UAE expands Golden Visa eligibility categories

What changed

New Zealand changed its Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa programme. These changes started on 13 August 2026. They make rules clearer for investors. Key changes include: * Borrowed funds must come from the same country as the assets they support. * You must prove that you legally got and transferred all money you plan to invest. * You must prove that gifted money was a real gift, with no conditions, and followed the laws of the country where it was given. * For managed funds, you now need a legally binding agreement. You no longer need a non-revocable agreement. * Children born after an investor visa was approved can be added to their parent's later Resident Visa applications. This applies under certain rules. * Discretionary Investment Management Services (DIMS) will not be approved investments for applications made on or after 4 December 2025. However, DIMS investments already made or approved in principle before 5 December 2025, are still allowed.

What changed

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) in the UAE has changed how early citizens can renew their Emirates ID cards. Before, citizens could renew their cards up to six months before they expired. The new rule lets citizens renew their cards up to one year before they expire. This change starts on Tuesday, 14 July 2026.

What changed

The U.S. Department of State changed its travel advice for the United Arab Emirates. This change includes an order for non-emergency U.S. government workers and their family members to leave the country. This order takes effect on 2 March 2026. The department issued this order because of a higher risk of armed conflict. This risk follows fighting between the United States and Iran. There are also continued worries about terrorism. The overall travel advice remains 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel' for all U.S. citizens. This level means people should think carefully before travelling. It warns them about drone and missile attacks and problems with commercial flights.

What changed

The United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain started the "One-Point Air Travelers" project in February 2026. This plan uses pre-clearance rules for people flying from their home country. It uses linked digital systems, biometric checks, monitoring systems, electronic gates, and advanced passenger data handling. This change applies to citizens of both countries who fly between the UAE and Bahrain. In its first stage, it applies specifically at Zayed International Airport and Bahrain International Airport. The project aims to make travel easier by saving time, cutting down on waiting, and making security better. It does this by checking and documenting people before they get to their final stop.