The UAE has announced four new visit visa categories, covering specialists in artificial intelligence, entertainment, events, cruise ships, and yachts. The changes form part of broader amendments and additions to entry visa regulations introduced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
According to the ICP, the new measures are designed to reinforce the UAE’s openness to the world while attracting global talent, expertise, and entrepreneurs in technology—particularly artificial intelligence—as well as in the entertainment and tourism sectors.
New visa categories
- AI specialists: Single or multiple-entry permits for a specified period, subject to a letter from a hosting or sponsoring entity in the technology field.
- Entertainment: Temporary visas for foreigners entering the UAE for entertainment-related purposes.
- Events: Temporary permits for festivals, conferences, exhibitions, or cultural, educational, sports, and religious activities, requiring a host entity’s approval.
- Tourism: Multiple-entry visas for cruise ship or yacht tourists, sponsored by licensed facilities.
Humanitarian residence permits and other changes
The amendments also introduce a one-year humanitarian residence permit, extendable by the ICP, for foreigners from countries facing wars, disasters, or unrest. The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs may also exempt certain humanitarian cases from financial or kinship requirements.
Other updates include a one-year renewable residence permit for widows and divorcees, new provisions for sponsoring relatives up to the third degree, business exploration visas requiring financial solvency, and stricter conditions for truck driver visas, including health and financial guarantee.
