Overview

• New visit visas target specialists in artificial intelligence, entertainment, events, and maritime tourism, including options tied to host companies and approved itineraries.
• A one-year humanitarian residence permit can be obtained without a sponsor by people from countries affected by war or natural disasters, with cancellation if the holder departs the UAE.
• Foreign widows and divorced women may secure residency without a sponsor within six months of the husband’s death or the divorce, provided they remain in the country and the husband was the prior sponsor.
• Visit-sponsorship now extends to third-degree relatives with income floors of Dh4,000 for first-degree and Dh8,000 for second or third-degree relatives, while sponsoring a friend requires at least Dh15,000 monthly income.
• A business exploration visa requires proof of financial solvency or evidence of professional practice via an overseas company, and foreign lorry drivers must be sponsored by a licensed transport firm with health insurance and financial guarantees.