UAE Unveils New Visa Categories

Four New Visitor Visa Categories and Key Amendments in Entry Permit Regulation

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made decisions once again highlighting its openness to the world, specifically supporting the development of technology, tourism, and creative industries. The latest announcements regarding entry permits and residency visas include four new visitor visa categories as well as several significant modifications and additions that could have long-term impacts on the region's economic and social structure.

Four New Visitor Visa Categories

The innovations announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) aim to make the UAE an even more attractive destination for the world's professionals, entrepreneurs, and tourists. The four new visa categories target specific areas and clearly reflect the country's strategic directions.

1. Visa for Artificial Intelligence Experts

This category is specifically designed for foreign professionals working in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The visa can be for a single or multiple entries and is valid for a defined period. It is especially important that it can only be issued if an official hosting or sponsoring organization—such as a technology facility—confirms the applicant's invitation and participation in the local innovation ecosystem.

2. Visa for Entertainment Purposes

This visa type is available for those traveling temporarily to the country for entertainment purposes. Such visits may include performances, event appearances, or any other travel for cultural events. The UAE aims with this to involve international artists and performers more deeply in the local cultural life.

3. Event Visa

This was created specifically for those traveling to the UAE for a particular event—such as a festival, exhibition, conference, sports event, or religious, educational activity. In this case, the hosting organization, whether governmental or private sector, is required to provide an official invitation letter, which includes the type and duration of the event. This step is aimed at deepening business and scientific relations in addition to boosting tourism.

4. Visa Related to Marine Tourism

Foreigners who wish to visit the UAE through a cruise or other maritime tourism activity can now apply for a multiple-entry visa. The requirement is that the itinerary includes a UAE stop, and the hosting entity must have official permission to organize such activities. This amendment opens new opportunities for marine tourism, a sector already gaining strength in the region.

Humanitarian Residence Permit

The ICP has also introduced a special, one-year renewable residence permit. This permit is for foreigners coming from countries affected by war, natural disasters, or internal conflicts, and does not require a sponsor or host. With this step, the UAE sends a clear signal regarding its humanitarian commitment.

Moreover, locals or foreigners wishing to bring family members to the country on humanitarian grounds—such as a spouse's relatives—may be exempt from certain financial or kinship requirements if approved by the relevant authority.

Further Visa Changes

In addition to the above, the ICP has modified the rules for several other visa categories:

Widows and divorced women can obtain a one-year residency permit, which can also be extended.

There is an opportunity for inviting friends and third-degree relatives with a visitor visa if the sponsor has sufficient income.

For a business scouting visa, financial capability must be proven, for example, ownership of an existing business share abroad or active business activities.

Truck drivers' visas require the presence of a sponsor and health and financial guarantees.

More Transparent Regulations and Extendability

The purpose of these modifications is also to create clearer frameworks concerning the stay durations and extension conditions linked to individual visa types. The new regulatory system will clearly define the validity period of a specific visa, the conditions under which it can be extended, and the type of documentation required.

Closing Thoughts

The UAE's latest visa reform once again proves that the country is proactively adapting to global challenges and opportunities. The technological, tourism, and humanitarian openness demonstrate both pragmatic and human-centered approaches. The new visa categories can not only contribute to economic growth but also to strengthening social diversity and international cooperation.

For those wishing to be present in the region for short or long term—for work, event participation, or family visits—these new opportunities offer significant benefits. The flexibility and targeting of the regulations align well with the UAE's modernization strategy, centered around a knowledge-based economy and global integration.

(Source of the article: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) statement.)