Dubai, UAE: The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has announced the launch of several new visa categories, effective September 29, 2025, aimed at attracting specialized talent, supporting humanitarian work, and facilitating family reunification. The move is part of the UAE’s ongoing strategy to diversify its economy, strengthen the labor market, and enhance its global competitiveness.
New Specialist Visit Visas
The ICP has introduced four specialist visit visas targeting high-demand sectors:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Specialists: This visa is intended to attract top-tier talent in AI, supporting the UAE’s ambition to become a global hub for technology and innovation. Professionals with expertise in machine learning, robotics, and related fields can now contribute to AI-driven projects in both public and private sectors.
- Entertainment and Events Professionals: As the UAE continues to expand its entertainment, tourism, and event management sectors, this visa enables foreign experts to participate in organizing concerts, shows, exhibitions, and large-scale events.
- Cruise Ship and Leisure Boat Workers: With the UAE’s maritime tourism industry on the rise, this visa allows cruise ship and leisure boat personnel to work legally in the country, filling critical gaps in staffing for vessels and tourist operations.
- Humanitarian Workers: Individuals engaged in humanitarian activities or working for NGOs can now obtain a dedicated visit visa to facilitate their projects and contribute to social development initiatives in the UAE.
These specialist visas are structured to enhance UAE’s global competitiveness, encourage knowledge transfer, and support sectors vital to economic diversification.
Residence Permits for Special Circumstances
In addition to specialist visit visas, the ICP has introduced new residence permit categories for specific groups:
- Humanitarian Residence Permit: A one-year residence permit for professionals engaged in humanitarian work. The permit is extendable based on conditions set by the authority, ensuring sustained support for humanitarian projects in the country.
- Widow and Divorcee Residence Permit: Foreign widows and divorcees can now apply for a one-year residence permit, renewable under defined conditions. This move provides social and legal support to individuals navigating life changes while residing in the UAE.
These residence permits aim to strengthen the UAE’s social infrastructure and provide legal pathways for individuals contributing to society or seeking protection and stability.
Family, Business, and Employment Visas
Other updates include:
- Visit Visa for Friends and Relatives: Residents can now sponsor visits for friends or relatives up to the third degree, based on the sponsor’s financial capability. This facilitates family reunions and strengthens social connections.
- Business Exploration Visa: Entrepreneurs and investors can apply for a visa by demonstrating financial capacity to establish a business, holding shares in an existing company outside the UAE, or proving professional expertise. The visa supports the UAE’s aim to foster entrepreneurship and attract international investment.
- Truck Driver Visa: Designed to address labor shortages in the logistics sector, this visa enables foreign truck drivers to work in the UAE. Applicants require a sponsor and must meet health and financial guarantees as per ICP requirements.
Implementation and Conditions
The ICP has issued guidelines outlining the duration of stay, eligibility criteria, and extension procedures for each visa type. Applicants are advised to review the conditions carefully to ensure compliance.
According to the ICP, the updated visa system is part of a broader effort to modernize the UAE’s immigration framework, attract specialized talent, and respond to the needs of emerging economic sectors. The initiative also aligns with the UAE government’s vision of creating an innovative, inclusive, and globally competitive economy.
Authorities emphasized that these updates are designed to provide clarity, streamline visa processes, and support applicants in accessing the UAE’s labor and business opportunities efficiently.
Benefits and Implications
The new visa categories offer several advantages for both the UAE and visa holders:
- Attracting Global Talent: By targeting AI specialists and other high-demand professionals, the UAE is positioning itself as a hub for innovation and advanced technology development.
- Supporting Humanitarian Efforts: Dedicated visas for humanitarian workers facilitate non-profit initiatives, allowing international experts to contribute effectively to social projects in the country.
- Promoting Maritime and Tourism Growth: Cruise ship and leisure boat worker visas cater to the UAE’s expanding maritime and tourism sectors, ensuring adequate staffing and operational efficiency.
- Encouraging Entrepreneurship and Investment: Business exploration visas simplify entry for investors and entrepreneurs, promoting new companies and startups in the UAE.
- Strengthening Family and Social Bonds: Visit visas for friends, relatives, widows, and divorcees enhance social cohesion and provide support for residents’ families.
Looking Ahead
The UAE government continues to adapt its visa regulations to support economic diversification, technological innovation, and social development. These new categories reflect the nation’s proactive approach to immigration, balancing talent attraction with humanitarian support and social inclusion.
The ICP is expected to continue refining visa policies in response to evolving labor market needs, global trends, and strategic economic priorities. Applicants and residents are encouraged to stay informed through official ICP channels to ensure compliance and take full advantage of the updated visa offerings.
