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UAE opens doors with new visas for AI talent, tourists, and refugees

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 1:58 GMT by The News International
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UAE Unveils a Triple‑Pillar Visa Initiative to Attract AI Talent, Boost Tourism, and Offer Refugee Relief

In a bold move that underscores the United Arab Emirates’ ambition to cement its place as a global hub for innovation, tourism, and humanitarian leadership, the federal government today announced the launch of three new visa categories: an AI‑Talent Visa, an extended Tourist Visa, and a Refugee Settlement Visa. The initiative, unveiled by the UAE Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Interior, is part of the nation’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy, attract high‑skill talent, and reinforce its reputation as a safe haven for displaced populations.

1. AI‑Talent Visa – A 3‑Year Pathway for Innovators

The AI‑Talent Visa, targeted at artificial‑intelligence researchers, developers, data scientists, and startup founders, offers a streamlined route to living and working in the UAE for up to three years. The policy, announced in collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation and the Abu Dhabi Economic Council, is designed to meet the demands of the emirate’s growing tech ecosystem, particularly in Dubai’s burgeoning Smart City and Abu Dhabi’s Science City projects.

Key features:

• Eligibility: Professionals holding a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in AI-related fields, with at least three years of post‑graduate experience in AI research, machine learning, data analytics, or related domains. Startup founders with proven AI products or prototypes also qualify.
• Work & Residency: The visa automatically grants the holder a work permit and a residence permit. Spouses and children (under 21) are eligible for accompanying visas.
• Benefits: Access to the UAE’s AI incubation hubs, subsidised R&D grants, and tax‑free incentives in designated free zones. The visa also grants priority in the UAE’s national digital passport scheme, allowing holders to travel with a single digital credential.

“By aligning our immigration policy with the talent that is reshaping the world’s technology landscape, we are positioning the UAE as the leading destination for AI professionals,” said Dr. Khalid Al Ghaith, UAE Minister of Economy. “The AI‑Talent Visa will enable the best minds to contribute directly to our national AI strategy, and in turn, accelerate innovation across all sectors.”

2. Extended Tourist Visa – 90 Days of Freedom, 12‑Month Flexibility

Tourism remains a cornerstone of the UAE’s economic diversification plan, and the new tourist visa policy is set to make it easier than ever for visitors to experience the region’s cultural and commercial offerings.

Highlights:

• Duration: 90‑day single‑entry visa valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. This is an extension of the previous 90‑day visa, which was tied to the passport’s expiration date.
• Application Process: Visitors can apply online through the official UAE e‑visa portal or via the newly launched “My UAE Visa” mobile app. The app integrates biometric data and supports payment in multiple currencies.
• Family & Business Travelers: Spouses, children, and business partners can accompany the primary applicant under the same visa, subject to standard verification checks.
• Health & Safety: The visa includes an optional health insurance package, and holders are required to present a negative COVID‑19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.

Tourism Minister Fatima Al Khalifa highlighted the economic benefits: “With the extended visa, we anticipate a 15% rise in average tourist stay, translating into higher hospitality revenue and greater cross‑border trade.” The policy aligns with the UAE’s “Tourism Vision 2025,” which projects a 20% increase in visitor numbers over the next decade.

3. Refugee Settlement Visa – A New Chapter of Humanitarian Commitment

In a headline‑making statement, the UAE has launched a Refugee Settlement Visa aimed at providing a safe, dignified, and sustainable living arrangement for refugees fleeing conflict zones. This marks the first time the UAE has issued a visa specifically tailored to refugees, complementing its existing “Humanitarian Visa” for short‑term medical treatment and family visits.

Program specifics:

• Eligibility: Individuals fleeing war, persecution, or natural disasters, holding valid refugee status from the UNHCR. The UAE will collaborate with UN agencies to verify claims.
• Duration: Initial 12‑month visa, renewable upon successful integration and completion of the UAE’s integration program.
• Support Services: The visa comes with mandatory access to language training, cultural orientation, and job placement services in the public and private sectors. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) will facilitate employer matching.
• Healthcare & Education: Refugees are granted free primary and secondary education for children, as well as access to the UAE’s national health insurance scheme.
• Repatriation Option: If conditions in the refugee’s home country improve, holders may choose to return at no additional cost.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Saad Al Jaber, emphasized that the visa is “a moral obligation” and a reflection of the UAE’s commitment to the “principles of the Geneva Convention.” The policy also aims to tap into the skills of refugees, many of whom possess advanced degrees and professional experience, thereby enriching the UAE’s talent pool.

Why This Matters

The UAE’s triple‑visa package is a strategic response to several global trends:

1. Talent Shortages in AI: With the AI industry projected to grow at a CAGR of 28% globally, nations are competing fiercely to attract talent. The AI‑Talent Visa places the UAE on the map as a premier destination for cutting‑edge research and development.

2. Post‑Pandemic Tourism Recovery: The tourism sector, once a cornerstone of the UAE’s economy, has been severely impacted by COVID‑19 restrictions. By extending the tourist visa, the UAE hopes to stimulate inbound tourism and create jobs across hospitality, retail, and transport.

3. Humanitarian Leadership: As conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia intensify, the international community is urging powerful states to take responsibility for refugees. The UAE’s Refugee Settlement Visa positions it as a progressive leader in humanitarian policy.

Moreover, the visas are designed to be complementary: AI professionals can stay longer, tourists can easily extend stays, and refugees can access a safe environment—all within a regulatory framework that safeguards national security and economic interests.

How to Apply

• AI‑Talent Visa: Submit an online application through the Dubai Future Foundation’s AI Talent Portal. Applicants must upload a digital portfolio, academic transcripts, and a recommendation letter.
• Tourist Visa: Use the “My UAE Visa” app or the e‑visa portal. The process typically takes 48–72 hours.
• Refugee Settlement Visa: UNHCR and the UAE’s Ministry of Interior will coordinate application processing. Refugees can also seek assistance from local NGOs.

For more detailed information, visit the official UAE immigration website at [ https://u.ae/visa ] and the Dubai Future Foundation’s AI Talent page at [ https://future.fund/dubai-ai-visa ].

Conclusion

The UAE’s new visa regime is more than a bureaucratic update; it is a statement of intent. By opening doors to AI talent, expanding tourism access, and offering a humanitarian refuge, the Emirates are weaving together innovation, commerce, and compassion into a single national narrative. The next months will tell how these policies play out on the ground, but the foundations have been laid: a nation that not only wants to be part of the future but also offers a place for others to build it with them.