The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced four new visit visa categories aimed at attracting specialists in artificial intelligence, entertainment, events, and tourism through cruise ships and leisure boats. The new regulations are designed to reinforce the UAE’s approach of openness to the world and its efforts to attract talent, expertise, and entrepreneurs in the fields of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, as well as entertainment and tourism.
The four new visa categories are:
• AI Specialist Visa: A single or multiple entry permit granted for a specific period, conditional on submitting a letter from a sponsoring or hosting entity such as a facility specialised in the technology field.
• Entertainment Visa: Granted to foreigners coming for a temporary period for entertainment purposes.
• Events Visa: Issued to foreigners attending festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, or economic, cultural, sports, religious, community, educational activities, or similar events for a temporary period. This category requires that the sponsor or host be an entity from the public or private sector, and a letter from the hosting entity must be submitted, including details of the event and its duration.
• Tourism Visa: Allows foreigners to obtain a multiple-entry visa for tourism purposes through cruise ships and leisure boats for a temporary period, provided that the schedule includes stops in the UAE and that the sponsor or host is a facility licensed for this type of activity.
The regulations also include clear schedules that specify the authorised duration of stay for each visa type and outline the applicable conditions for extension. Among other amendments, a residence permit for a foreign widow or divorcee is granted for one year, with the possibility of renewal for a similar period, subject to defined conditions. Additionally, a visit visa for a friend or relative allows the sponsorship of a friend or relative up to the third degree, based on the sponsor’s income. The business exploration visa requires financial solvency to establish a company, ownership of a share in an existing company outside the country, or proven professional practice, while the truck driver visa requires the presence of a sponsor as well as health and financial guarantees.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security also has the authority to issue a decision to continue granting visas to foreigners whose countries are suffering from wars, disasters, or unrest, without the need for a guarantor or host. A humanitarian residence permit will be issued for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension by decision of the authority, in accordance with specific conditions.
