Dubai and UAE authorities have updated entry and residency frameworks across tourist, property, and long-term visas. Key changes include broadened visa-on-arrival eligibility, faster 48-hour tourist visa processing, removed minimum property purchase thresholds for sole owners, and linking residency renewals to unpaid traffic fines. Expanded categories for the 10-year Golden Visa and new specialized visit visas have also taken effect.
The UAE has reduced the authentication fee for work visa police clearance reports from 354 dirhams to 172 dirhams and removed the requirement for visit visas. A proposed rule awaiting official announcement would also bar Nepali and foreign nationals from converting visit visas into work permits while inside the country.
Air travel to and from Saudi Arabia faces severe disruption amid elevated regional tensions, with Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport closed until at least October 17. UAE carrier Etihad has cancelled flights to Riyadh and Dammam through October 18 and to Jeddah through October 19. Fragomen advises travelers to monitor official updates and confirm flight arrangements directly with airlines prior to departure.
UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the inaugural UAE Investment Majlis in New York on September 26, 2026. The forum focused on resilient supply chains, smart logistics, and strategic cross-border infrastructure initiatives. Officials highlighted the UAE's regulatory climate to draw foreign investment into ports, multimodal transit, and AI logistics.
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