The United Arab Emirates has introduced four new categories for visit visas and updated conditions for several existing permits, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, said Khaleej times reported on Monday.
The decision is part of the country’s push to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and visitors, particularly in technology, artificial intelligence, entertainment, and tourism.
The new categories include an entry visa for specialists in artificial intelligence, granted for single or multiple trips with a sponsor’s letter from a recognised technology institution, and an entertainment visa for foreigners visiting for short-term entertainment purposes.
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A third category, the event visa, will allow entry for festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, and cultural, religious, or sporting events, subject to a host entity’s sponsorship and formal documentation.
The fourth category covers multiple-entry visas for tourists arriving via cruise ships and pleasure boats, requiring a detailed itinerary and a licensed tourism operator as guarantor.
Authorities said the reforms aim to improve quality of life, support trade and transport, and strengthen the UAE’s position as a competitive global hub.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security announces new amendments and additions to entry visa regulations pic.twitter.com/YAXxLI4XZF
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) September 29, 2025
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, said the changes were based on “careful studies and forward-looking assessments” that reviewed residency and foreign affairs trends locally and internationally.
“The updates are designed to meet the needs of customers while considering the humanitarian and economic circumstances of those wishing to live, work, or explore business opportunities in the UAE,” he said.
Truck drivers' visa
Among the changes, foreign truck drivers will now be eligible for single or multiple-entry visas. These must be sponsored by a licensed shipping facility or a business engaged in the transportation of goods.
Applicants are required to provide a financial guarantee, pay prescribed fees, and hold valid health insurance.
Other new categories include entry visas for specialists in artificial intelligence, entertainment visas for temporary stays, event visas for festivals and conferences, and multiple-entry permits for tourists arriving via cruise ships or pleasure boats.
Visiting a friend or relative
Under the new rules, foreigners visiting relatives or friends face income thresholds for their hosts.
A guarantor earning at least 4,000 dirhams a month may sponsor a first-degree relative, while second or third-degree relatives require a minimum income of 8,000 dirhams. Friends can only be sponsored if the host earns at least 15,000 dirhams per month.
Other updates include visas for foreign truck drivers, issued for single or multiple trips with shipping or transport companies as sponsors. Drivers must provide a financial guarantee, pay prescribed fees, and carry health insurance.
New categories also cover entry permits for artificial intelligence specialists, entertainment visas for temporary cultural activities, event visas for festivals and conferences, and multiple-entry permits for cruise and pleasure boat tourists.
Exploring business opportunities
The decision introduced a new condition for the business exploration visa.
Applicants must demonstrate financial solvency in line with the nature of the activity they intend to pursue, or show that they are already engaged in that activity through an existing establishment or company abroad, or through their professional practice.
Humanitarian cases
The decision set the duration of humanitarian case visas at one year. The head of the authority may extend, renew, or terminate such visas for foreigners from countries affected by wars, disasters, or disturbances, without requiring a guarantor or host, based on reports from the General Directorate of Identity and Foreign Affairs. The visa becomes void if the beneficiary leaves the UAE.
For sponsorship of relatives or a spouse’s relatives under humanitarian cases, the Director General may grant exemptions from financial solvency or kinship degree requirements, while maintaining existing technical and financial regulations.
Residence of a foreign widow or divorcee
Under humanitarian cases, the decision permits residence without a sponsor for a foreign widow or divorcee of a citizen. Residency may be granted within six months of death or divorce.
Without children: The widow or divorcee may obtain residency within six months.
With children: Residency may also be issued within six months if the woman is inside the country, was sponsored by her husband at the time of death or divorce, and is the custodian of the children. She may also act as guarantor for her children’s residency. In custody disputes, decisions will be made by the competent committee.
In all cases, financial solvency and suitable housing must be ensured, and residency may be extended for another similar period with valid justification.
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