On Monday, the UAE unveiled four new visit visa categories aimed at attracting global talent, expertise, and entrepreneurs, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI), entertainment, events, cruise ships, and yachts. These changes were announced as part of broader amendments to entry visa regulations by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). The new rules reflect the UAE’s commitment to openness, enhancing its global position in tech, tourism, and entertainment.
The updated regulations include clear visa durations and conditions for extension, and introduce the following four new categories:
1. Specialists in AI
- Aimed at attracting AI professionals, this visa allows for single or multiple entries for a specific period.
- Applicants must submit a letter from a hosting entity or sponsor, such as a technology-focused facility.
2. Entertainment
- Granted to foreigners visiting the UAE temporarily for entertainment purposes.
3. Events
- This visa is for individuals attending festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, and other cultural, economic, sports, or educational events.
- A sponsor (public or private sector entity) must submit a letter detailing the event and its duration.
4. Tourism via Cruise Ships and Yachts
- A multiple-entry visa is available for tourists arriving on cruise ships or leisure boats.
- The sponsor must be a licensed entity organizing these activities.
Humanitarian Residence Permit
- A one-year humanitarian residence permit, extendable based on specific conditions, is now available for foreign nationals from countries affected by wars, disasters, or unrest.
- No guarantor or host is required for individuals in these situations.
- Residency status may be renewed or cancelled based on reports from the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs.
- This permit will be void if the beneficiary leaves the UAE.
Additionally, the law now allows for exemptions from the financial solvency requirement for citizens or foreigners bringing in their relatives under humanitarian cases.
Widows and Divorcees
- A new one-year residence permit for foreign widows or divorcees, which is renewable, is introduced.
- If the deceased husband is Emirati, residency is granted within six months of the death or divorce.
- If the husband is a foreigner, foreign widows or divorcees who have custody of children can apply for residency within six months of death or divorce. They must meet financial solvency and housing requirements.
- In cases of custody disputes, a competent committee will handle the decision.
Visit Visas for Relatives and Friends
- Visitors up to the third degree of relationship can now be sponsored by residents, provided they meet income requirements.
- A resident must earn at least AED 4,000 per month to sponsor immediate family, AED 8,000 for second- or third-degree relatives, and AED 15,000 to sponsor friends.
Business Exploration Visa
- Foreign applicants for a Business Exploration Visa must show financial solvency related to their planned activities, or evidence of being already engaged in similar business outside the UAE.
Truck Drivers’ Visa
- Truck drivers can now obtain single or multiple-entry visas. A freight company or goods transportation business must act as the sponsor, with a financial guarantee and health insurance required for the driver.
These updates are part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to enhance its status as a global hub for innovation, tourism, and business.
