to specific professional or tourism-related purposes and includes clear guidelines on duration, renewal, and sponsorship.
Applicants in the AI sector can apply for single or multiple-entry permits, provided they submit confirmation from a recognized technology entity. Those visiting for temporary roles in entertainment can obtain short-term permits specific to their professional engagements. Event-related visas will be issued for attendees of conferences, exhibitions, and other cultural or economic gatherings, with hosting entities required to provide relevant documentation. Visitors arriving by cruise ships or leisure yachts can apply for multiple-entry visas if their itineraries include UAE ports and they are sponsored by a licensed tourism provider.
Alongside these visit visas, the UAE has also launched a one-year humanitarian residency permit for individuals from disaster or conflict-affected countries. This residency does not require a host or guarantor and is extendable with approval from the ICP. The status may be revoked if the holder leaves the UAE, and in special humanitarian cases, residents can request exemptions for financial or kinship criteria when sponsoring relatives.
New regulations also support widows and divorcees through a renewable one-year residency permit. Foreign widows or divorcees of Emirati citizens without children must apply within six months of the spouse’s death or divorce. In the case of foreign residents, the widow or divorcee must be present in the UAE and have custody of the children at the time of the event. All applicants must meet minimum housing and financial requirements, and any custody-related disputes will be reviewed by a designated committee.
To sponsor family or friends, expatriates must now meet updated income thresholds. A monthly salary of Dh4,000 is required for immediate family sponsorship, Dh8,000 for second- and third-degree relatives, and Dh15,000 for sponsoring friends. These figures aim to ensure that sponsors have sufficient financial capacity to support dependents during their stay.
Applicants for the Business Exploration Visa must now prove financial solvency or demonstrate relevant experience or business ownership abroad in the field they intend to explore in the UAE. This measure ensures that applicants have a credible professional background or business intent.
The revised entry rules also address the freight and logistics sector through updated truck driver visas. These permits can be single or multiple-entry and must be sponsored by a licensed logistics company. Additional requirements include a financial guarantee, valid health insurance, and payment of application fees.
These changes underscore the UAE’s focus on attracting skilled professionals, promoting economic activity, and enhancing its global reputation as a destination for work, investment, and tourism.