UAE Introduces Four New Visit Visa Categories to Attract Global Talent and Tourists

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the introduction of four new visit visa types, designed to attract specialists and visitors in sectors including artificial intelligence, entertainment, global events, and tourism via cruise ships and luxury yachts. This initiative by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) is part of wider amendments to the country’s entry and residency regulations, underscoring the UAE’s dedication to openness and its goal of drawing innovators, entrepreneurs, and tourists from around the world.

The new visa categories come with clear guidelines on the duration of stay, as well as renewal and extension procedures. The visa types include:

• Artificial Intelligence Specialists: Available as single or multiple-entry permits for fixed durations, applicants must provide a letter from a recognised technology sector entity.
• Entertainment Industry Visitors: Issued for those visiting the UAE for temporary entertainment-related purposes.
• Event Participants: Designed for short stays related to conferences, festivals, exhibitions, seminars, and other cultural, economic, educational, sports, or community events, with the requirement of a host entity’s invitation.
• Tourism via Cruise Ships and Yachts: Multiple-entry visas granted to visitors arriving on cruise liners or leisure boats with itineraries including UAE ports, sponsored by a licensed facility.

In addition to the new visit visas, the UAE has introduced a one-year humanitarian residency permit, extendable upon ICP approval. This visa is aimed at individuals from conflict- or disaster-affected countries and does not require a guarantor or host. Renewal or cancellation will be based on reports from the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, and the visa will be automatically cancelled if the holder departs from the UAE. Exemptions to financial and kinship requirements may apply for residents sponsoring relatives under humanitarian grounds.

The revised residency rules also include a one-year renewable residency permit for widows and divorcees. Foreign widows or divorcees without children can apply within six months of their spouse’s death or divorce if the husband was Emirati. For cases where the husband was a foreign resident, eligibility extends to those with child custody, provided the applicant was in the UAE at the time of death or divorce and the late husband was the guarantor. Custody disputes will be resolved by the relevant committee, and applicants must meet financial and housing requirements.

New income thresholds have been set for expatriates wishing to sponsor relatives or friends: Dh4,000 monthly for immediate family, Dh8,000 for second- or third-degree relatives, and Dh15,000 for friends.

Other updated visa regulations include the Business Exploration Visa, which requires applicants to demonstrate financial solvency or professional engagement through an existing business or relevant experience, and the Truck Drivers’ Visa, which necessitates sponsorship by a licensed freight or logistics company along with submission of financial guarantees, fees, and valid health insurance.

This comprehensive update reflects the UAE’s ongoing efforts to streamline its immigration policies and enhance its attractiveness as a destination for global talent, tourism, and business.