UAE Expands 10-Year Residency to New Talent Categories Across Key Sectors
The UAE continues to solidify its status as a global magnet for top talent by expanding its 10-year Golden Visa to include a broader range of professionals. From educators and nurses to yacht owners and gaming experts, the initiative is opening new doors for individuals across diverse fields to live, work, and thrive in the country without the need for sponsorship.
Here are the latest categories added to the Golden Visa programme: 1. Teachers and Educators
In 2024, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah introduced long-term residency for outstanding educators. Dubai made the announcement on World Teacher's Day, granting Golden Visas to private school teachers based on their impact on student development and education quality. Ras Al Khaimah soon followed, extending the visa to school leaders and teachers with at least three years of experience in the emirate, an advanced degree, and measurable contributions to school performance. 2. Nurses
On International Nurses Day, May 12, Dubai honoured long-serving healthcare professionals by granting Golden Visas to nurses who have worked with Dubai Health for over 15 years. The initiative recognises the critical role nurses play in supporting community health and well-being. 3. Luxury Yacht Owners and Maritime Executives
Abu Dhabi launched the 'Golden Quay' initiative in late 2024, targeting high-net-worth individuals in the maritime sector. Eligible yacht owners—whose vessels are 40 metres or longer—as well as key industry executives, can now obtain 10-year visas. The programme also covers immediate family members, aiming to attract further investment into the emirate's growing yachting industry. 4. Gaming Professionals and eSports Talent
Dubai's push to become a regional gaming hub took a major leap forward in 2024 when it began offering Golden Visas to gaming professionals. Applicants must be at least 25 years old and demonstrate experience in roles such as eSports players, game developers, or content creators. The visa falls under the culture and arts category, encouraging global talent to set roots in the emirate. 5. Religious Scholars and Imams
In a move to honour long-serving religious figures, Dubai extended Golden Visas in April 2024 to imams, preachers, muezzins, muftis, and researchers who have served the emirate for 20 years or more. The initiative, announced ahead of Eid Al Fitr, underscores the UAE's commitment to preserving religious and cultural values. 6. Content Creators and Influencers
In early 2025, Dubai launched a new initiative through Creators HQ, offering Golden Visas to digital content creators, podcasters, influencers, and visual artists. The programme also invites advertising firms, media production houses, and fashion and lifestyle brands, creating a robust ecosystem for creative industries to flourish in the UAE. 7. Environmentalists – Blue Visa
While technically a different category, the Blue Visa mirrors the Golden Visa's benefits, offering 10-year residency to individuals who've made exceptional contributions to environmental sustainability. This includes members of NGOs, international organisations, scientists, award-winning researchers, and globally recognised environmental activists working to protect ecosystems and promote sustainable living.
The expansion of the UAE's long-term residency programme reflects a strategic push to diversify the nation's talent base and foster innovation across key sectors. By removing traditional barriers like employer sponsorship and frequent visa renewals, the initiative allows outstanding individuals to focus on meaningful work while calling the UAE home.
News Source: Khaleej Times
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
10 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Can new businessman get Golden Visa immediately after investing Dh2 million in property?
Question: I am a businessman who is planning to move to Dubai. Can I invest in property to get a Golden Visa? What are the rules? And do I become eligible for the long-term visa as soon as I make the investment? Can you help detail the process? Answer: In the UAE, a Golden Visa can be granted to an investor who owns one or more real estate properties having a value of not less than Dh2 million, provided that such real estate property may be owned by the investor, singly or jointly. This is in accordance with Article 8 of the Annex Attached to the Cabinet Resolution No. (65) of 2022 Issuing the Executive Regulations of Federal Law by Decree No. (29) of 2021 Concerning the Foreigners Entry and Residence Regulating Golden Residence Permits: '1. The investor shall own one or more real estate property with a total value of not less than (Dh2,000,000) two million dirhams, and the real estate property is wholly owned by the investor. It may be a loan, on condition that the loan is from one of the local banks determined by the competent local authority; '2. The real estate property investor shall when buying one or more real estate property units off the map with a total value of not less than (Dh2,000,000) two million dirhams, on condition that the purchase is made from local companies approved by the competent local authority; and '3. The investor shall have a comprehensive health insurance for himself and his family members throughout the validity term of the residence permit or in accordance with the terms set by the competent local authority. ' Upon approval from the competent authorities, a 10-year long-term residence permit is issued. This Golden Residence Permit allows eligible foreigners and their families to reside independently in the UAE without a guarantor for work, investment, or business, subject to specified terms and conditions. This is under the Article (1) of the annexure attached to the 'Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022' 'The ICA may – after the approval of the competent authorities, as the case may be – issue a long-term residence permit for a period of ten years. The Golden Residence Permit shall be subject to renewal, for certain categories of foreigners and their families, allowing them to self-reside without the need for the Guarantor/the Host Party inside the State for work, investment, business start-up or stay in the State in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in this resolution.' The procedural steps for obtaining the Golden Visa based on real estate property investment include: Acquisition of qualifying property Registration of ownership and issuance of a title deed by Dubai Land Department Submission of the Golden Visa application through the DLD, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, or designated smart platforms (e.g., Dubai REST) Completion of supporting formalities, including medical fitness test and Emirates ID registration Issuance of a 10-year residency visa, subject to continued compliance with eligibility requirements. Based on the aforementioned provisions of the law, as a businessman intending to move to Dubai, you may be eligible for the UAE Golden Visa upon investing in real estate property with a minimum investment of Dh2 million, subject to the conditions set by the competent local authority. For detailed guidance and to initiate the application, you may contact the GDRFA or apply through the DLD or any authorised smart platform.
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Gulf Today
UAE plans 3-year fee exemption for content creators, age rating system for media content
The UAE Media Council launched a comprehensive system to regulate, empower, and stimulate growth in the media sector. This initiative builds upon the transformative journey initiated with the Council's establishment in February 2023 and the subsequent issuance of the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation. The announcement was made during a press conference, held on Thursday at Creators HQ in Emirates Towers, Dubai, in the presence of Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, and Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policies Sector at the UAE Media Council. Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi emphasised the Council's ongoing commitment to launching a new media system that embodies the UAE leadership's vision for a modern and integrated media landscape. This system aims to drive a transformative shift in the development of the UAE's media sector, ensuring its continued regional and global leadership, as envisioned by the UAE's leadership. Al Shehhi stated, "The new system transforms the way the media sector is regulated and developed, as it combines updated legislation, comprehensive media services, and policies covering various sectors to enhance efficiency and sustainable growth.' Al Shehhi highlighted the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation as a milestone for a new era of competitiveness and leadership for the UAE media sector. As the first media law issued in over 40 years, it establishes a solid foundation for a future-proof media landscape, addressing advancements in digital media, artificial intelligence, gaming, on-demand broadcasting, and other evolving fields. He added, "This system was developed over two years, through close collaboration with federal and local entities, media organisations, content creators, and international experts, reflecting a belief in partnership-based legislation grounded in practical application. This approach ensures responsiveness to change, empowers talent, fosters innovation, and attracts investment.' Furthermore, Al Shehhi noted that the new media system goes beyond establishing frameworks, focusing on content as the core of the industry. "We ensured that it incorporates clear standards for responsible, balanced content that respects values and identity while promoting creativity and impact," he said, emphasising the importance of creative individuals as the foundation of effective media. Al Shehhi concluded, "The goal is to empower the media sector to become a driving force for development and a vital economic engine contributing to the national GDP and enhancing the UAE's regional and global competitiveness. The new system aims to unlock potential, stimulate investment, and empower content creators through a flexible environment, streamlined procedures, incentivising exemptions, and strategic partnerships at both local and international levels." Maitha Al Suwaidi stated that the UAE Media Council is spearheading a transformation of the national media landscape, achieved through a comprehensive legislative roadmap designed to modernise the sector's regulatory framework and create a flexible, contemporary environment. She noted that this environment will both keep pace with global media trends and foster a more impactful and sustainable media industry. Al Suwaidi explained that this roadmap goes beyond traditional legal frameworks, as it includes not only the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation but also a series of policies and regulatory decisions reflecting a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by new media, with the aim of enhancing media practices to ensure they align with the UAE's core values. A key element of this system is a new resolution regulating social media advertising by individuals. This measure aims to build public trust, protect audiences, and improve the quality of online media content. "It also offers concrete support to content creators through a three-year exemption from permit fees," she stated. Furthermore, Al Suwaidi stated that the Council is implementing a comprehensive age rating system for media content to safeguard children and adolescents from inappropriate material, particularly crucial given the rise in digital content consumption. She also noted a new policy for licensing digital news platforms is also being developed, to establish clear professional and regulatory guidelines to enhance credibility, ensure adherence to journalistic standards, and promote responsible practices within a balanced legal framework. Regarding regulations, Al Suwaidi highlighted the adoption of the Cabinet's resolution on media service fees and the resolution on violations and administrative penalties, representing a significant step towards a unified, flexible, and transparent media services system. This user-friendly system aligns with the UAE government's vision for proactive and integrated digital services, streamlining processes for media organisations and content creators within a growth-oriented regulatory environment. She emphasised that the local content empowerment policy is central to this system, prioritising Emirati talent and creative projects within the national media strategy, with fee exemptions for several media services to support local producers, writers, and creatives, and encourage content that reflects national identity and elevates the quality of the media message. In conclusion, Al Suwaidi stated that this new legislative system represents a pivotal moment in the development of a modern Emirati media landscape founded on transparency, professionalism, and quality. It provides media organisations and content creators with a robust regulatory structure that enhances their production capabilities and unlocks opportunities for growth and global competitiveness. WAM
Hi Dubai
3 days ago
- Hi Dubai
UAE Media Council Launches New System to Modernise and Grow Media Sector
The UAE Media Council has unveiled a sweeping new system to regulate, empower, and accelerate the growth of the country's media sector, marking a major step in modernising the regulatory framework and positioning the UAE as a global media leader. Announced at a press conference held today at Creators HQ in Emirates Towers, Dubai, the initiative builds on the momentum of the Council's formation in February 2023 and the introduction of the landmark Media Regulation Law—the first in over four decades. Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, described the system as a transformative shift that integrates updated legislation, comprehensive media services, and sector-specific policies. 'It's a future-proof approach developed in collaboration with government bodies, media organisations, and international experts to foster innovation, attract investment, and empower talent,' he said. Al Shehhi highlighted that the framework is designed to strengthen the UAE's media competitiveness regionally and globally. Key elements include content standards that uphold national values, strategic incentives for content creators, and streamlined procedures to stimulate sustainable sector growth. Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policies at the Council, emphasised the system's focus on creating a flexible and modern media environment. Among the new measures is a regulation targeting social media advertising, offering content creators a three-year exemption from permit fees and introducing quality controls to build public trust. Additional initiatives include a digital content age-rating system, licensing frameworks for online news platforms, and fee exemptions to support Emirati creatives. Al Suwaidi described the launch as a pivotal moment in shaping a professional, transparent, and impactful media ecosystem aligned with the UAE's national vision. News Source: Emirates News Agency
