The UAE will introduce four new visa categories from August 10, 2025, for AI professionals, event visitors, gaming industry workers, and cruise tourists. Aimed at boosting innovation and tourism, the move aligns with the country’s global vision. Freelance visa applications are temporarily suspended.
Starting August 10, 2025, the United Arab Emirates will roll out four new visa types aimed at boosting tourism, supporting emerging industries, and attracting skilled global talent. This move is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to strengthen its role as a global hub for innovation, business, and travel.
The newly introduced visa categories target AI professionals, event attendees, commercial gaming workers, and tourists arriving by sea. These updates follow the UAE’s earlier visa reforms like the Golden Visa, Green Visa, and multi-entry tourist permits.
Table of contents [Show]
A new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Professionals Visa will offer multiple-entry options for experts in the field. Applicants can stay for 60 or 90 days, with possible extensions up to 120 or 180 days.
This visa is designed to bring AI researchers, developers, and consultants to the UAE to support national innovation goals and short-term technology projects.
The UAE Event Visa targets those attending economic, cultural, educational, religious, or sports events. It is a single-entry visa valid for 30 or 60 days, with an extension option of up to 180 days.
Whether it's a major expo, trade fair, or sports competition, this visa simplifies travel for those participating in or visiting UAE-based events.
In a notable development, the UAE will also launch a visa for commercial gaming activities. The single-entry visa allows a 30-day stay, renewable once.
This category targets game developers, operators, investors, and others involved in the gaming industry. Although full details about qualifying gaming activities are yet to be released, the move signals the UAE’s interest in tapping into the growing global gaming market.
To boost maritime tourism, the UAE is introducing a multiple-entry visa for tourists arriving by cruise ships or private boats. The visa allows for a 30-day stay, extendable for another 30 days.
This is expected to benefit both leisure travelers and the UAE’s growing cruise tourism sector by making it easier to enter and re-enter the country during sea travel.
While new visa categories are being introduced, the UAE has temporarily suspended new freelance visa applications. This pause affects remote workers and self-employed professionals looking to move to the UAE.
However, existing freelance visa holders can still renew their permits. The temporary freeze has raised some concerns about the future of flexible, remote work visas in the country.
These new visas reflect the UAE’s continued efforts to adapt its immigration policies to attract high-value talent and visitors. By focusing on growing sectors like artificial intelligence, gaming, events, and maritime tourism, the country is positioning itself as a future-ready destination for professionals and travelers alike.
