ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced significant changes in its visa system and rules in outgoing year of 2025 besides launching several new categories for visit visas.
The changes in the visa rules and system aim at attract more visitors and investors as the rulers intend to turn the UAE into a global hub for tourism, living and investment.
In 2025, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security unveiled new four types of visit visa. It also overhauled the policies related to duration and eligibility criteria for several visas.
UAE New Visit Visa Categories in 2025
In 2025, the Gulf country launched four new categories of visit visas to enhance its appeal to international visitors. These categories are:
1. AI Specialist Visas: Available for both single and multiple entries, these visas are sponsored by registered organizations operating within the artificial intelligence sector.
2. Entertainment Visas: Designed for those involved in cultural, artistic, and tourism-related activities.
3. Event Visas: These cover attendance at conferences, exhibitions, festivals, and various sporting, religious, or academic events, with an invitation from an approved host required.
4. Maritime Tourism Visas: Offering multiple entries for cruise passengers and leisure boat travelers, this visa is supported by licensed sponsors and applies to approved travel routes.
Minimum Income for UAE Sponsor Visit Visa
The UAE has updated its regulations for visitors coming to see friends or family on visit visas. Under the new rules, sponsors must meet minimum income requirements depending on their relationship to the visitor.
Specifically, sponsors must earn at least Dh4,000 for first-degree relatives, Dh8,000 for second- and third-degree relatives, and Dh15,000 when sponsoring a friend.
