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UAE Unveils 4 Game Changing Visit Visas.

 By   Peninah Mbula  | The Common Pulse/latest news/UAE/US/Iran/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / September 2025.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced significant updates to its visa and entry permit system, aiming to attract global talent, boost tourism, and streamline the immigration process. These changes, announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), include four new visit visa categories and revised entry permit requirements. Here's a comprehensive guide to what's new and how it impacts travelers and residents.

 
1. AI Specialist Visa: Attracting Global Tech Talent

The UAE is positioning itself as a hub for innovation by introducing a visit visa specifically for artificial intelligence (AI) specialists. This visa is available for both single and multiple entries and is valid for a specified period. Applicants must provide a letter from a sponsoring or hosting entity, such as a technology-focused company or institution, to qualify for this visa .

 2. Entertainment Visa: Enhancing Cultural Exchange

To bolster its cultural scene, the UAE has launched an entertainment visa. This visa allows foreigners to enter the country temporarily for entertainment-related activities, such as performances, film productions, or cultural events. It underscores the UAE's commitment to becoming a global destination for arts and culture .

 
3. Event Visa: Facilitating Global Conferences and Festivals

The UAE is expanding its role as a global events hub with the introduction of the event visa. This visa permits foreigners to attend various events, including festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, and other cultural, economic, or educational activities. A letter from the hosting organization detailing the event and its duration is required for this visa.

 4. Cruise Ship & Leisure Boat Visa: Promoting Maritime Tourism

To attract maritime tourists, the UAE has introduced a multiple-entry visa for travelers arriving via cruise ships and leisure boats. This visa is valid for a temporary period and requires a tourist itinerary for entering the country. The guarantor or host must be a licensed establishment for this type of activity .

 Entry Permit Update: Passport Cover Page Now Mandatory

In a bid to enhance security and streamline the visa application process, the UAE has made it mandatory for all visa applicants to submit a copy of the outer cover page of their passport. This new requirement applies to all visa types and aims to improve the processing and verification of visa applications .

 Business Exploration Visa: New Financial Criteria

The UAE has updated its business exploration visa to include a financial solvency requirement. Applicants wishing to explore business establishment opportunities must now demonstrate financial solvency according to the nature of the activity they intend to pursue. Alternatively, they should already be practicing that activity through an existing establishment or company outside the country 

 Family & Humanitarian Visas: New Sponsorship Rules

The UAE has introduced new rules for sponsoring family members and humanitarian cases. To sponsor a first-degree relative, the host must earn at least 4,000 dirhams per month. Sponsoring second or third-degree relatives requires a minimum income of 8,000 dirhams, while sponsoring friends necessitates an income of at least 15,000 dirhams per month .

 GCC Unified Tourist Visa: A Regional Milestone

In addition to the national visa updates, the UAE, along with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, is set to launch a unified tourist visa in the fourth quarter of 2025. This Schengen-style visa will allow travelers to move freely across all six member states UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait using a single permit. The initiative aims to boost regional tourism and economic integration.

  Embracing a New Era of Travel and Opportunity

The UAE's latest visa reforms reflect its commitment to becoming a global leader in technology, culture, and tourism. By introducing specialized visa categories and updating entry permit requirements, the country is not only attracting international talent and visitors but also enhancing the overall travel experience. These changes are poised to make the UAE an even more attractive destination for professionals, entrepreneurs, and tourists alike.

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