The UAE introduces 4 new visas for short-term trips

The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has announced the launch of four new categories of short-term Visit Visas: for artificial intelligence specialists, for leisure and entertainment trips, for event guests, and for those arriving on cruise ships and pleasure yachts. In parallel, certain entry and residence permits have been updated — including humanitarian residency and the visa for widowed or divorced foreign women.

ICP has also clarified the minimum income requirements for residents wishing to invite relatives or friends into the country, and added a financial-solvency provision for the "exploring business opportunities" visa.

Breakdown of the new visa categories

For artificial intelligence specialists

A short-term single- or multiple-entry permit. A supporting request (letter) from the host or sponsoring organisation is mandatory.

For leisure and entertainment trips

A short-term visa for foreigners visiting the UAE for leisure and entertainment purposes.

For those arriving by cruise ship and yacht

Issued for a limited period for those entering the UAE as part of a cruise itinerary or a pleasure-craft trip. Condition: the UAE must be a scheduled stop, and the sponsor/host must be licensed for this type of visit.

For visitors attending events in the UAE

Suitable for a short-term visit to festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, and other economic, cultural, sporting, religious, social, or educational events. A supporting letter from the host party (government or private) is required, with event details and tickets.

Updated permits and conditions

Humanitarian residency

According to Khaleej Times, the residency document is issued for 1 year with the possibility of renewal at ICP's discretion. The Authority is entitled to grant such permits to citizens of countries affected by war, unrest, or natural disasters, without requiring a guarantor/host. The residency is cancelled if the holder leaves the UAE and may be renewed or revoked based on reports from the competent authorities, including the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs.

For citizens and foreigners arranging entry for relatives/spouse's relatives under this category, the Director General of Identity and Foreigners Affairs may, where necessary, waive the financial-solvency and/or degree-of-kinship requirements, subject to compliance with applicable technical and financial regulations.

Visa for widowed/divorced foreign women

Residency is granted for up to 1 year with the possibility of renewal.

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• If the spouse was a UAE national: for women without children, the application must be submitted within 6 months of the date of death/divorce.
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• If the spouse is a foreign national: residency may be granted to a widow/divorcee who has custody of the children, provided that: (a) the sponsor during the marriage was the spouse, (b) the applicant was in the UAE at the time of the event, and (c) when arranging residency for the children, the woman acts as legal guardian. In custody disputes, the decision rests with the competent committee.
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Inviting relatives and friends (for UAE residents)

A minimum sponsor income rule applies:

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• immediate relatives — from AED 4,000 per month;
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• 2nd–3rd degree relatives — from AED 8,000 per month;
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• friends — from AED 15,000 per month.
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"Exploring business opportunities" visa

The applicant must confirm financial solvency commensurate with the planned activity, or involvement in relevant business processes through a company registered in the UAE, or professional conduct of such activity.

Changes to visas for truck drivers

Single and multiple entries are possible. Requirements: a reliable host party (freight carrier/logistics company), compliance with financial conditions and payment of fees, and valid health insurance for the applicant.

Visa parameters and document lists may be changed by ICP without prior notice. Check current requirements on the official UAE government portal and with the host party before applying.