The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled four new visit visa categories designed to attract professionals and specialists in key sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), entertainment, events, and tourism. This initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering openness to the world and encouraging talented individuals, experts, and entrepreneurs to contribute to its growing economy.
New Visa Categories Address Specific Needs
The newly introduced visa categories are tailored to meet the requirements of four important industries:
- AI Specialist Visa: This visa, available as a single or multiple entry permit for a specified period, requires applicants to submit a letter from a sponsoring or hosting entity, such as a facility specialising in technology.
- Entertainment Visa: Aimed at foreign visitors coming for temporary entertainment purposes, this visa offers opportunities for performers and professionals in this dynamic sector.
- Events Visa: Designed for foreigners attending festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, and various cultural, economic, sports, religious, or community events. The visa requires sponsorship or hosting by a public or private sector entity, along with a letter detailing the event’s duration and purpose.
- Tourism Visa: Geared towards tourists arriving via cruise ships and leisure boats. Applicants must provide evidence of an itinerary that includes stops within the UAE and confirm sponsorship by a licensed tourism facility.
Each visa type comes with clearly defined durations of stay and conditions for possible extensions, ensuring streamlined processes for visitors.
Additional Updates to Visa Regulations
In addition to these new categories, the UAE has introduced amendments to its visa and residence permit regulations. For instance, foreign widows or divorcees can now obtain a residence permit for one year, with the option to renew for a similar period, provided that they meet specific conditions.
Other updates include a visit visa for friends or relatives, which allows sponsorship for individuals up to the third degree of relation, based on the sponsor’s income. A business exploration visa has also been introduced, requiring applicants to demonstrate financial solvency, ownership of shares in an existing company outside the UAE, or proof of professional practice. Meanwhile, truck drivers seeking visas must meet health and financial guarantees and secure sponsorship.
Humanitarian Considerations
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security has also been authorised to issue visas to foreigners from countries facing wars, disasters, or unrest, without requiring a guarantor or host. These humanitarian residence permits are valid for one year and can be extended under specific conditions determined by the authority.
Outlook on the UAE’s Strategy
These new regulations underline the UAE’s forward-looking approach to attract global talent and foster innovation in emerging fields such as AI, while simultaneously supporting its vibrant entertainment and tourism sectors. By offering flexible and targeted visa solutions, the UAE is positioning itself as a hub for professionals, innovators, and tourists alike.
