'Such an honour': Meet the first UAE expats to get 10-year Blue Visa residency
When Tatiana Antonelli was enjoying her Christmas vacation last year, she received a life-changing call from UAE authorities. She had been nominated for the prestigious Blue Visa, a 10-year residency granted to individuals making exceptional contributions to environmental sustainability.
Antonelli, an Italian architect who moved to the UAE in 2005, soon realised the community needed better awareness about sustainable living, reducing water and energy consumption, eating clean food, and adopting greener practices. 'At that time, organic farming was still in its early stages in the UAE, and there wasn't a platform providing reliable sustainability related information,' she said.
Determined to bridge this gap, she launched an online resource dedicated to sustainability. 'I wanted to shift the narrative from broad global issues like melting glaciers to something more locally relevant to the UAE,' she said.
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She recalled the moment she received the call: 'I was traveling for Christmas when the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment reached out. I was overwhelmed with joy. When they asked if I would accept the honour, I immediately replied, 'How can I not? It's the most coveted recognition for me.''
Antonelli described the Blue Visa as an incredible achievement. She believes it will elevate the UAE's global status in sustainability. 'We have ambitious goals, including mobilising the region on ocean health; without a healthy ocean, we don't have a healthy environment. This recognition will facilitate the UAE's environmental efforts.'
Another recipient, Dr Nader Mohammed, has dedicated 25 years to wildlife conservation and animal welfare in the UAE and beyond. Holding a master's degree from Andalus University in Spain, he has worked extensively across the Middle East, delivering lectures and training officials on wildlife trade regulations.
'The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment contacted me two months ago,' said Dr Nader. 'I have been working as a consultant for wildlife conservation, a specialist in international trade regulations for flora and fauna, and a veterinarian caring for animals.'
Dr Nader wants to advocate 'five freedoms' for animal welfare: Freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from pain, freedom from stress, freedom in their natural habitat, and freedom from noise.
'When I see an injured cat on the street, my heart cries. I do my best to give them a better life. This visa is a huge recognition of my efforts,' he said.
Dr Nader highlighted the role of individuals in wildlife conservation and warned that 'if carnivorous animals face extinction, herbivores will increase, leading to overconsumption of plants and deforestation. This will cause temperature rise and habitat destruction. That's why it's essential to educate people about wildlife protection.'
After receiving the Blue Visa, he remains committed to advancing wildlife conservation in the UAE and beyond.
'An expat has a home here'
For Kris Hamel, an American sustainability expert, receiving the Blue Visa was a profound moment, an acknowledgment of his life's work. Having spent two decades in international development, he has worked with the World Bank Group on infrastructure and financial services projects in developing countries. Later, he joined the International Fund for Agricultural Development, focusing on food systems projects.
'I worked for the COP28 Presidency and led the food systems team. Among other initiatives, we launched the groundbreaking 'COP28 UAE Declaration on Agriculture, Food and Climate' which was a significant milestone,' said Kris.
He was recently notified of his nomination for the Blue Visa in recognition of his contributions. 'I was very happy when I received the news. It is such an honour to be recognised for something I have poured my heart and passion into,' said Kris.
Kris, who moved to the UAE in 2022, praised the country's vision for climate leadership. 'The UAE has a clear vision for sustainability and has taken it to the next level. The Blue Visa initiative is an extension of that vision. It encourages global experts to come to the UAE and contribute to the country's environmental goals, both locally and globally.'
On a personal level, Kris views the visa as a sign of inclusion. 'This recognition means a lot professionally, but personally, it shows the spirit of the UAE that an expat can truly call this country home.'
The Blue Visa, announced in 2024, is designed to honour individuals who have significantly contributed to environmental sustainability. Under the first phase of the initiative, launched at the World Governments Summit 2025, the long-term residency visa will be granted to 20 thought leaders and innovators in sustainability. The move reinforces the UAE's commitment to becoming a global leader in environmental protection.
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