Overview

• The ICP introduced four visit visas for AI specialists, entertainment participants, event attendees, and cruise or leisure boat travelers under defined stay and extension rules with licensed hosts where required.
• A humanitarian residence permit valid for one year is available to people from countries affected by war or disasters, extendable at the authority’s discretion and cancelled if the holder departs the UAE.
• Foreign widows and divorcees can obtain a renewable one-year residency without a sponsor when they apply within six months, subject to financial stability, suitable housing, and custody conditions.
• Residents may sponsor short visits by relatives up to the third degree and by friends, with minimum monthly income thresholds set at AED 4,000, AED 8,000, and AED 15,000 respectively.
• Business exploration visas now require proof of financial solvency or existing engagement in the activity, and foreign truck drivers must be sponsored by licensed freight firms with health insurance and financial guarantees.