Latest news with #GoldenResidency
Time Out Dubai
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
How being an epic gamer could get you a 10-year Golden Residency Visa in Dubai
Yes, you read that correctly. If you know what Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start means, then you could unlock a 10-year Golden Residency Visa in Dubai. The golden visa is the final boss of living in Dubai and the rest of the UAE as it allows you a long-term stay without having to regularly renew your visa. To qualify you need to meet very high standards in your field and, naturally, the gaming visa is no different. You might also like: 7 major Dubai visa changes you need to know about in 2025 The gaming industry is big business globally with latest estimates valuing it in the hundreds of billions of American dollars per year. For context, this is multiple times the amount that the music and film industry generates. So, it's no surprise that Dubai wants in on the action. The city government has set up a special website dedicated to the Dubai Program For Gaming 2033, which will focus on bringing talent, content and tech for the industry to the emirate. Dubai aims to increase its Gross Domestic Product by Dhs3.6 billion ($1 billion) by 2033 from gaming alone and create 30,000 jobs in the industry. Working in gaming tech such as VR could soon be big business in Dubai (Credit: Adobe Express) However, the visa is targeted at professionals involved in making the games that we love rather than those of you who are amazing at Mario Kart or Football Manager (such as the editor of this article perhaps). So, how exactly do you get the Dubai gaming visa? What you need for the Dubai Gaming Visa On the Dubai government's gaming website, there's a portal where you're able to apply for accreditation for the gaming residency visa. The golden visa has several industry categories for talented workers and investors to fall into. The gaming visa will fall under the culture and arts category. But without first completing the step with Dubai Culture, your application will likely be unsuccessful. Applicants must be 25 years old and personally submit their application. The documents you'll need are a copy of our passport (with your residence permit and ID card if available), your professional CV, a portfolio of your best work in the video game industry from the past five years and a cover letter. The video gaming visa form will ask you which sub-category you fall under and you may choose from the following: Animation/illustration Educator – video games Game designer Game developer Game producer Game publishing/operations So, while the visa is a gaming visa in name, the likes of eSports athletes or any gaming champions likely would not be eligible for this specific visa. You will also be advised to fill in at least one social media profile link, with the website strongly hinting to put your Instagram account name in if nothing else. The second stage, or level if we want to keep up the gaming parlance, will ask you to expand on your career information. Here, you'll need to provide: Years of experience Number of artistic works Number of artistic and creative participation Number of academic certifications Number of local and international memberships Number of local and international memberships Number of intellectual dissemination of creative works locally and internationally On level three, you'll then upload the usual documents you need to get your hands on a visa. These are: Valid passport copy Portfolio CV Cover letter Employment letter Academic certificates Local and international memberships\ The Dubai gaming visa aims to grow the industry in the emirate (Credit: Adobe Express) And once you've supplied all of that information, you'll then be able to submit your application. You'll eventually be notified via email whether or not you've been successful. If you have obtained the Dubai Culture gaming visa accreditation then you'll be able to start the golden visa application process. You can find out more about the golden visa application in our complete guide to obtaining one. Good luck gamers. Essential guides to living in Dubai How to live in Dubai without working You need a self-sponsored visa The best restaurants in Dubai More than 50 tried and tested venues Dubai happy hours: Best bar deals, offers and discounts Cheap drinks every night of the week? You've come to the right place
Daily Tribune
10-03-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Expats shift to property ownership in Bahrain
Expats are moving away from the rental market and investing in property in Bahrain, driven by the Golden Residency scheme and a growing sense that real estate here offers a more secure investment. A report by Savills presents a market benefiting from demographic shifts, greater affordability, and a government focused on sustaining growth, despite broader economic pressures across the region. Luxury flats have risen in price — up 1.4 per cent over the year — while affluent buyers are opting for high-end homes equipped with premium features. Rents have climbed by 23 per cent across the country, with nearly half of all leases concentrated in the Capital Governorate. Attraction Diyar Al Muharraq, Manama Waterfront, and Juffair continue to attract investors, while developers are rolling out new neighbourhoods that integrate residential, retail, and commercial spaces. To meet demand, the Urban Planning and Development Authority has allocated an additional 208,000 square metres for housing. The office market, however, has struggled. Demand remains sluggish. However, new projects such as Saya Corp Tower and Future Generation Tower, which are set for completion in 2025, are expected to bring changes to the market. In the industrial sector, Bahrain's efforts to strengthen manufacturing have driven demand for warehouses. Larger storage spaces have seen rental costs increase by 2.1 per cent, while smaller units have remained stable. The report highlights Bahrain's real estate market as a key driver of economic growth, and with new infrastructure developments underway.
Express Tribune
01-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
UAE awards 16,500 Golden Visas to outstanding students and specialists
The Golden Residency initiative, which grants long-term visas to outstanding students, researchers, and specialists, is part of the UAE's broader strategy to attract and retain top talent. PHOTO: PEXELS In an important move to bolster the education sector, the UAE has granted Golden Residency to 16,456 outstanding students and educational specialists, according to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). Among the recipients, top-performing high school students make up the largest group, with 10,710 students benefiting from the long-term visa. This is followed by 5,246 graduates from accredited universities within the UAE, 337 education specialists, 147 graduates from global institutions, and 16 elite scholars in the field of education. The announcement was made by Maj-Gen Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, on the occasion of Emirati Education Day, observed on February 28. He emphasized that the UAE remains at the forefront of global education, with policies designed to nurture talent and equip students with the latest knowledge and skills. 'The UAE's educational strategy aims to build well-informed and skilled national cadres, ensuring they stay ahead in an evolving global landscape,' Al Khaili stated. He also reaffirmed ICP's commitment to supporting the country's leadership and educational initiatives. The Golden Residency initiative, which grants long-term visas to outstanding students, researchers, and specialists, is part of the UAE's broader strategy to attract and retain top talent. Al Khaili noted that the program has provided stability and motivation for students, professionals, and their families, reinforcing the UAE's position as a leading hub for education and innovation
Khaleej Times
01-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE grants 16,500 Golden Visas to outstanding students, specialists
In a significant boost to the UAE's education sector, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) said the total number of beneficiaries of the Golden Residency scheme has reached 16,456. This includes top-performing high school graduates, educational specialists, and outstanding university graduates from both local and international institutions. To date, top high school students are the group with the highest number of Golden Residency holders in the country, totaling 10,710 students. This is followed by the category of outstanding graduates from accredited universities inside the country, with a total of 5,246 graduates, then the education specialists with a total of 337 specialists, followed by outstanding graduates from accredited universities abroad, with a total of 147 graduates, and finally, scholars (elite in educational fields) with a total of 16 scholars. Maj-Gen Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, ICP director general of the, made the announcement on the occasion of the Emirati Education Day, which falls on February 28. He noted 'the UAE is one of the leading countries in the field of education.' 'The Emirati educational strategy aims to build aware and educated national cadres capable of acquiring the latest skills and knowledge,' he added, while highlighting ICP's 'commitment to supporting the directives of the wise leadership and the relevant authorities in the country in the field of education.' Al Khaili also clarified granting Golden Residency to outstanding individuals in the education sector and accredited global universities is one of the innovative tools and initiatives implemented by the Authority to support the educational strategy and the national economy in the UAE. 'This initiative has served as an incentive for many workers, students, and their families to achieve excellence and stability in the UAE, he added.
