The United Arab Emirates has unveiled a major refresh of its entry-permit system, adding four specialised visit-visa categories designed to channel foreign talent and spending into priority sectors.
Under a circular released by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) late on 7 December and published by state and regional media on 8 December, the new permits cover: (1) an AI Specialist Visa that lets data-science and machine-learning professionals enter for short assignments or conferences; (2) an Entertainment Visa for performers and production crews; (3) an Events Visa for delegates, exhibitors and speakers attending conferences, trade shows and festivals; and (4) a multiple-entry Tourism Visa tailored to cruise-ship and leisure-boat itineraries.
![UAE Introduces Four New Visit Visa Categories Aimed at AI, Entertainment, Events and Cruise Tourism]()
Officials say the changes are part of a broader migration-policy overhaul that also expands humanitarian residence options, widows’ and divorcees’ permits and family-sponsorship rules. By bundling sector-specific entry pathways with online application tools, the Emirates hopes to reduce paperwork, accelerate approvals and position itself as the Gulf’s most visitor-friendly hub. Standard fees have been set at AED 600 (≈ US $165) plus VAT, while sponsors must provide letters of invitation and proof of event registration or vessel itineraries.
For corporate mobility teams the implications are immediate. AI vendors can now rotate experts into Dubai free-zones without the delays associated with labour permits; entertainment promoters gain clearer rules for touring artists; and conference organisers can reassure delegates that permits will be issued electronically within 48 hours. Travel-management companies expect longer average hotel stays as visitors tack leisure days onto business trips, boosting winter-season occupancy.
Practical tips: ensure passports have at least six months’ validity; submit applications five working days before travel; and diarise visa expiries—overstay fines accrue at AED 50 per day with no grace period in Dubai. Free-zone mission visas and certain niche categories remain excluded, so HR should double-check eligibility before booking flights.
Under a circular released by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) late on 7 December and published by state and regional media on 8 December, the new permits cover: (1) an AI Specialist Visa that lets data-science and machine-learning professionals enter for short assignments or conferences; (2) an Entertainment Visa for performers and production crews; (3) an Events Visa for delegates, exhibitors and speakers attending conferences, trade shows and festivals; and (4) a multiple-entry Tourism Visa tailored to cruise-ship and leisure-boat itineraries.
Officials say the changes are part of a broader migration-policy overhaul that also expands humanitarian residence options, widows’ and divorcees’ permits and family-sponsorship rules. By bundling sector-specific entry pathways with online application tools, the Emirates hopes to reduce paperwork, accelerate approvals and position itself as the Gulf’s most visitor-friendly hub. Standard fees have been set at AED 600 (≈ US $165) plus VAT, while sponsors must provide letters of invitation and proof of event registration or vessel itineraries.
For corporate mobility teams the implications are immediate. AI vendors can now rotate experts into Dubai free-zones without the delays associated with labour permits; entertainment promoters gain clearer rules for touring artists; and conference organisers can reassure delegates that permits will be issued electronically within 48 hours. Travel-management companies expect longer average hotel stays as visitors tack leisure days onto business trips, boosting winter-season occupancy.
Practical tips: ensure passports have at least six months’ validity; submit applications five working days before travel; and diarise visa expiries—overstay fines accrue at AED 50 per day with no grace period in Dubai. Free-zone mission visas and certain niche categories remain excluded, so HR should double-check eligibility before booking flights.
