The United Arab Emirates has introduced four new visit visa categories and revised several existing visa regulations reflecting its ongoing commitment to openness, innovation, and economic growth. The Emirates News Agency (WAM) published an article according to which, the announcement of this decision by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) on 29^th September 2025 highlighted the UAE’s efforts to attract global talent, investors, and entrepreneurs.^[1] Since the detailed announcement has been released, the implementation of these new visa categories is expected to follow soon.

Stepping Towards a Future-Ready Visa System

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the ICP, stated that the new categories and revised conditions are the result of comprehensive studies on residency and foreign affairs trends at both local and international levels.

The changes were also guided by public feedback gathered through the ICP’s Customer Councils, call centre, inquiry and complaint platform, and the Government Services Observatory – Customer Pulse. These updates support the Authority’s broader vision of enhancing community security, encouraging economic diversification, and improving overall service quality^.[2]

These reforms aim to make the UAE more inclusive by considering both economic and humanitarian factors. They are designed to improve quality of life, enhance mobility, and support sectors such as technology, transport, and trade, while reinforcing the UAE’s global competitiveness.

Four New Visit Visa Categories

The decision introduces four specialized visa types that cater to professionals and visitors with specific purposes:

1. AI Specialist Visa – For experts working in artificial intelligence or advanced technologies. Applicants for this visa must present a sponsorship letter from a technology-focused company or institution in the UAE.
2. Entertainment Visa – For foreign nationals visiting the UAE for short-term leisure or entertainment activities.
3. Events Visa – For individuals attending festivals, conferences, exhibitions, seminars, or cultural and sporting events. A recognized entity and a formal event invitation are required for this visa.
4. Cruise and Leisure Tourism Visa – A multiple-entry permit for tourists arriving on cruise ships or leisure boats, issued through a licensed tourism company along with a verified itinerary.

The ICP’s press release notes that these categories were developed after extensive study and consultation. Detailed documentation and application procedures will be available on the official portal of the ICP.

Existing Visa updates

The has also been changes such as updating eligibility and income requirements for certain visa types.

• Truck Drivers’ Visa: The UAE has now made it easier for foreign truck drivers to enter the country legally for work-related trips. They can apply for single or multiple trips through licensed shipping and transport companies, provided they meet health insurance and financial guarantee conditions.
• Friends and Relatives Visa:  The new visa rules also make visiting loved ones in the UAE structured and clear.
  • To sponsor first-degree relatives (like parents, children, or siblings), the UAE resident must earn at least AED 4,000 per month.
  • For second- or third-degree relatives (such as grandparents, cousins, or in-laws), the income threshold rises to AED 8,000 per month.
  • To invite a friend, the sponsor must have a minimum monthly income of AED 15,000.
• Business Exploration Visa: Applicants exploring new ventures must prove financial solvency meaning they have the funds to start or invest in a business or show that they already own or manage a company abroad. This is to ensure genuine entrepreneurial intent.
• Humanitarian visa: The UAE has introduced new humanitarian visa rules to support people affected by wars, disasters, or unrest. Eligible foreign nationals can get a one-year humanitarian residence permit without a sponsor. However, the permit becomes invalid if the holder leaves the UAE.

• For widows and divorcees, the law allows them to stay in the UAE without a sponsor.
  • If the husband was a UAE citizen, the wife can apply for residence.
  • If the husband was a foreign resident, the widow or divorcee with child custody can also apply.

Financial stability and proper housing are required then the visa can be extended for valid reasons.

Continuous Evolution of the UAE’s Visa Landscape

These changes build upon a series of major reforms introduced in recent years.

The Five-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa now allows visitors to stay up to 90 days per visit, extendable for another 90 days. This is convenient for those travelling multiple times in and out of UAE. Standard tourist and visit visas have been lengthened to 60 or 90 days, replacing the earlier 30-day option.The earlier 10-day grace period for overstays has been replaced by an AED 50 daily fine.

The UAE has also launched several long-term residency initiatives:

• The Blue Visa, offering 10-year residency to environmental and sustainability specialists.
• Expansion of the Golden Visa, covering teachers, nurses, creators, gamers, and other skilled professionals.
• The Green Visa, a five-year self-sponsored residency for freelancers and entrepreneurs.
• The Job-Seeker Visa, allowing qualified graduates to remain in the UAE for 60 to 120 days to find employment without a sponsor.
• Visa-on-arrival access for Indian nationals who have valid visas or residence permits from six partner countries that are Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, or Singapore expanding on the existing rule that covers holders of valid visas or residence permits from the US, UK, or EU.

Together, these programs show how the UAE’s visa system continues to evolve by balancing flexibility, opportunity, and regulatory clarity.

How to Apply, Track, and Get Support

 For real-time assistance, the AI-driven “Salama” virtual assistant guides users through applications, extensions, renewals and general inquiries having all information online making visa management faster and more accessible for residents and visitors. It can answer all questions about visa validity, grace periods, and documentation requirements.^[3]

For federal services, applicants should visit the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP portal). Through this site, users can:^[4]

• Review visa categories, eligibility, and requirements.
• Apply directly for entry, visit, or residency permits.
• Pay fees and submit documents securely online.
• Check application status using the reference number.

Applicants can also access similar services via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai). The portal also allows users to renew or extend visas, verify sponsorship details, and track approvals.^[5]

Applicants are encouraged to rely solely on these official government websites to avoid misinformation or fraud.

A Digital, Inclusive Future

By combining new visa categories, humanitarian options, and smarter online systems, the UAE continues to demonstrate its forward-looking vision. The four newly announced visa types are expected to be implemented soon, while other reforms are already improving how professionals, investors, and families live and work in the Emirates. With every new update, the UAE further strengthens its position as one of the world’s most open, future-ready destinations for business and opportunity.

[1] wam.ae– ICP announces new amendments, additions to entry visa regulations

[2] icp.gov.ae– Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security” Adds Four New Visit Visa Categories and Updates Conditions and Durations of Existing Visas

[3] ai.gdrfad.gov.ae

[4] icp.gov.ae

[5] gdrfad.gov.ae

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