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Time Out Dubai
9 hours ago
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
7 Dubai visa changes you need to know in 2025
It's no secret that Dubai is one of the best places in the world to live and visit. In the past year, the emirate has introduced a number of new Dubai visa changes and initiatives to make it easier to extend your stay, visit the city and even move with a long-term residence visa. Whether you're interested in moving to Dubai or are looking at extending your stay, it's always worth knowing about the latest visa news. Here's what you need to know. The Blue visa has launched The 10-year blue visa has officially been launched (Credit: Canva) First announced in May of 2024, the blue visa was only officially launched in February 2025. Holders can get The blue visa is a 10-year residence visa aimed towards people who have made a significant positive contribution to the environment inside or outside the UAE. It will be given to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organisations and companies, global award winners, distinguished activists and researchers. The visa is an extension of the highly sought-after UAE golden visa system and the green residency permit which have both been in place for some time. After launching in February, applicants across the world will have 24/7 access to the blue visa service on the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. Nurses to get golden visas Hamdan bin Mohammed issued directives to grant golden visas to nursing staff employed with Dubai Health who have served for more than 15 years. The decision comes in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community and their crucial role in advancing the quality of… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 12, 2025 The highly sought-after golden visa has been granted to nurses in Dubai. Granting holders a 10-year residence, the golden visa is awarded to those who work every day to make Dubai such a great place to live. To coincide with International Nurses Day, observed annually on May 12, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE issued a directive to grant nurses golden visas. Nursing staff who have served Dubai Health for more than 15 years will be issued with the long-term residency visa in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community. The nursing golden visa rewards those who have played a crucial role in advancing the quality of healthcare services in the emirate. Influencers to get golden visa help The Creators HQ in Dubai will help people get a UAE influencers golden visa (Credit: Canva) If you're a content creator then you could be in line for a special long-term residency in the UAE. The influencer golden visa has been rolled out following the 1 Billion Followers Summit in January 2025. Influencers, photographers, writers and more content creators who push the boundaries of creativity and innovation are able to apply via the newly established Creators HQ. The Creators HQ will assist up to 10,000 online personalities with getting their hands on a long-term residence permit. Criteria for applicants to qualify include a proven track record of impactful or creative work and strong potential for contributing to the UAE's creative community. New AI-assisted Dubai visa application Dubai has introduced a new AI-powered digital platform which will make it easier and quicker to renew Dubai visas. Salama will allow people living in the emirate to renew their existing Dubai visa within minutes. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs launched the platform on Monday February 24 to improve the efficiency of government services. Available services include renewing and cancelling the residency of sponsored persons and finding the answers to questions. Dubai visa rules expanded for Indian nationals Indian nationals are now able to get a visa-on-arrival in Dubai and the rest of the UAE following an expansion to the visa rules. Indian passport holders with valid residency permits from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea will now be able to get a visa upon entry at all UAE ports including Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central. Previously rules were expanded to allow Indian nationals with valid European Union, United Kingdom and United States of America permits to also obtain a UAE visa-on-arrival. It means that there is now much less hassle for Indian travellers coming to Dubai. Golden visa for teachers introduced The golden visa is now available to educators (Credit: Adobe Express) Announced on Saturday October 5 in 2024, World Teachers' Day, educators are now able to get their hands on a golden visa. It is available to exceptional educators who have demonstrated outstanding performance and made significant contributions to Dubai's private education sector. Applicants need to meet a certain set of criteria to qualify including success in raising the quality of education at institutions they've worked at and having a positive impact on the wider educational community. The full set of criteria can be found on the Knowledge and Human Development Authority site. It's quicker to get a work visa The work bundle changes outlined (Credit: Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE) Introduced in summer of 2024, the UAE work bundle means it's now quicker to go through the process of applying for a visa. As part of the government's plan to eliminate bureaucracy, the application process has now been reduced from one month down to five days. Previously you needed 16 documents to apply for a residency visa but now you need just five. Life in Dubai In pictures: Dubai then and now See just how much the city has changed through the decades UAE public holidays All the details on the official public and private sector holidays here New restaurants in Dubai that you need to visit right now From casual eats to fine dining, there's bound to be a new venue you'll want to try
CairoScene
2 days ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Iranian Nationals in UAE Exempted From Visa Overstay Fines
The ICP-led initiative waives fines for Iranians in the UAE amidst travel disruptions caused by regional tensions, suspended flights, and closed airspace. Jun 18, 2025 The UAE has announced the waiver of visa overstay fines for all Iranian nationals currently in the country—covering both residents and visitors—regardless of visa type. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) confirmed the exemption applies as a response to the "exceptional circumstances" arising from regional disruptions, including flight suspensions and airspace closures. Issued under the directives of President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the measure aims to alleviate the financial burden on Iranians unable to leave the UAE due to these travel challenges. Eligible individuals are required to register through the ICP Smart Services platform or visit any Customer Happiness Centre to claim the waiver. The exemption will remain in effect until December 31st, 2025.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
The UAE has activated the emergency airport response plan
The United Arab Emirates has approved an emergency response plan following the suspension of multiple flights across the country. Steps have been taken to ensure the safety and smooth movement of passengers at UAE airports without compromising service quality. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security immediately approved its emergency business continuity plan as the regional situation unfolded. The plans provide greater operational flexibility as several routes from the UAE have been cancelled or suspended – from Zayed International Airport, Dubai International Airport, and Dubai World Central to Sharjah International Airport. Potential disruptions to travel, following airspace closures by some nations, have been minimised by the authority's emergency response plan. Credit: Abu Dhabi Airports A streamlined system for passenger entry into UAE airports has been put in place and direct guidance is being provided to passengers by support teams. The ICP has coordinated with airlines in the UAE to facilitate flight rescheduling for those affected by travel disruption. Stranded passengers have been assisted with temporary accommodation, logistical services and accurate information. The plan includes close coordination with all operational entities to address the fallout from recent regional developments that led to the airspace closures. Passengers have been commended for their cooperation and understanding during the 'exceptional regional circumstances.' The authority also reiterated its commitment to undertaking all necessary measures to guarantee the security and safety of all travellers. UAE visa overstay fines waived for Iranians The UAE has also announced that Iranian citizens currently in the UAE are exempt from paying overstay fines, regardless of their visa type. This applies to both residents and visitors and aims to 'alleviate the burden on individuals who have been unable to return to Iran due to airspace closures and flight suspensions.'
Gulf Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
UAE Waives Visa Fines for Iranians
The UAE has announced a waiver on visa fines for Iranians currently in the country. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced the exemption of Iranian citizens currently in the UAE from all overstay fines. This applies to both residents and visitors, regardless of their visa type. The measure is a direct response to the exceptional circumstances in the region, aiming to alleviate the burden on individuals who have been unable to return to Iran due to airspace closures and flight suspensions. While reaffirming its dedication to humanitarian considerations and its commitment to providing comprehensive support to all residents and visitors in the United Arab Emirates, ICP calls upon those eligible for this exemption to register via the ICP Smart Services Platform or visit any customer happiness centre in the country. Also read: UAE Ranked 5th in Global Competitiveness Ranking; Cabinet Reviews $1.4tn Trade Success
Arabian Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
UAE Mobilises Airports Amid Regional Airspace Shutdowns
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai UAE authorities have deployed emergency measures across major airports to manage widespread disruptions after several Middle Eastern nations, including Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Israel, shut their airspace due to escalating geopolitical tensions. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security activated its emergency business‑continuity protocol to maintain essential operations with minimal interruption. Field teams operating round‑the‑clock at Dubai International, Dubai World Central, Abu Dhabi's Zayed International and Sharjah International airports have been reinforcing frontline support, immigration coordination and airline rescheduling. Real‑time information desks, logistical assistance and temporary accommodation arrangements have been offered to travellers affected by cancellations or delayed connections. ADVERTISEMENT ICP emphasises its swift response was made necessary by the abrupt airspace closures prompted by the intensifying Iran–Israel conflict. Comprehensive coordination among operational stakeholders and deployment of advanced technologies aim to secure passenger safety, uphold service quality and maintain passenger flow amidst turbulent circumstances. International carriers—including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa and Air India—have been rerouting flights via Central Asia and the Mediterranean to avoid restricted zones. Estimated additional travel durations and increased fuel requirements are among the logistical adjustments implemented by airlines. Eurocontrol reports that roughly 1,400 daily flights across Europe–Asia–Gulf corridors were affected, spotlighting the magnitude of the disruption. UAE's aviation stakeholders have issued traveller advisories urging early check‑in, constant monitoring of flight status updates and openness to alternate routing. Visa‑holding visitors are also being advised to renew stay permits promptly to avoid fines due to unexpected delays in departure schedules. Analysts warn that ongoing geopolitical volatility may prolong airspace closures, potentially escalating operational costs for airlines and straining global travel chains. The UAE's crisis‑management protocol is being watched closely by global aviation regulators as a case study in maintaining continuity under pressure. Passengers at UAE airports have, according to the ICP, cooperated with staff amidst what they describe as 'exceptional regional circumstances.' This collaboration has been cited as instrumental in allowing swift rescheduling and maintaining operational flow. ICP reiterates its commitment to ensuring passenger security without compromising service standards.
