The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expanding its visa system again, this time, with four brand-new visa types designed to attract global talent, boost tourism, and support emerging industries.
Set to take effect August 10, 2025, these new visa options aim to make it easier for international professionals, event attendees, cruise tourists, and individuals involved in commercial gaming activities to enter and stay in the UAE legally and efficiently.
New UAE Visa Categories
The UAE is rolling out four new visa categories, aimed at attracting global talent and boosting tourism. Whether you’re in tech, attending events, part of the gaming industry, or arriving by sea, there’s a new visa tailored to your needs.
Here’s a breakdown of each visa, who it’s for, and why it matters.
1. UAE Visa for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Professionals
The UAE is launching a dedicated AI Professionals visa to attract specialists in artificial intelligence. This multiple-entry visa permits stays of 60 or 90 days, with extensions available for up to 120 or 180 days.
Type: Multiple-entry
Duration: 60 or 90 days per stay, extendable to 120 or 180 days
Who it’s for: Foreign nationals working in artificial intelligence roles
Why it matters: This visa opens the door for AI experts to take on short-term contracts, lead projects, or consult for UAE-based companies without lengthy bureaucracy. It’s perfect for those in research, product development, or applied AI fields.
2. UAE Event Visa
Foreign nationals can now apply for an Event visa to attend economic, cultural, sports, religious, and educational events. Visitors may stay for 30 or 60 days, with possible extensions up to 120 or 180 days.
Type: Single-entry
Duration: 30 or 60 days, extendable up to 120 or 180 days
Who it’s for: Attendees of economic, cultural, sports, religious, educational, or community events
Why it matters: Whether you’re participating in a business expo, sports tournament, or cultural festival, this visa lowers the administrative burden and improves access for visitors around the world.
3. Visa for Commercial Gaming Activities
The most surprising addition to the list is this visa targeting the gaming sector. While details on qualifying activities are pending, a new 30-day visa will be available for those engaged in commercial gaming activities.
Type: Single-entry
Duration: 30 days, with one possible 30-day renewal
Who it’s for: Individuals engaged in commercial gaming activities (exact definition not yet released)
Why it matters: While details are still emerging, this move signals the UAE’s growing interest in gaming, possibly linked to entertainment zones or future gaming regulations. It could attract international operators, developers, or investors eyeing the region.
4. Tourist Visa for Cruise Ship and Leisure Boat Passengers
Tourists arriving via cruise ships or leisure boats can now obtain a 30-day multiple-entry visa, with the option for a 30-day extension.
Type: Multiple-entry
Duration: 30 days, extendable for another 30 days
Who it’s for: Tourists arriving via cruise ships or recreational boats
Why it matters: Maritime travellers often struggle to meet standard tourist visa requirements like return tickets or hotel bookings. This visa simplifies that process and is expected to boost cruise tourism along UAE ports like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah.
Freelance Visas on Hold
In addition to launching new visa categories, the UAE has temporarily suspended new freelance visa applications. This impacts remote workers and self-employed professionals looking to relocate. While renewals are still allowed, the pause leaves many wondering about the future of freelancing in the country.
How the New UAE Visas Benefit Travellers
With the launch of these four new visa types, the UAE is making travel more accessible and purpose-driven. Here’s how they help:
AI Visa: Easier entry for tech professionals working on short-term projects.
Event Visa: Simple access for attendees of major events.
Gaming Visa: A route for those in commercial gaming and entertainment.
Cruise Tourist Visa: Streamlined entry for sea travellers with flexible stay options.
Final Thoughts
With these four new visas, the UAE is fine-tuning its immigration system to align with national goals, tech innovation, event tourism, entertainment investment, and maritime travel.
For global travellers and professionals looking for flexible, short-term entry into the UAE, these options could make a significant difference.
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