The UAE on Monday unveiled a series of visa rule updates aimed at attracting artificial intelligence specialists, boosting live event tourism and expanding support for people fleeing war zones and natural disasters.
New visit visa categories for experts in artificial intelligence, entertainment, events, cruise ships and leisure boats were introduced under the strategy.
Also announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) were amendments to durations, conditions and eligibility requirements of a number of existing visas.
The changes have been made to support the UAE’s strategy of promoting global openness, attracting talent, entrepreneurs and specialists, particularly in technology, artificial intelligence, entertainment and tourism, the ICP announced on Monday.
The decision reflects studies conducted by the authority on residency and foreign affairs trends domestically, regionally and internationally, said Maj Gen Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, director general of the ICP.
“These updates address the needs of applicants, consider humanitarian and economic circumstances, and encourage individuals to live, work and explore opportunities in the UAE,” he said.
“They will improve quality of life, support trade and transport, enhance technology sectors and boost the country’s global competitiveness.”
New visas
- AI specialists visa: Issued for single or multiple entries for a specific period, subject to a letter from a host or sponsoring technology company
- Entertainment visa: For foreigners visiting temporarily for leisure purposes
- Event visa: For those attending festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, or cultural, economic, sports, religious, or educational activities
- Maritime tourism visa: Multiple-entry visa for tourists arriving on cruise ships or leisure boats, subject to an approved travel itinerary and a licensed host company.
Changes to existing visas
A humanitarian residence permit, for a one-year period, available to people from countries at war or hit by a natural disaster, can now be obtained without a sponsor. If the holder of the permit leaves the UAE, then the permit will be cancelled.
Widows and divorced women can now obtain residency without a sponsor. The amendments allow the widow or divorced woman to obtain residency within six months of the death of the husband – or of the divorce – providing she is still in the country and the sponsor was the husband before the divorce or death.
Visit visas for friends and relatives will allow sponsorship depending on the sponsor's income. For first-degree relatives, the sponsor must earn at least Dh4,000 ($1,090) a month, and Dh8,000 for second or third-degree relatives. To sponsor a friend will require a minimum monthly income of Dh15,000.
Business exploration visas will require proof of solvency aligned with intended business activity, or evidence of professional practice through an existing company abroad.
Foreign lorry drivers can now obtain single or multiple-entry visas, sponsored by a licensed freight, or transport company, with health insurance and financial guarantees required.
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Baby Driver
Director: Edgar Wright
Starring: Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Lily James
Three and a half stars
Community Shield info
Where, when and at what time Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday at 5pm (UAE time)
Arsenal line up (3-4-2-1) Petr Cech; Rob Holding, Per Mertesacker, Nacho Monreal; Hector Bellerin, Mohamed Elneny, Granit Xhaka, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain; Alex Iwobi, Danny Welbeck; Alexandre Lacazette
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
Chelsea line up (3-4-2-1) Thibaut Courtois; Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Gary Cahill; Victor Moses, Cesc Fabregas, N'Golo Kante, Marcos Alonso; Willian, Pedro; Michy Batshuayi
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte
Referee Bobby Madley
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
HOW TO WATCH
Facebook: TheNationalNews
Twitter: @thenationalnews
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TikTok: @thenationalnews
THE BIO
Bio Box
Role Model: Sheikh Zayed, God bless his soul
Favorite book: Zayed Biography of the leader
Favorite quote: To be or not to be, that is the question, from William Shakespeare's Hamlet
Favorite food: seafood
Favorite place to travel: Lebanon
Favorite movie: Braveheart
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
The%20specs
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Polarised public
31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all
Source: YouGov
Profile
Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
Number of employees: Over 50
Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised
Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital
Sector of operation: Transport
Men’s singles
Group A: Son Wan-ho (Kor), Lee Chong Wei (Mas), Ng Long Angus (HK), Chen Long (Chn)
Group B: Kidambi Srikanth (Ind), Shi Yugi (Chn), Chou Tien Chen (Tpe), Viktor Axelsen (Den)
Women’s Singles
Group A: Akane Yamaguchi (Jpn), Pusarla Sindhu (Ind), Sayaka Sato (Jpn), He Bingjiao (Chn)
Group B: Tai Tzu Ying (Tpe), Sung Hi-hyun (Kor), Ratchanok Intanon (Tha), Chen Yufei (Chn)
6.30pm Meydan Classic Trial US$100,000 (Turf) 1,400m
Winner Bella Fever, Dane O’Neill (jockey), Mike de Kock (trainer).
7.05pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Woven, Harry Bentley, David Simcock.
7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner Fore Left, William Buick, Doug O’Neill.
8.15pm Dubai Sprint Listed Handicap $175,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner Rusumaat, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi.
8.50pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 Group Two $450,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner Benbatl, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.
9.25pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner Art Du Val, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
10pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Beyond Reason, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
Honeymoonish
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COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
