The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has always been a hub for tourism, business, and technology, and millions of people come here for leisure. In 2025, the UAE launched four new visitor visa categories. These visas are specifically for artificial intelligence (AI) experts, event participants, entertainment industry professionals, and cruise tourism.
As the UAE is tightening its visa rules, it is also starting to offer new visas, visit visas, and work visas. A few days ago, the UAE deported thousands of people, which PLANUAE reported. In this post, we will know how the new visa is available in the UAE, who is eligible for it, and what the requirements are.
UAE introduces 4 new visa categories in 2025
- AI Specialist Visa
- Event Visa
- Entertainment Visa (Commercial Games and Show Business)
- Cruise Tourism Visa
1. AI Specialist Visa
This visa is unique because it directly supports the field of Artificial Intelligence. If you are a specialist in AI and are interested in coming to the UAE, you can check the requirements given here and apply.
Who can apply for an AI visa?
- AI researchers, developers, and professionals.
- Individuals who are invited to join a technology company registered in the UAE are welcome.
Requirements:
- Official invitation letter from the host company.
- Proof of expertise in the AI field (projects, research, experience, etc.).
- Visa type: Single or multiple entry (duration depends on the project/event).
The UAE AI Specialist Visa 2025 is designed to attract top talent, which is why the UAE will position itself as a global hub for AI.
2. Event Visa
The UAE hosts hundreds of events, exhibitions, conferences, and cultural shows every year, which is why a separate visa type is available for those who participate.
Who can apply?
- People who are attending a business, cultural, sporting, educational, or community event.
Requirements:
- Invitation from the event organizer.
- Proof of registration or participation.
- Duration: Only for the duration of the event.
UAE Event Visa is the best option for visits of 3 to 15 days.
3. Entertainment Visa (Commercial Games and Show Business)
People who work in the entertainment industry, such as games, music, theater, shows, and production, can easily apply for this visa. To come on this visa, you need sponsorship or an invitation from a registered UAE entertainment company.
Who can apply for this visa?
- Artists, entertainers, e-sports and gaming professionals, and production teams.
Requirements:
- Sponsorship from a registered UAE entertainment company.
- Official contract or invitation.
Duration: Will expire depending on the project or event.
4. Cruise Tourism Visa
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are very popular. That is why cruise tourism is growing rapidly here, and the UAE has launched a special cruise tourism visa. If you do not want to get a repeat visit visa, then apply for this visa because cruise travelers will not need to get a repeat visit visa.
Who can apply?
- Tourists arriving by cruise ship or seaplane.
Requirements:
- Route/schedule details from the cruise company.
- Passport and travel documents.
Type: Multiple entry, which will allow travelers to enter the UAE repeatedly.
Other important updates to these 4 new visa types
Along with these four visas, the UAE has also introduced some additional reforms:
- Humanitarian Residence Permit – 1-year residence for those affected by war or natural disasters, without a sponsor.
- Widows and Divorced Women’s Visa – 1-year residence permit if applied within 6 months.
- Changes to Family Sponsorship:
- Close relative → AED 4,000 monthly income.
- Second/Third degree relative → AED 8,000 monthly income.
- To sponsor a friend → AED 15,000 monthly income.
- Truck Driver Visa – More flexible, but health insurance and a financial guarantee are mandatory.
These four new UAE visa categories 2025 are proof that the country is going to become a global hub for AI, entertainment, tourism, and global events. The UAE may launch more visa categories in 2026. If you want to benefit from this type of information or stay up to date on new visa rules and news, subscribe to planuae now.
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