DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced significant changes to its visa and residency regulations, unveiling several new categories aimed at attracting global talent, business professionals, and tourists.
The reforms align with the country’s strategy to strengthen its role in technology, artificial intelligence (AI), entertainment, and tourism.
UAE authorities have introduced four new types of visit visas, each with clear stay durations and extension conditions. The first is the AI Specialists Visa, which may be issued for single or multiple entries.
Applicants are required to provide sponsorship or an invitation letter from a recognized technology institution in the UAE. The second is the Leisure Visit Visa, intended for foreign visitors who wish to arrive temporarily for entertainment or leisure purposes. The third is the Event Visit Visa, designed for those attending festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, or other cultural, sporting, religious, or educational events.
This category requires sponsorship from a government or private institution, along with official event details. The fourth is the Tourism Visit Visa, which applies to passengers arriving on cruise ships or luxury yachts. It allows multiple entries and requires sponsorship from a licensed tourism operator.
The government has also introduced new residency permits. A humanitarian residency will be granted for one year to citizens of countries affected by wars, disasters, or unrest. This permit does not require a sponsor or host, but it becomes void if the holder leaves the UAE. Another provision is the residency for widows and divorced women. They will be eligible for a one-year renewable residency.
Widows or divorced women of Emirati nationals without children can apply within six months, while foreign widows or divorcees with dependent children may also qualify, provided they have adequate financial resources and suitable accommodation.
Changes have also been made regarding the sponsorship of relatives and friends. Residents can now sponsor their family members and friends if they meet the required income thresholds.
A minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 is necessary for sponsoring close family members. Sponsorship of second or third-degree relatives requires a monthly salary of AED 8,000, while sponsoring friends requires an income of at least AED 15,000 per month.
Other visa categories have also been introduced. The Business Exploration Visa is available for applicants who can demonstrate financial capability or existing business activity either in their home country or in the UAE.
In addition, a Truck Drivers Visa has been launched. This visa may be issued for single or multiple entries and requires sponsorship by a freight or transport company. Applicants must also provide financial guarantees and health insurance.
