- Starting August 10, 2025, the UAE will introduce four new visa types.
- The initiative aims to attract skilled professionals and boost innovative sectors.
- The strategy also focuses on expanding the UAE’s tourism footprint.
Beginning August 10, 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will launch four new types of visas as part of a broader strategy to attract skilled professionals, support innovative sectors, and expand its tourism footprint.
These new visa categories are specifically designed for individuals working in artificial intelligence (AI), those attending official events, professionals in the commercial gaming industry, and tourists arriving via sea routes.
This initiative follows earlier reforms like the Golden Visa, Green Visa, and multi-entry tourist permits, and further aligns with the UAE’s ambition to become a global hub for technology, business, and travel.
1. AI Professionals Visa
Aimed at attracting international AI experts, this multiple-entry visa allows stays of 60 or 90 days, with possible extensions to 120 or 180 days. The goal is to invite researchers, developers, and consultants in AI to contribute to short-term projects and national tech advancement.
2. Event Visitor Visa
This visa targets individuals traveling to the UAE for various events whether economic, educational, religious, cultural, or sports-related. It is a single-entry visa valid for 30 or 60 days, with options to extend to 120 or 180 days. It seeks to remove traditional entry barriers for conference and festival attendees.
3. Commercial Gaming Visa
In a notable shift, the UAE is also introducing a visa for those involved in the commercial gaming sector. Although the specific definition of eligible gaming activities is pending, the visa grants a 30-day stay and can be renewed once. This category is intended for game developers, operators, and investors exploring the country’s emerging gaming market.
4. Cruise and Maritime Tourist Visa
Maritime tourists will benefit from a new multiple-entry visa catering to those arriving via cruise ships or leisure vessels. It offers an initial 30-day stay, extendable by another 30 days, to encourage seaborne travel and tourism.
Temporary Pause on Freelance Visas
While expanding visa options, UAE authorities have temporarily halted new applications for freelance visas. This affects self-employed individuals and remote workers aiming to settle in the country. Existing freelance visa holders may still renew, but the pause has created uncertainty about future prospects for independent professionals.
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