The UAE has introduced a dedicated Events Visit Visa that makes it easier for international visitors to attend approved conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, sporting events, festivals and other recognised gatherings across the country.
The visa is designed to support the UAE's growing position as a global destination for business events, cultural programmes and international exhibitions. Whether you are attending a major conference in Dubai, exhibiting at a trade fair in Abu Dhabi or participating in a sporting event, the new visa offers a straightforward route to enter the UAE.
Here is everything you need to know about the UAE Events Visit Visa, including who can apply, eligible events, sponsorship requirements and how long visitors can stay.
What is the UAE Events Visit Visa?
The UAE Events Visit Visa is a specialised entry permit created for international guests attending officially approved events in the UAE.
Unlike a standard tourist visa, this permit is linked directly to a registered event and requires sponsorship from an authorised organiser.
The visa was introduced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) in October 2025 as part of a broader expansion of the country's visit visa categories.
Who can apply?
The visa is available to international visitors invited to participate in approved events hosted in the UAE.
Eligible applicants may include:
- Conference delegates
- Business executives
- Guest speakers
- Trade exhibition exhibitors
- Academic researchers
- University representatives
- Athletes
- Sports officials
- Performers
- Cultural participants
- Festival attendees
- General visitors attending approved events
Importantly, applicants do not need to be speakers or exhibitors. Visitors attending an approved event as participants or audience members may also qualify if they are included in the organiser's sponsorship list.
Which events qualify?
The UAE Events Visit Visa covers a wide variety of officially approved gatherings.
Eligible events include:
- International conferences
- Corporate summits
- Trade exhibitions
- Business conventions
- Investment forums
- Economic conferences
- Cultural festivals
- Sporting competitions
- Entertainment programmes
- Educational forums
- Academic conferences
- Religious gatherings
- Community events
- Government-sponsored programmes
The event itself must first receive approval from the relevant UAE authorities before organisers can begin sponsoring international visitors.
Sponsorship is mandatory
One of the key requirements of the UAE Events Visit Visa is sponsorship.
Individual travellers cannot apply independently.
Instead, applications must be submitted through:
- Government organisations
- Approved private event organisers
- Licensed conference organisers
- Exhibition operators
- Educational institutions
- Event hosts authorised by UAE authorities
Each applicant must receive an official sponsorship letter confirming:
- The event name
- Event purpose
- Duration of the event
- Invitation details
The organiser remains responsible for the sponsorship throughout the visa application process.
How organisers apply
Before inviting international guests, organisers must complete several approval steps.
These include:
- Registering the event with the relevant UAE authority
- Obtaining official approval
- Applying for participant quotas
- Confirming expected attendance numbers
- Preparing sponsorship letters for invited visitors
Authorities may approve visa quotas covering groups of 100 or more international attendees depending on the size of the event.
Once approval is granted, organisers can begin submitting visitor applications.
Visa duration
Applicants can choose between two visa durations:
- 30-day Events Visit Visa
- 60-day Events Visit Visa
Visitors may also choose either:
- Single-entry visa
- Multiple-entry visa
Multiple-entry permits are particularly useful for delegates, exhibitors and business professionals who may need to travel between the UAE and other countries during an event programme.
Can the visa be extended?
Yes.
The UAE allows eligible Events Visit Visas to be extended if additional time is required.
With approved extensions, visitors can remain in the UAE for a cumulative period of up to 120 days.
Extension requests remain subject to approval by the relevant authorities.
Required documents
While document requirements may vary depending on the event and organiser, applicants generally need:
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photograph
- Sponsorship letter
- Event invitation
- Additional supporting documents requested by authorities
Organisers will usually guide participants through the application process.
How to apply for the UAE Events Visit Visa
The application process is handled by the sponsoring organisation.
The general steps include:
- Register the event with the relevant UAE authority.
- Obtain official approval for the event.
- Secure an approved participant quota.
- Prepare sponsorship letters for invited guests.
- Collect the visitor's passport and required documents.
- Choose either a 30-day or 60-day visa.
- Select single-entry or multiple-entry access.
- Apply for extensions if additional stay is required.
Visitors cannot submit applications directly without an approved sponsor.
Why the visa matters
The UAE continues to host some of the world's largest business exhibitions, international conferences and cultural events.
Cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi welcome millions of business travellers every year for events covering technology, healthcare, finance, tourism, education, energy and entertainment.
The Events Visit Visa provides organisers with a dedicated immigration route that simplifies the arrival process for international participants while helping authorities manage visitor numbers more efficiently.
For exhibitors, delegates and event organisers, it also removes uncertainty by providing visa options tailored specifically for temporary participation in recognised events.
Supporting the UAE's events industry
The introduction of the Events Visit Visa reflects the UAE's ambition to strengthen its position as a global hub for international conferences, exhibitions and major events.
With flexible stay options of up to 120 days, multiple-entry availability and dedicated sponsorship by approved organisers, the visa supports both business and tourism while making it easier for international guests to attend world-class events across the country.
As the UAE continues expanding its calendar of global exhibitions, sporting competitions and cultural festivals, the Events Visit Visa is expected to play an increasingly important role in welcoming visitors from around the world.
