UAE Announces Major Visa Reforms, Introduces Multiple New Categories

DUBAI:The United Arab Emirates has announced **sweeping changes in its visa system**, unveiling several new categories to facilitate professionals, tourists, and residents.

According to the new rules:

* **Special visas** will be issued for **artificial intelligence (AI) experts**.
* A new **event visa** has been introduced for those attending **festivals, exhibitions, conferences, and sports activities**.
* **Cruise ship and leisure ship tourists** will now be granted **multiple-entry visas**.
* People affected by **wars or natural disasters** will receive a **one-year residency permit without the need for a sponsor**.
* **Widows and divorced women** can now obtain residency without sponsorship.
* For **sponsoring friends or relatives**, a **minimum monthly income of AED 15,000** has been set.
* **Business visas** will be issued upon providing **financial proof**, including ownership of foreign companies.
* **Foreign drivers’ visas** will only be sponsored by **licensed transport companies**.

Authorities in the UAE say the reforms aim to **ease residency, encourage investment, and expand tourism opportunities**.