Big Visa Update: UAE Announces New Visas for Professionals and Tourists. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a major visa reform in September 2025, introducing new visa types for professionals, AI specialists, tourists, and humanitarian residents. The update reflects the UAE’s long-term goal to become a global hub for innovation, technology, tourism, and culture.
These changes were unveiled by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), marking one of the biggest visa overhauls in recent years.
Overview of the UAE’s New Visa Categories
The new update introduces four major visa types — designed to attract global talent, boost tourism, and support humanitarian causes.
| Visa Type | Description | Duration | Sponsor Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Specialists Visa | For professionals working in Artificial Intelligence and advanced technology fields. | Single or Multiple Entry | Letter from recognized tech entity |
| Entertainment Visa | For foreigners participating in entertainment projects, shows, or events. | Temporary | Required |
| Events Visa | For visitors attending exhibitions, festivals, or seminars. | Temporary | Host entity must submit event details |
| Tourism (Maritime) Visa | For tourists arriving on cruise ships or leisure boats. | Multiple Entry | Not Required |
These categories are designed to make the UAE more accessible for skilled professionals and global visitors.
AI Specialists Visa: Supporting the Future of Innovation
In line with its AI 2031 Vision, the UAE introduced a special visa for AI experts
- Available as single or multiple-entry permits.
- Applicants must provide a recommendation or letter from a recognized technology organization or government entity.
- Encourages AI engineers, researchers, and data scientists to work and innovate in the UAE.
This initiative supports the UAE’s mission to become a global leader in artificial intelligence and the digital economy.
Entertainment Visa: Boosting the Creative Industry
The UAE’s Entertainment Visa targets creative professionals, actors, musicians, and project participants involved in entertainment events or media productions.
- Short-term visa for foreign participants in entertainment projects.
- Ideal for film shoots, music concerts, and media campaigns.
- Strengthens the UAE’s position as a regional hub for film and entertainment industries.
Events Visa: For Exhibitions and Conferences
The Events Visa will simplify entry for people attending festivals, conferences, seminars, and exhibitions across the UAE.
Eligibility Requirements:
- The host company or organization must register the event with the ICP.
- Event details, location, and participant information must be submitted.
- Visitors can stay for the entire duration of the registered event.
This new rule will attract more international investors, business professionals, and researchers to attend global events held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Tourism Visa: Multiple-Entry Maritime Permits
The UAE has expanded its tourism visa to include maritime travelers — such as those arriving on cruise ships or leisure boats.
- Multiple-entry visa for cruise passengers.
- Encourages longer stays and repeat visits.
- No need for a local sponsor or guarantor.
- Strengthens UAE’s image as a world-class tourism destination.
This move supports Dubai’s goal of becoming a top global cruise tourism hub by 2030.
Humanitarian Residence Permits: A Landmark Decision
The UAE now offers one-year humanitarian residence permits for people fleeing wars or natural disaster
- Valid for 1 year, extendable based on ICP’s decision.
- No sponsor or guarantor required.
- Residency becomes void if the person leaves the UAE, except in approved humanitarian cases.
- Applicable to refugees, widows, orphans, and close relatives of Emirati citizens or residents.
This initiative reflects the UAE’s compassionate approach to global crises and its commitment to humanitarian assistance.
Support for Widows and Divorced Women
In a progressive move, the UAE now allows widows and divorced women to obtain one-year residency permits without sponsorship.
For Emirati Husbands:
- Residency can be issued within six months of death or divorce.
For Foreign Husbands:
- Residency is possible if the widow or divorcee has custody of children and was previously sponsored by the late husband.
Renewals will depend on:
- Financial solvency (proof of income).
- Adequate housing conditions.
- Valid reasons for continued stay.
This reform provides security and independence for women, ensuring they are not left without legal residency after divorce or widowhood.
New Rules for Family and Friends Sponsorship
The UAE has revised income thresholds for expatriates who wish to sponsor family members or friends.
| Relationship Type | Minimum Monthly Income (AED) |
|---|---|
| First-Degree Relatives (spouse, parents, children) | 4,000 |
| Second- or Third-Degree Relatives | 8,000 |
| Friends | 15,000 |
These changes ensure that sponsors have adequate financial stability to support their dependents.
In addition:
- Business Exploration Visas now require proof of financial solvency or ownership of an overseas company.
- Truck drivers can apply for new single or multiple-entry visas, sponsored by licensed transport or freight companies with financial guarantees and valid health insurance.
Why These Visa Reforms Matter
The UAE’s 2025 visa reform plan reflects its strategic vision for a diversified, sustainable economy.
Benefits for the Country:
- Attracts highly skilled professionals in AI, technology, and research.
- Expands tourism and hospitality sectors.
- Promotes humanitarian inclusion and social welfare.
- Simplifies visa procedures and strengthens labor mobility.
Benefits for Individuals:
- Easier access to multiple visa categories.
- Greater residency security for families, widows, and humanitarian cases.
- Enhanced career and business opportunities for global talent.
Quick Summary of UAE 2025 Visa Reforms
| Reform Area | Description |
|---|---|
| AI & Tech Talent | New visa category for AI professionals |
| Tourism Expansion | Multiple-entry maritime visas for cruise tourists |
| Humanitarian Permits | 1-year residence for war or disaster victims |
| Women’s Rights | 1-year visa for widows and divorced women |
| Family Sponsorship | New income thresholds introduced |
| Business & Transport | New rules for truck drivers and business explorers |
Conclusion
The UAE’s new visa system marks a historic step toward inclusivity, innovation, and global competitiveness. With new opportunities for AI professionals, tourists, entertainers, and humanitarian cases, the country continues to strengthen its global image as a forward-thinking, people-friendly nation.
Whether you’re a tech expert, business traveler, or family sponsor, these updates make living and working in the UAE simpler, fairer, and more transparent.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the AI Specialist Visa in the UAE?
AI professionals, data scientists, and tech researchers endorsed by a recognized technology entity or company can apply.
2. Is the humanitarian residence visa free?
It may include minor processing fees, but it does not require a sponsor or guarantor.
3. Can widows and divorced women renew their UAE residency?
Yes, they can renew based on financial solvency and valid living conditions.
4. What is the minimum salary to sponsor friends in the UAE?
You must earn at least AED 15,000 per month to sponsor friends.
5. How long are the new visas valid for?
Most new visas, like entertainment and events visas, are temporary, while humanitarian residence is valid for 1 year and renewable.
