Dubai nurses who served for decades, through Covid-19 thank Sheikh Hamdan for Golden Visa
More than 1,400 nurses from Dubai Health were granted the prestigious UAE Golden Visa in appreciation of their hard work and unwavering commitment. For these nurses, the visa is more than a document; it symbolises belonging, security, and a heartfelt thank you.
The long-term residency initiative for nurses was launched under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE.
Carmina Aguilar, senior staff nurse at Latifa Hospital, came to Dubai in 1998. She spent 27 years caring for newborns in the NICU and still remembers the nerves she felt leaving the Philippines for the first time.
"I am truly grateful to receive this privilege and was very excited when I heard the good news," she said. "This recognition means a great deal to me. It acknowledges and rewards my 27 years of service as a nurse with Dubai Health."
For Carmina, nursing started as a way to fulfill her mother's dream, but over the years it became her purpose. "Nursing offers more than just job security, it gives me the opportunity to help others and provide compassionate care during their most vulnerable moments."
She believes the Golden Visa will bring peace of mind and inspire young nurses to stay and grow in the UAE. "It is truly humbling to be recognised after so many years of service. The Golden Visa is more than a reward; it reflects how our contributions to healthcare are valued and respected."
Cynthia Alem Strebel, a staff nurse at Dubai Hospital, has been serving since 1991, 34 years of dedication, including working on the frontlines during the pandemic.
"When I was informed that I would be receiving the Golden Visa, I was overwhelmed with emotion. It felt like a moment of true recognition," said Cynthia.
For her, it was a deeply personal moment that validated years of service. "It's a proud milestone not just for me, but for my family who supported me through long hours, sacrifices, and challenges."
For these nurses, the UAE is more than just a place to work — it's home.
During the pandemic, Cynthia stepped up despite the fear. 'It was emotionally and physically demanding. But I considered it a call of duty, an opportunity to serve the country that had become my home.'
Cynthia, a Filipina nurse married to a Syrian and a mother of four, shared, 'Our greatest reward is seeing our children pursue careers in the medical field and call this country their home. Receiving the Golden Visa is a true blessing. We are proud to live in a country that we consider safe, supportive, and full of opportunity."
Proud moment
Naheel Naseef, nurse supervisor at Hatta Hospital, sees the Golden Visa as a strong message of appreciation. "It was a proud and meaningful moment. This recognition affirms not only my professional contributions but also the value I bring to the country," she said.
Naheel recalled how the Covid-19 pandemic challenged and united healthcare workers. 'It tested our strength but also brought us closer as a team and reminded us why we chose this profession.'
She said that the visa now allows her family to confidently plan for their future, whether it's about her children's education or new opportunities. 'This kind of recognition is a strong motivator. It encourages nurses and healthcare professionals to stay committed.'
'Life-changing moment'
After more than two decades of serving as a veteran nurse at Latifa Hospital, Nancy Augustine has been granted the UAE Golden Visa.
'It was such an exciting and proud moment,' she said, recalling when she was informed of the honour. 'My first reaction was simply, I felt truly appreciated for all the hard work and years I have dedicated to my profession at Dubai Health.'
Having spent 25 years with Dubai Health she currently serves as a supervisor in the labour and delivery and ICU departments. 'I was drawn to nursing at an early age. Over time, it became my own calling, a way to be there for people in their most critical moments,' she said.
The most fulfilling moments, she said, have come not from awards or titles, but from simple, powerful human connections. 'Seeing critically ill patients recover, supporting mothers through childbirth, mentoring younger nurses, these moments reaffirmed why I chose this path.'
The Golden Visa, she believes, is not just recognition of her service but a symbol of belonging. 'It brings a deep sense of stability. It feels like an acknowledgement of my work and my long-term commitment to this country.
These nurses have done everything from NICU units to maternity wards, from supervising teams to holding hands in the ICU. Each had a simple, shared message: 'Thank you, Sheikh Hamdan.'
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