The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will launch four new visa categories from August 10, 2025, aiming to attract tech experts, event visitors, gaming professionals, and cruise tourists.
The new visas are part of the UAE’s push to bring in global talent, support fast-growing industries, and boost its tourism sector.
The multiple-entry visa is for artificial intelligence experts. It allows stays of 60 or 90 days, with possible extensions up to 180 days. The goal is to attract researchers, developers, and consultants who can help drive innovation in the UAE.
The event Visa designed for people attending economic, cultural, religious, educational, or sports events. It’s a single-entry visa valid for 30 or 60 days, with the option to extend up to 180 days. The UAE wants to make it easier for visitors to attend major events like expos and conferences.
Commercial gaming visa targets professionals in the gaming industry, including developers, operators, and investors. It allows a 30-day stay and can be renewed once. The UAE is looking to tap into the growing global gaming market, though details on qualifying activities are still to come.
Cruise tourist and leisure boat visa
for those arriving by cruise ship or leisure boat, this tourist visa allows multiple entries for 30 days, with an extra 30-day extension available. It’s part of an effort to boost maritime tourism.
These new visas follow earlier UAE reforms like the Golden Visa and Green Visa, which were meant to make the country a global hub for business and innovation. The UAE has also introduced multi-entry visit visas for family and friends and has become a major investor in Africa, showing its commitment to international partnerships.
While expanding other visa options, the UAE has temporarily stopped new freelance visa applications. Existing freelance visa holders can still renew, but the freeze raises questions about the future for remote workers and freelancers looking to move to the UAE.
