Four New Visa Categories: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long positioned itself as a global hub for innovation, technology, and tourism. In line with this vision, the country has now unveiled a transformative move in its immigration framework by introducing four new visa categories that promise to attract fresh talent, boost cultural exchange, and strengthen its soft power. Among these, the most eye-catching development is the introduction of an AI Specialists Visa—a clear nod to the country’s ambition of becoming a world leader in artificial intelligence.
This strategic update, announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), not only adds new visa types but also modifies rules for existing residence and visit permits. With Dubai and Abu Dhabi consolidating their roles as regional centers for business and lifestyle, these changes will redefine how investors, professionals, tourists, and families interact with the Emirates.
Four New Visa Categories Explained
AI Specialist Visa
Perhaps the most talked-about of the new categories is the AI Specialist Visa. As artificial intelligence drives industries from healthcare and finance to transportation and logistics, the UAE is one of the few countries actively curating a talent pipeline in this domain.
- Designed for single or multiple entries.
- Issued for a specific period of time.
- Applicants must present a letter from a host or sponsoring technology company in the UAE.
The timing is significant. With H-1B visa restrictions in the US curbing opportunities for skilled workers, the UAE stands to gain by positioning itself as a welcoming home for AI experts, data scientists, and innovative startups. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are already rich grounds for AI development, thanks to investments in AI research labs, data centers, and smart city platforms.
Entertainment Visa
The Entertainment Visa reflects the UAE’s growing reputation as a global hub for music, culture, and arts. It provides short-term permits for individuals visiting the country for entertainment purposes.
- Suitable for artists, performers, and creative professionals.
- Valid for a temporary period.
- Tailored to support cultural industries as the UAE organizes world-class events, concerts, and film festivals.
This visa further complements Dubai’s drive to attract creative talent, amplified by initiatives such as the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, which aims to make the city a capital for creative industries.
Events Visa
The Events Visa caters to the increasing number of international conferences, exhibitions, and cultural festivals regularly held across the Emirates. From Expo City Dubai to Abu Dhabi’s international conference venues, the UAE is a magnet for large-scale gatherings.
- Required for attending festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, and educational or community events.
- Needs a sponsor or host within the UAE.
- Applicants must provide a letter from the hosting entity, specifying event details and duration.
With Dubai alone hosting hundreds of business events annually, the convenience of this visa contributes to the UAE’s positioning as a preferred destination for business tourism and international dialogue.
Tourism Visa for Cruise Visitors
The UAE has also rolled out a new tourism visa, specifically targeting foreigners arriving on cruise ships and leisure boats.
- Designed as a multiple-entry visa.
- Requires applicants to show itineraries including UAE stopovers.
- The host or sponsor must be licensed for cruise and leisure-related activities.
This visa supports the growing cruise tourism sector, with ports like Mina Rashid and Mina Zayed experiencing a surge in international arrivals. The Gulf’s reputation as an emerging cruising destination will benefit significantly from this visa, as it integrates seamlessly with global leisure circuits.
Changes to Existing Visas
In addition to creating new categories, the UAE is refining rules around residency and humanitarian permits.
Humanitarian Residence Permit
- Available for citizens from war-torn nations or those affected by natural disasters.
- Valid for a one-year stay.
- Can be obtained without a sponsor.
- Automatically cancelled if the holder exits the UAE.
This reflects the UAE’s humanitarian stance and its proactive involvement in international relief efforts.
Residency for Widows and Divorced Women
- Residency is now possible without a sponsor.
- Women can apply within six months of the death of their spouse or divorce, provided they remain in the country.
- Eligibility is limited to cases where the deceased or divorced husband was the official sponsor.
This policy underscores the UAE’s efforts to support women and empower them socially and economically.
Sponsorship Income Thresholds
The ICP has also introduced income criteria for sponsoring relatives and friends:
- Dh 4,000 (Rs 96,700) per month for first-degree relatives.
- Dh 8,000 (Rs 1.94 lakh) per month for second- or third-degree relatives.
- Dh 15,000 (Rs 3.62 lakh) per month for sponsoring a friend.
These requirements balance the UAE’s open-door policy with practical considerations of financial responsibility for visitors.
Why New Visa Matters for the UAE
The introduction of these visas is more than just a procedural update. It is a forward-looking policy that intersects with several of the UAE’s national goals:
- Economic Diversification: Attracting talent and tourism feeds into Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s post-oil growth strategies.
- Cultural Exchange: Entertainment and event visas boost its position as a cultural hub connecting East and West.
- Technology Leadership: The AI visa directly reinforces the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031, which aims to be among the top AI nations globally.
- Tourism Growth: By catering to cruise tourists, the UAE expands one of its fastest-growing travel sectors.
- Global Collaboration: Humanitarian permits showcase soft diplomacy and social responsibility.
Conclusion: Four New Visa Categories
The UAE’s introduction of four new visa categories—AI Specialist, Entertainment, Events, and Tourism visas—alongside updates to existing residence regulations marks a watershed in the country’s evolving visa system. By lowering entry barriers for AI specialists, creating opportunities for entertainers and event-goers, and catering to cruise tourists, the UAE cements its status as a global hub for technology, culture, business, and tourism.
Whether you are a tech innovator, a family member visiting loved ones, or a tourist exploring Middle Eastern luxury, the new visa updates make the UAE more accessible, inclusive, and future-ready.
FAQ’s About Four New Visa Categories
Who can apply for the AI Specialist Visa in the UAE?
AI experts, engineers, data scientists, and specialists in artificial intelligence can apply, provided they have a sponsoring tech company in the UAE.
What is the difference between the Events Visa and the Entertainment Visa?
The Events Visa is for attending conferences, exhibitions, or festivals as participants or audiences, while the Entertainment Visa is primarily for performers or individuals engaged in entertainment-related activities.
Can a widow or divorced woman apply for residency without a sponsor?
Yes. If her sponsor was her husband before divorce or death, she can apply within six months of the event, as long as she is still residing in the UAE.
What is the minimum salary to sponsor a friend in the UAE?
A minimum monthly salary of Dh 15,000 (Rs 3.62 lakh) is required to sponsor a friend’s visit.
Is the humanitarian residence permit renewable?
Currently, the permit is valid for one year and is tied to ongoing conditions in the applicant’s country of origin. Renewal depends on updated rules and humanitarian needs.
Who can sponsor cruise tourists applying for the new Tourism Visa?
Tour operators, cruise companies, or tourism agencies licensed in the UAE can act as hosts or sponsors for this visa.