The UAE has unveiled its most comprehensive immigration overhaul since the post-pandemic Golden Visa launch, introducing four brand-new categories—AI Specialist, Entertainment, Event and Maritime Tourism visas—while revising salary thresholds for residents who sponsor relatives.([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/uae-visa-changes-2026-explained-new-categories-sponsorship-rules-easier-entry-for-tourists/articleshow/126366004.cms?utm_source=openai))
Under the updated rules, data-scientists and machine-learning engineers employed by recognised foreign firms can secure a three-year renewable AI Specialist Visa without a local contract, provided they earn at least AED 30,000 (≈ USD 8,170) monthly and hold an accredited STEM degree. The move aligns with the UAE’s ambition to capture 9 % of the global AI market by 2030.
If your company or family needs practical help navigating these new UAE visa categories, VisaHQ’s dedicated UAE team can streamline everything from collating salary certificates for an AI Specialist Visa to fast-tracking short-term Event or Maritime Tourism permits. Their online portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) offers step-by-step guidance, real-time status tracking and expert checks to minimise ICP rejections, making compliance simpler for both corporate mobility managers and individual travellers.
![Sweeping UAE Visa Reforms 2026 Add AI-Specialist Permits and Raise Family-Sponsorship Income Bar]()
At the same time, sponsorship of visiting relatives is now pegged to clear income tiers: AED 4,000 for immediate family, AED 8,000 for extended family and AED 15,000 for friends or non-relatives. HR teams must audit payroll records to ensure employees meet the new bar before filing invites, or risk rejection by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
For tourism operators, the introduction of short-term Event and Maritime Tourism visas—valid for up to 60 days—simplifies crew rotations for yachts docking at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina and accelerates accreditation for performers at Expo City’s year-round convention centre.
Mobility leaders should update policy matrices immediately: cost forecasts for dependent travel will rise, but the dedicated AI permit offers a powerful lure for scarce talent. Companies are advised to integrate the new visa codes into HRIS platforms and brief relocating staff on minimum-salary evidence requirements, which immigration officers now verify through the Wage Protection System.
Under the updated rules, data-scientists and machine-learning engineers employed by recognised foreign firms can secure a three-year renewable AI Specialist Visa without a local contract, provided they earn at least AED 30,000 (≈ USD 8,170) monthly and hold an accredited STEM degree. The move aligns with the UAE’s ambition to capture 9 % of the global AI market by 2030.
If your company or family needs practical help navigating these new UAE visa categories, VisaHQ’s dedicated UAE team can streamline everything from collating salary certificates for an AI Specialist Visa to fast-tracking short-term Event or Maritime Tourism permits. Their online portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) offers step-by-step guidance, real-time status tracking and expert checks to minimise ICP rejections, making compliance simpler for both corporate mobility managers and individual travellers.
At the same time, sponsorship of visiting relatives is now pegged to clear income tiers: AED 4,000 for immediate family, AED 8,000 for extended family and AED 15,000 for friends or non-relatives. HR teams must audit payroll records to ensure employees meet the new bar before filing invites, or risk rejection by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
For tourism operators, the introduction of short-term Event and Maritime Tourism visas—valid for up to 60 days—simplifies crew rotations for yachts docking at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina and accelerates accreditation for performers at Expo City’s year-round convention centre.
Mobility leaders should update policy matrices immediately: cost forecasts for dependent travel will rise, but the dedicated AI permit offers a powerful lure for scarce talent. Companies are advised to integrate the new visa codes into HRIS platforms and brief relocating staff on minimum-salary evidence requirements, which immigration officers now verify through the Wage Protection System.
