Executive Summary

Effective August 10, 2025, the UAE will introduce several new visa categories—covering AI professionals, event attendees, and commercial gaming—and update rules for select existing visas, including those related to business opportunity exploration and humanitarian-based cases.

New Visa Categories

1) AI Professionals Visa

• Type: Single- or multiple-entry visit visa.
• Stay: 60 or 90 days, with possible extensions up to 120 or 180 days, respectively.
• Key requirement: Invitation letter from a UAE-based host entity operating in the technology sector.

2) Entertainment Visa (Commercial Gaming)

• Type: Visit visa for individuals engaging in commercial gaming activities with a UAE-licensed host entity.
• Stay: 30 days with a single renewal of 30 days.
• Entries: Not specified yet.
• Notes: “Commercial gaming” is understood to refer to video-gaming activities. Invitation letter requirements remain to be clarified.

3) Events Visa

• Use cases: Economic, cultural, sports, religious, community, or educational events in the UAE.
• Documentation: Letter from a host entity detailing the event and intended stay.
• Stay: 30 or 60 days, with possible extensions up to 120 or 180 days.
• Entries: Not specified; unclear whether the host must be the event organizer.

4) Tourist Visa for Cruise Ships & Leisure Boats

• Type: 30-day multiple-entry visit visa for tourists arriving via cruise ships or leisure boats.
• Extension: Possible additional 30 days.
• Requirements: Travel itinerary; host must be a licensed establishment authorized for such tourism activities.

Amended Visa Conditions (Effective August 10, 2025)

1) Visa for Exploring Business/Investment Opportunities

• Change: Applicants can no longer satisfy the financial solvency requirement by showing talent, ability, or advanced qualifications.
• New rule: Must provide evidence of financial solvency aligned to the intended business activities.

2) Entry Visa to Visit a Friend or Relative

For visiting a foreign national resident in the UAE, issuance will depend on degree of kinship and sponsor’s monthly income as follows:

3) Humanitarian Considerations: Foreign Widows or Divorcees of UAE Nationals

• Expansion: Foreign widows or divorcees of Emirati nationals without children become eligible to apply for a residence permit within six months of the spouse’s death or divorce.
• Conditions: Applicant must be physically present in the UAE under the former spouse’s sponsorship; custody of children (if applicable) may be under ongoing proceedings; must show financial solvency and suitable accommodation.
• Renewal: Possible for a similar duration with valid justifications (e.g., UAE as primary residence, ongoing employment).

4) Humanitarian Considerations: Sponsorship of Dependents

• Threshold: Minimum monthly income of AED 15,000 required to sponsor six or more relatives.
• New flexibility: Authorities may grant exemptions to certain requirements, including financial solvency and degree of kinship.

5) Humanitarian Considerations: Nationals from Countries Affected by Wars/Disasters/Unrest

• Host requirement: No UAE host required for a humanitarian visa under the amended rules.
• Validity: Residence permit becomes invalid if the holder leaves the country (intended for single-entry use).
• Oversight: Authorities will periodically review the list of affected countries to determine issuance, renewal, or suspension.

6) Entry Visa for Truck Drivers

• Entries: May be issued for single or multiple entries.
• Issuance channel: References to consular posts are removed.
• New requirement: Financial guarantee required (not previously mandated); sponsor approval from a GCC country for residents is no longer referenced.

Impact: What This Means for Applicants, Sponsors & Employers

• Innovation & talent: The AI Professionals Visa signals sustained demand for specialized tech talent.
• Growth sectors: Entertainment (commercial gaming) and events pathways encourage tourism and event-driven mobility.
• Clarity & consistency: Updated income thresholds and solvency rules aim to streamline decisions and align expectations.
• Humanitarian access: Broader eligibility and clearer conditions improve protection for vulnerable cases.

Plan ahead: align documentation (invitation letters, itineraries, financial proofs) with the specific pathway you intend to use.

How to Apply for a Dubai Visa Online (Fast & Secure)

1. Start your application: Go to www.visago.ae and choose your visa type (Tourist/Visit 30 or 60 days).
2. Upload documents: Passport copy, photo, itinerary where applicable.
3. Select add-ons: Express processing if you’re on a tight schedule.
4. Complete payment: Secure checkout with instant confirmation.
5. Track status online: Get updates and receive your visa digitally.

Apply Dubai Visa Online Now

Get Help from a Visa Expert

FAQs: UAE Expanded Visa Options 2025

When do the new UAE visa options take effect?

On August 10, 2025.

What are the headline changes?

New visit visas for AI professionals, events, and commercial gaming; plus updated rules for business exploration and several humanitarian pathways.

Do the new rules affect visiting relatives?

Yes. Issuance for visiting a foreign national resident now depends on degree of kinship and the sponsor’s monthly income (AED 4,000 / 8,000 / 15,000 for first/second/third degree respectively).

Can widows or divorcees of UAE nationals without children apply?

Yes, foreign widows or divorcees without children become eligible to apply for a residence permit within six months, subject to presence in the UAE, solvency, and accommodation conditions.

Is a UAE host required for humanitarian visas for affected-country nationals?

No—under the amended rules, a UAE host is not required. The residence permit is invalidated upon exit, indicating single-entry intent.

How do I apply for a Dubai visa online quickly?

Use VisaGo.ae to apply, upload documents, and track your application end-to-end.