The UAE has introduced four new visit visa categories aimed at welcoming professionals, performers, event participants, and cruise travellers. These changes are part of the country’s bigger strategy to attract global talent, strengthen tourism, and support economic growth.
So what’s new — and how could these visas affect your travel plans, career opportunities, or even property choices in the UAE? Let’s break it down.
- What are the new UAE visit visas?
- Who can apply – and what do you need?
- What paperwork do you need for each visa?
- What other visa reforms should you know about?
- Why did the UAE introduce the visas?
- What this means for residents and investors
- How do the new visit visas work?
- How do the new visit visas compare with existing options?
- How do you avoid mistakes with the new visas?
- Why do these new visas matter for the UAE?
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
- Plan your move with Property Finder
What are the new UAE visit visas?
The four new visas have now specialised categories to welcome:
- AI Specialist Visa: for professionals in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
- Entertainment Visa: for performers, artists, and creative professionals.
- Event Visa: for conference speakers, participants, and organisers.
- Cruise/Leisure Visa: for tourists visiting via cruise ships or private yachts.
To give you a quick overview, here’s a summary of the new categories:
| Visa Category | Target Audience | Key Requirements | Entry Type | |
| 1 | Artificial Intelligence Specialist Visa | AI professionals, researchers, developers | Sponsorship letter from a licensed UAE tech firm | Single or multiple entry |
| 2 | Entertainment Visa | Performers, artists, creative professionals | Event organiser sponsorship | Temporary stay |
| 3 | Event Visa | Event organisers, speakers, participants | Letter from the hosting organisation | Temporary stay |
| 4 | Cruise/Leisure Visa | Cruise passengers, yacht tourists | Itinerary & operator sponsorship | Multiple entry |
Think of it this way: instead of using a general tourist visa for everything, you now have tailored options that match your purpose of visit.
Who can apply – and what do you need?
Each visa has its own requirements when it comes to the application process, so determining what you need depends on the visa you’re applying for.
1. AI Specialist Visa
Who it’s for: AI researchers, data scientists, ML engineers, and emerging-tech pros.
You’ll need: An invitation or sponsorship from a licensed UAE tech company tied to a specific project or collaboration.
Good to know: Available as single or multiple entry — great for short audits or repeat visits.
2. Entertainment Visa
Who it’s for: Performers, artists, production crews (concerts, festivals, shoots, theatre).
You’ll need: A sponsorship letter from a recognised UAE event/entertainment organiser with confirmed dates and venues.
Good to know: Ideal for temporary, time-bound engagements.
3. Event Visa
Who it’s for: Conference speakers, exhibitors, attendees, and event organisers.
You’ll need: An official invite/host letter stating the event name, dates, and venue.
Good to know: Valid for the duration of the event; simple, purpose-built entry.
4. Cruise & Leisure Visa
Who it’s for: Cruise passengers and yacht tourists stopping at UAE ports.
You’ll need: A valid itinerary and sponsorship from a licensed cruise/maritime operator.
Good to know: Often issued as a multiple-entry ticket, so you can hop on/off at different ports.
What paperwork do you need for each visa?
Each visa type has its own checklist. The good news? They’re straightforward — as long as you prepare in advance and keep everything in order.
| Visa type | Documents Required |
| AI Specialist Visa | – Sponsorship or invitation letter from a UAE-licensed technology company – Passport valid for at least six months – Detailed dates, project or engagement plan – Optional: CV or portfolio highlighting AI capabilities |
Entertainment Visa | – Sponsorship letter from a recognised entertainment organiser – Confirmed venues and dates; role and responsibilities – Passport valid for at least six months – Insurance documents and permits for equipment |
| Event Visa | – Host letter with event name, dates, and venue – Proof of participation (speaker, exhibitor, attendee) – Passport valid for at least six months – Accommodation details for the stay |
| Cruise Ship & Leisure Boat Visa | – Valid cruise or yacht itinerary covering UAE ports – Sponsorship from a licensed maritime or leisure operator – Passport valid for at least six months – Onward travel documents consistent with the itinerary |
Tip: Keep a digital copy of all these documents handy — most organisers will ask for uploads in advance, and it speeds up your application.
What other visa reforms should you know about?
Apart from the four new visa categories, the UAE introduced reforms to existing visas and permits:
- Business Exploration Visa – Thinking of applying for a Business Exploration Visa? You’ll now need proof of financial solvency – saying I am “intending to explore” is no longer enough.
- Family Sponsorship – Updated monthly income thresholds:
- AED 4,000 for first-degree relatives
- AED 8,000 for second- and third-degree relatives
- AED 15,000 for friends.
- Humanitarian Visas – Extended validity to one year, renewable for individuals from conflict-affected countries.
- Residency for Widows/Divorcees – Women can now stay in the UAE without a sponsor under defined conditions.
- Custody Cases will now be handled by designated committees aimed at making the process fair and more transparent.
Why did the UAE introduce the visas?
So why all these changes? The new visa categories aren’t just about paperwork — they’re about the UAE’s bigger vision to strengthen its economy and global reputation.
Reforms will support key sectors, including technology, entertainment, tourism, and events, while also enhancing the quality of life for residents and their families. Ultimately, these changes reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation, creativity, and business.
What this means for residents and investors
These reforms don’t just impact visitors; they shape the housing and rental demand:
AI specialists and tech experts often choose short-term rentals in hubs like Dubai Internet City and Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island. These visas aim to facilitate the movements of those with the most in-demand jobs in the UAE.
Performers and artists often stay in lifestyle-rich areas such as Dubai Marina and Downtown.
Event participants increase demand for hotel apartments and rentals near Expo City Dubai, the Dubai World Trade Centre, and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
Cruise travellers boost hospitality in waterfront communities, such as the Palm Jumeirah and Mina Zayed.
With Property Finder, expats and visitors can explore rental and ownership opportunities in these thriving neighbourhoods.
Explore: Dubai Marina homes, Downtown apartments, and Expo City properties on Property Finder.
How do the new visit visas work?
The best way to understand these visas is to picture real-life scenarios. Here’s how each one plays out:
AI specialist on a short project
A UAE-based tech company invites an AI researcher to audit a machine‑learning model.
Touring artist or crew
A DJ performs at the Dubai Festival, sponsored by the organiser.
Conference participant
A startup founder is invited to speak as a guest at a trade show in Abu Dhabi.
Cruise passenger with multiple Gulf stops
A tourist arrives by cruise ship, stops in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and reboards after excursions.
How do the new visit visas compare with existing options?
The UAE already offers multiple visa pathways, but the new categories fill particular gaps. The choice of route is based on the purpose of the visit, the length of stay, and whether a work permit or residency is required.
Learn about UAE Residency Visas here.
Tourist visa vs new visit visas
Tourist visas are for general leisure travel. The new visit visas, however, are sponsor-based and tied to specific activities like AI projects, events, performances, or cruises.
Jobseeker and exploration routes
It allows market research or employment searches, with stricter rules on financial solvency. They are not suitable if you are performing, speaking, or delivering a defined project — the new categories cover that.
Golden Visa and long‑term residency
Golden Visas provide long-term residency for investors, exceptional talent, and key professionals. Unlike the new visit visas, they are not temporary or sponsor-based. If your goal is a long-term residence or family relocation to the UAE, consider exploring Golden or other residency pathways instead.
Discover the various types of residency visas available here.
Freelance permits and work authorisation
Freelance permits and labour authorisations allow ongoing paid work. In contrast, the new visit visas are for short, structured engagements tied to an organiser or company sponsor.
How do you avoid mistakes with the new visas?
- Match documents to the exact purpose of travel. Make sure the details in your sponsor letter – like event name and dates – match the visa application.
- Check entry type. Select the multiple-entry option if you plan to leave and return during the engagement period.
- Keep copies ready. Save digital and printed versions of your sponsorship letters, itineraries, and accommodation details.
- Get health insurance that covers the whole stay. Some organisers require proof of cover.
- Check your permitted stay and renew or exit before it expires. Overstays can result in fines and negatively impact future applications.
- Confirm whether equipment, including cameras, instruments, and exhibition materials, needs a customs declaration.
Think of this as your travel checklist. A few small steps can save you a lot of trouble later.
Why do these new visas matter for the UAE?
The UAE’s new visit visas boost key sectors by making it easier to bring in talent and visitors. AI experts can fly in quickly for projects, performers and crews have a clear route for events, and the Event Visa strengthens the country’s role in global exhibitions. Meanwhile, the Cruise and Leisure Visa supports longer stopovers and higher tourism spend. Together, these visas reinforce the UAE as a hub for innovation, culture, and travel.
Key takeaways
The UAE’s introduction of four new visit visa categories marks a significant shift in its immigration strategy. From AI specialists to cruise ship tourists, these reforms are designed to boost the economy, attract talent, and promote tourism. Additional changes to family sponsorship, humanitarian visas, and residency rules reflect a broader push to enhance inclusivity and competitiveness. For expats, investors, and visitors alike, the new visa framework creates fresh opportunities to experience and engage with the UAE.
Disclaimer: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) publishes the official rules. Always verify the latest eligibility, fees and documentation requirements with ICP.
FAQs
Professionals working in artificial intelligence or related fields, provided they are invited or sponsored by a licensed UAE technology company.
Yes, if you are sponsored by the event organiser and your visit is for entertainment purposes.
Applicants must hold a valid itinerary and be sponsored by a licensed maritime or leisure operator.
Some categories, such as the AI Specialist Visa and the Cruise Ship Visa, offer multiple-entry options.
Visit the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) website or consult registered immigration advisors.
AED 4,000 for first-degree relatives, AED 8,000 for second- and third-degree relatives, AED 15,000 for friends.
Currently, they are designed for temporary stays, but long-term residency options may be available through other UAE visa pathways.
Plan your move with Property Finder
The UAE’s evolving visa framework is opening new opportunities for professionals, tourists, and investors. The latest visit visas are opening doors for professionals, creatives, event organisers, and tourists alike.
Whether you’re here for a short stay, a career project, or exploring long-term opportunities, finding the right home is essential.
With Property Finder, you can:
- Browse thousands of apartments and villas for rent or sale across the Emirates.
- Connect instantly with a SuperAgent for trusted, responsive guidance.
- Use DataGuru for personalised property insights.
- Plan your finances with the built-in Mortgage Calculator.
Start exploring your options today on Property Finder and make your UAE experience seamless from the very first step.
