The United Arab Emirates has once again taken a bold step toward strengthening its position as a global hub for innovation, tourism, travel and talent. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) announced a series of major updates to the country’s visa and entry permit system.
These changes include the introduction of four new visit visa categories aimed at specialists in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the entertainment sector, event participants, and luxury cruise tourism. Along with these new visas, there are significant updates to residency rules, including the launch of a humanitarian residence permit, revised sponsorship income requirements for families and friends, and updates to business exploration and truck driver visas.
Whether you’re a resident, tourist, or entrepreneur, these reforms open up exciting opportunities while making the UAE’s entry and residency process more streamlined and transparent. In this blog, we’ll break down every change in detail so you understand exactly what these updates mean for you. Best Solution’s team of experts closely monitors every policy update to ensure you get the latest, accurate, and up-to-date visa information, services, and guidance.
Four New Visit Visa Categories in the UAE
The UAE has introduced four new visit visa categories that make it easier for professionals, tourists, and event participants to visit the country. These new visas aim to attract global talent, boost tourism, and support the UAE’s vision for innovation and economic growth.
Here’s a breakdown of each new visa type and what it means:
| Visa Type | Who It’s For | Key Requirements | Purpose |
| AI Specialist Visa | Experts in Artificial Intelligence and related tech fields | A letter from a sponsoring or hosting entity specialized in | To attract global AI talent and encourage innovation |
| Entertainment Visa | Performers or professionals in the entertainment industry | Temporary visa for entertainment purposes | Supports the UAE’s growing entertainment sector |
| Event Visa | Participants attending conferences, exhibitions, festivals, or sports events | Letter from a host entity with event details | Streamlines entry for large-scale international events |
| Tourism Visa (Cruise & Luxury Yachts) | Cruise ship and leisure boat travelers | Valid itinerary with UAE stops + licensed sponsor | Enhances luxury tourism and cruise industry growth |
Why These Changes Matter for Businesses and Professionals
If you’re in technology, tourism, or event management, these new UAE visa categories create exciting opportunities to grow your network and expand your business.
For example, tech professionals specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) now have a clearer, faster visa pathway to work and collaborate in the UAE. Likewise, event organizers can easily bring in international speakers, performers, and participants, making it simpler to host world-class conferences and exhibitions in Dubai and beyond.
Amendments to Existing Visa Regulations
In addition to introducing new visa categories, the UAE has updated several existing visa regulations to offer greater flexibility and support for different groups of residents. These changes cover key areas such as the Humanitarian Residence Permit, Residence Permit for Widows and Divorcees, Relatives and Friends Sponsorship Rules, and newly introduced visas like the Business Exploration Visa and Truck Drivers’ Visa.
With these updates, the UAE aims to make it easier for families, professionals, entrepreneurs, and logistics workers to live, visit, or explore opportunities in the country. Whether you want to sponsor loved ones, navigate personal circumstances, or pursue business and employment opportunities, these revised and new visa regulations simplify the process and provide more inclusive options for residents and visitors alike.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these visa updates and new categories:
Humanitarian Residence Permit
The Humanitarian Residence Permit in the UAE is a newly introduced visa category, announced on September 29, 2025, by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) office. This newly introduced permit allows foreign nationals from crisis-affected regions to reside in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. It is initially valid for one year, with the possibility of extension based on specific conditions and at the discretion of the Federal Authority.
The permit’s validity can be renewed or cancelled depending on updates or reports provided by the competent authorities, primarily the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs. However, the permit becomes void if the holder leaves the UAE.
For cases involving family members or relatives of beneficiaries under humanitarian circumstances, the ICP Director General has the authority to waive certain requirements, such as financial solvency or degree of kinship, while ensuring compliance with existing technical and financial regulations.
Residence Permits for Widows and Divorcees
As per the new updates, new provisions for residence permits for foreign widows and divorcees, making it easier for them to continue living in the country during challenging times. Under these changes, a residence permit can now be issued for one year, with the option to renew for a similar period based on eligibility.
Key Details for Widows and Divorcees
If the husband is Emirati:
- Residency may be granted to a foreign widow or divorcee without children if the application is made within six months of the husband’s death or divorce.
If the husband is a foreigner:
- Residency may be issued to a widow or divorcee with custody of her children, provided she is already in the UAE at the time of application.
- The previous guarantor (the husband) must have been listed at the time of death or divorce.
- If she wishes to sponsor her children under her own name, she must be the custodian.
Custody Disputes and Additional Requirements
- In cases where custody is disputed, the competent committee will determine eligibility for residency.
- All applicants must meet financial solvency and adequate housing requirements.
- Residency permits can be extended for similar periods if valid reasons are provided.
These updates show the UAE’s commitment to supporting widows and divorcees, ensuring they can maintain stability for themselves and their children while living in the country.
Sponsoring Relatives and Friends in the UAE
The UAE has introduced new rules for sponsoring relatives and friends, making it easier for residents to bring their loved ones to the country while maintaining clear eligibility criteria. These reforms are part of the UAE government’s ongoing efforts to streamline residency and sponsorship processes and provide transparency for expatriates living and working in the Emirates.
The updated rules for sponsoring relatives and friends make it easier for UAE residents to reunite with family members or bring close friends for temporary visits. By introducing clear salary requirements and streamlined processes, the UAE ensures that sponsorship is both practical and sustainable, helping residents plan their family and social life while complying with verification and validation regulations.
| Category | Details |
| Who Can Be Sponsored? | - Immediate family (spouse, children) - Second- or third-degree relatives (siblings, nieces, nephews, grandparents) - Friends (under specific conditions) |
| Minimum Salary Requirements | -Immediate family: AED 4,000 per month - Second- or third-degree relatives: AED 8,000 per month - Friends: AED 15,000 per month |
| Important Notes | - Sponsors must provide adequate housing and meet financial solvency requirements - Residency permits can be extended based on valid reasons - Humanitarian or special cases may qualify for exemptions by the Director General of Identity and Foreigners Affairs |
Business exploration visa in UAE
The Business Exploration Visa was first announced as part of the UAE’s updated visa reforms aimed at boosting foreign investment and supporting startups.
In September 2025, the UAE introduced new conditions to make the process more streamlined and secure. The latest update emphasizes financial solvency and business credibility, ensuring that only serious investors and professionals gain access to this visa.
This visa allows foreign nationals to make multiple visits to the UAE temporarily to study the market, meet potential partners, and assess the feasibility of their business ideas. It’s part of the UAE’s vision to position itself as a global hub for innovation, trade, and entrepreneurship. Applicants for the Business Exploration Visa must now:
- Demonstrate financial solvency based on the nature of the business activity they want to explore.
- Show documented proof of existing business operations or professional experience in a similar field outside the UAE.
- Provide evidence that they intend to establish a company or practice their profession within the Emirates.
These changes are designed to encourage genuine entrepreneurs and protect the UAE’s economy from fraudulent or speculative applications. The Business Exploration Visa is typically issued for a short-term period, allowing foreign passport holders to explore opportunities and complete their due diligence. Business Exploration Visa acts as your first step toward building a successful company in Dubai or the wider Emirates.
Pro tip: Working with an experienced business consultancy in Dubai can save you time and ensure all paperwork is correctly submitted, increasing your chances of a smooth approval.
Truck Drivers' Visa in the UAE
A Truck Drivers’ Visa is a specific type of UAE work visa that allows foreign drivers to legally work for freight companies or logistics providers operating in the Emirates. It enables businesses to employ experienced drivers to handle heavy trucks, trailers, and transport vehicles for local and cross-border deliveries.
Now the UAE has simplified the process to meet the growing needs of the country’s logistics and transportation sector. Under the new rules, truck drivers can now apply for either a single-entry or a multiple-entry visa, depending on the operational requirements of the company they work for.
To qualify, the sponsoring company — also known as the guarantor or host — must be a licensed freight company or a business actively engaged in goods transportation within the UAE. This ensures that visas are issued only to legitimate organizations operating in the logistics industry.
- Fulfill the financial guarantee set by the UAE authorities to demonstrate operational and financial stability.
- Pay the prescribed visa fees as outlined by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP).
- Provide comprehensive health insurance for the driver before the visa is approved, ensuring compliance with UAE labor laws and worker protection standards.
These updates make it easier for freight companies to hire skilled truck drivers internationally, supporting the UAE’s position as a global logistics hub while ensuring the safety and well-being of workers.
We handle all types of UAE visas for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals. Our team of experts will help you choose the right visa for your goals and ensure a smooth, hassle-free application process.
Conclusion
Navigating UAE visa regulations can be complex, whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, professional, or skilled worker. With the recent updates to visas like the Business Exploration Visa and Truck Drivers’ Visa, it’s more important than ever to have accurate guidance to ensure a smooth and successful application process.
Best Solution’s team of proficient visa and business setup experts has helped hundreds of clients secure the right visa tailored to their goals in Dubai and across the UAE. From understanding eligibility to managing documentation and approvals, we provide end-to-end support so you can focus on your business or career growth.
Disclaimer : This guide provides a general information . Regulations and costs may change time to time based on government rules, so consult the best solution’s professional Business Setup consultants for the latest updates. Refer to the glossary for definitions of key terms which is mentioned in this article. Refer to the glossary for definitions of key terms.
