Abu Dhabi / UAE — On September 29, 2025, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced a landmark update to its visa regime, unveiling four new visit visa categories aimed at attracting global professionals, tourists, and creators to the UAE.
New Visa Types & Key Features
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AI Specialists Visa
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Granted to foreign nationals specializing in artificial intelligence.
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Can be issued for single or multiple entries, for a specified period.
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Requires a letter from a sponsoring technology company or host in the UAE.
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Entertainment Visa
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For foreigners visiting temporarily for entertainment purposes (shows, concerts, festivals, etc.).
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Meant to promote the UAE’s cultural and entertainment sector.
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Event Visa
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Intended for attendees of exhibitions, conferences, seminars, cultural or economic events.
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A host/sponsor (public or private entity) must provide documentation of the event and duration.
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Maritime / Cruise & Leisure Boats Visa
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Allows multiple entries for tourists arriving by cruise ships or leisure vessels.
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Requires a tourist itinerary and a licensed host or establishment in the UAE.
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Updates to Existing Visa / Residency Rules
Alongside new visit visa types, ICP also introduced reforms to existing visa and residency categories:
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Humanitarian Residency Permit: Now available without needing a sponsor for people from war-torn or disaster-affected countries.
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Widows & Divorced Women Residency: Foreign widows or divorced women may obtain renewed residency if certain conditions are met, even without a sponsor.
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Visit Visas for Relatives & Friends:
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For first-degree relatives: guarantor/host must earn at least AED 4,000/month.
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For second/third degree: host must earn at least AED 8,000/month.
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To sponsor a friend: host’s minimum monthly income requirement is AED 15,000.
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Business Exploration Visas: Applicants must show proof of solvency tied to the intended business activity or evidence of professional practice via existing foreign companies.
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Truck Driver Visas: Now permit single or multiple entries sponsored by a licensed transport company. Requirements include health insurance and financial guarantees.
Why It Matters
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These new visa categories are designed to position the UAE as a global hub for tech, entertainment, and events, attracting specialized talent and boosting tourism.
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They also reflect a more flexible, responsive immigration framework, especially for humanitarian cases and underrepresented groups.
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For businesses and event organizers, the new Event Visa and Entertainment Visa lower barriers to bringing in international guests, artists, and audiences.