UAE introduces four new visit visa types in 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has shown that it has a visionary outlook. These visa types will focus on international talent, investors, event participants, and leisure tourists, which is a radical step to realign the immigration system of the country with its technology, entertainment, and tourism goals.
Starting with AI experts and visitors to the event and moving to entertainment professionals and even cruise tourists, the new regulations provide individual channels of short-term visits without losing the idea that the entry into the UAE should be simplified, clear, and intentional.
Date of implementation: According to the Federal Authority of Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) of the UAE, these new visa types were officially announced and took effect on 29 September 2025.
In the last ten years, the nation has rebranded itself as a financial, technological, tourist and event capital in the world. As Expo 2020 and COP28 demonstrated their ability to host mega-events, and the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai are investing strongly in AI, gaming and cruise tourism, the immigration policies had to be upgraded accordingly.
Why the UAE Introduced New Visit Visa Categories
- Specialization versus generalization- As an alternative to grouping visitors in general tourist or business visas, the UAE is customizing the visa types to particular purposes.
- Bringing in talent on the global level – Nowadays AI experts, esports experts, and creative industry players have been listed among the priority visitors.
- Diversification in tourism- This is in addition to aviation-led tourism, the UAE is also establishing maritime, luxury cruises and mini leisure holidays through ports.
The UAE provides purpose-specific visa types that make sure that the professional, cultural or recreational goals of the visitor are aligned to the appropriate legal framework. Such a strategy will bring administrative difficulties down, simplify the entry procedures and will make the country more attractive to foreign talent and high-value tourists.
Four New Visit Visa Categories
- AI Professionals Visa
Artificial intelligence has become a national priority in the UAE as seen in its approaches to AI matters like the National Strategy of AI 2031. In this connection, the new AI Professionals Visa provides short-term residency of specialists engaged in working on AI projects, research projects, or technology conferences.
- Who can apply?
AI scholars, innovators, advisors, or specialists invited by UAE-based technology companies, or educational centers.
- Duration : 60 or 90 days with an option of 120 or 180 days.
- Requirements: The invitation or sponsorship letter must be issued by a licensed organization in the UAE in the AI/tech industry.
- Events Visa
UAE has become one of the busiest event destinations on the globe – Formula 1Abu Dhabi Grand Prize, Dubai Shopping Festival, cultural expos, concerts, international conferences.
The Events Visa caters to short-term visitors attending or participating in such gatherings.
- Who can apply?
Participants, presenters, entertainers, traders, or representatives of registered cultural, business, sports or educational events.
- Duration: 30 or 60 days, which can be prolonged to 120 or 180 days.
- Requirements: The sponsorship or invitation letter should be provided by the organization or host of the event.
- Entertainment and Commercial Gaming Visa.
As Dubai and Abu Dhabi take steps in the direction of esports, gaming and immersive entertainment, the visa is intended to render assistance in enhancing professionals in the creative and gaming sectors.
- Who can apply?
People involved in esports tournaments, commercial gaming or entertainment projects.
- Duration: 30 days, which can be extended to 30 days more.
- Requirements: Sponsor or host has to be a licensed entity in the gaming or entertainment industry of the UAE.
International gaming events such as Gamers8 esports festival, and interactive gaming conventions have already taken place in Dubai. The new visa will guarantee that international gamers, streamers and creators of entertainment content can engage in the country lawfully, enhancing the reputation of the UAE in the creative sectors and online entertainment.
- Cruise as well as Leisure Boat Tourist Visa.
Maritime tourism is on the rise, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah welcoming a growing number of international cruise liners. The new Cruise Tourist Visa makes port entries hassle-free for passengers.
- Who can apply?
Tourists arriving via international cruise ships or leisure boats.
- Duration: Multiple-entry visa with the validity of 30 days, which can be prolonged once more with the validity of 30 days.
- Requirements: Itinerary evidence and sponsorship of a licensed cruise or tour operator.
This action makes the UAE a luxury cruise destination. Tourists will be able to visit the most iconic ports, such as Dubai Marina and Yas Island, without a traditional tourist visa that requires a flight, which will provide convenience and accessibility as well as a fresh experience of the country.
Main advantages of the New Visit Visa
- Economic boost in AI, events, gaming and cruise tourism are all high-value industries capable of high growth.
- Availability of extensions – Most of the visas permit extensions of up to 180 days giving the visitor flexibility to engage in more activities.
- Global positioning – UAE strengthens its reputation of a destination that is progressive, open, and rich in opportunities.
- International cooperation Support – International researchers, gamers, as well as creative professionals can legally be involved in projects in the UAE, which improves innovation and cultural exchange.
- Clarity of purpose – Visitors no longer need to rely on generic visas. Each category is aligned with the visitor’s intent.
Additional Visa Reforms You should to know.
In addition to these new categories, there were other significant changes to the UAE:
- Business Exploration Visa –Tougher financial solvency tests have been enforced on investors and entrepreneurs.
- Visit Visa to Relatives and Friends- Hosts will now be required to pass minimum income requirements based on their relation to the visitor.
- Widow and Divorcee Residency Permits – New humanitarian clauses make the renewal of residency of vulnerable groups much easier.
- Humanitarian Residency Permits – Way to allow people displaced by crises to live in the UAE by special exemption of sponsorship.
These, together with the new visit visas, introduce a more coordinated, flexible, and competitive global immigration ecosystem.
What This Means for Visitors and Residents
To AI specialists, such reforms open doors to short term innovation projects in the UAE without enforceable employment agreements. To entertainers and gamers, they generate legal acknowledgements to an industry that has been under-served. As an organizer of an event, now you can harmonize visas with the international representatives. And to the tourists, travelling with a cruise liner has become as easy as travelling by air.
Those residents bringing friends or relatives might have to revise the new financial conditions on granting sponsorship. Businesses and startups gain since global talent is able to visit without a tedious visa policy and work on UAE projects.
Conclusion
The fact that the UAE has proposed new types of visit visas to AI specialists, event participants, entertainment professionals, and cruise tourists is indicative of its eagerness to be innovative, develop tourism, and cooperate with other countries globally. Introduced on 29 September 2025, this group of visas will simplify the process of visiting the UAE so that visitors can explore the vibrant economy, culture, and lifestyle of the country. You can be a professional who wants to have a glimpse of what AI can bring to the table, an event attendee, a gamer, or a vacationer, the new framework makes it easier to get into the country in a more intentional and efficient way.
Looking to apply for one of the UAE’s new visit visas? Connect with our experts at E-Startup for step-by-step guidance on eligibility, documentation, and application support to make your journey seamless.
References
FAQs
1. When did the new visas start?
They took effect on 29 September 2025.
2. What are the four new visa types?
AI Professionals, Events, Entertainment & Gaming, and Cruise Tourist visas.
3. How long are they valid?
30 to 90 days, extendable up to 180 days (varies by category).
4. Do I need a sponsor?
Yes, from a licensed UAE company, event host, or cruise operator.
5. How are they different from tourist visas?
They are purpose-specific, designed for talent, events, and cruise travel.
