UAE just made it easier for AI experts, entertainers, and tourists to get visas; all you need to know

The United Arab Emirates has announced sweeping changes to its entry visa regulations, creating new categories for specialists in artificial intelligence, entertainers, event participants and cruise ship tourists, while also easing residency rules for widows, divorcees and people in humanitarian cases.

The changes, announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, are the latest in a series of reforms designed to attract talent, boost tourism and strengthen the UAE’s position as a global business hub.

4 new visa categories:

Under the new rules, foreign experts in artificial intelligence can now apply for single or multiple-entry visas for a specific duration if sponsored by a recognised technology entity.

Visas for entertainment purposes will be granted to foreigners coming to the UAE temporarily, while the events visa will cover attendees of festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, and cultural, sports or economic activities, provided they are backed by a public or private sector host.

Tourists arriving on cruise ships or leisure boats will be eligible for multiple-entry permits, subject to sponsorship by a licensed tourism operator and confirmed stopovers in the country.

Humanitarian residence permit

The UAE also introduced a one-year renewable humanitarian residence permit. This will allow foreigners from conflict zones or countries hit by natural disasters to stay in the UAE without the need for a guarantor or host. However, the residency will become void if the beneficiary leaves the country.

Residence permit for widows, divorcees

The Authority also approved a residence permit for widows and divorcees, valid for one year and renewable for another year under specific conditions.

In cases where the deceased or divorced husband was Emirati, the foreign spouse can apply if she does so within six months. If the husband was a foreigner, the permit will only be granted to widows or divorcees who have custody of their children and were residing in the UAE at the time, subject to solvency and housing requirements.

Rules for relatives, friends

Residents will now be able to sponsor relatives and friends, but income thresholds have been introduced.

Expatriates earning at least 4,000 dirhams a month may sponsor immediate family members, while those earning 8,000 dirhams can bring second- and third-degree relatives. Sponsoring friends requires a minimum monthly income of 15,000 dirhams.

Business exploration visa

A new business exploration visa was also rolled out, requiring applicants to prove financial solvency, ownership of a share in a company outside the UAE, or active professional practice in the field of business they intend to establish.

Truck drivers

Meanwhile, truck drivers will now be eligible for single or multiple-entry visas, provided they are sponsored by freight or goods transportation companies, have health insurance, and meet financial guarantee requirements.