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Time of India
02-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE adds more professionals to Golden Visa list: 6 key things you should know
A fresh wave of reforms is reshaping residency rights in the United Arab Emirates, as the country moves to widen the gates of its prestigious Golden Visa programme. Announced in May 2025, the latest expansion brings five new professional categories into the fold, a clear signal that the UAE is doubling down on its ambition to attract global talent across sectors beyond traditional finance and tech. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Healthcare workers, private educators, digital creators, e-sports professionals, and luxury yacht owners can now access a 10-year, self-sponsored residency, complete with family sponsorship, under one of the Gulf's most liberalised immigration frameworks. The move is part of a broader economic transformation strategy aimed at positioning the UAE as a destination for long-term settlement, not just short-term opportunity. Below is a breakdown of what's changing, who qualifies, and why the policy matters. Nurses with over 15 years of service now qualify Timed with International Nurses Day, Dubai Health confirmed that long-serving nurses with at least 15 years of continuous experience are now eligible for the Golden Visa. The announcement, made under the directive of Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, acknowledges the vital role of frontline health workers and supports the emirate's medical tourism ambitions. According to the Dubai Health Authority, Dubai hosts more than 3.7 million medical tourists annually, a figure expected to rise in the coming years. Private school and university educators included Teachers and university faculty in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah have also been brought under the Golden Visa umbrella. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Department of Knowledge (RAK DOK) will oversee the implementation, which aims to retain top educational talent in a system ranked among the world's top ten by UNESCO. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Eligible educators will be permitted to sponsor their families, providing a stable, long-term pathway that contrasts with more restrictive visa regimes in neighbouring countries. Digital creators get a visa track of their own Filmmakers, content creators, and digital influencers now have access to an independent visa track through Creators HQ. Announced at the 1 Billion Followers Summit, this pathway does not require employer sponsorship, making it especially attractive to freelancers and digital entrepreneurs. Dubai's creative economy currently contributes an estimated $2 billion per year, according to the Department of Economic Development, a figure expected to grow as digital-first talent relocates to the emirate. E-sports professionals join the list With the gaming industry booming across the region, professionals over the age of 25 working in e-sports and game development are now eligible for long-term residency. Applications can be made through Dubai's DPG33 initiative, with mandatory accreditation from Dubai Culture. Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism has adopted a similar model. According to Statista, the UAE's gaming sector is valued at $1.8 billion, while Esports Insider reports that Abu Dhabi hosts around 20% of global gaming events. Luxury yacht owners and executives now eligible Under the new Golden Quay initiative, Abu Dhabi has opened the visa programme to yacht owners with vessels exceeding 40 meters in length and executives within the luxury maritime sector. The inclusion reflects the emirate's push to grow its $1.2 billion maritime tourism economy, according to AD Ports. Visa holders under this category are eligible to sponsor family members, further incentivising long-term residence and investment. Streamlined application, global edge The Golden Visa programme remains self-sponsored and application-based, with a streamlined process handled through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Processing takes roughly 30 days, considerably shorter than similar skilled migration schemes in Australia or Singapore. Applicants must provide proof of qualifications, professional contributions, or ownership, depending on their category. Family sponsorship is available across most tracks, reinforcing the UAE's long-term settlement model. Aligned with vision 2030 The expansion forms a key pillar of the UAE's Vision 2030, which targets the attraction of 100,000 skilled professionals to drive innovation-led growth. CBRE data shows non-oil sectors contributed 8% GDP growth in 2024, gains now reinforced by talent acquisition across healthcare, education, gaming, and luxury tourism. LinkedIn data also reveals a 70% retention rate among Golden Visa holders, underscoring the programme's success in anchoring top global professionals. A shift in regional policy thinking Unlike temporary employment visas common across the Gulf, the UAE's model encourages permanence, entrepreneurship, and autonomy. With over 20,000 Golden Visas issued since the programme's launch in 2019, the latest expansion further distances the Emirates from its regional counterparts in terms of immigration policy and economic openness. By extending the Golden Visa to these newly prioritised sectors, the UAE sends a clear message: the future belongs to creators, caregivers, and innovators, and they are welcome to build that future from within its borders.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE Golden Visa Expands: These five new professionals are eligible - do you qualify?
The UAE's expanded Golden Visa now welcomes professionals from healthcare, education, digital media, gaming, and luxury yachting with 10-year residency benefits/Representative Image. In a significant move to strengthen its position as a global hub for innovation and skilled professionals, the United Arab Emirates has announced the expansion of its prestigious Golden Visa program. This update, made public in May 2025, adds five new eligibility categories to the 10-year residency scheme. Professionals from diverse fields including healthcare, education, digital content, e-sports, and maritime luxury can now access long-term residency benefits without employer sponsorship, making the UAE an increasingly attractive destination for global talent and their families. New Golden Visa Categories and Who Can Apply The UAE's Golden Visa program, originally launched in 2019, now encompasses a broader range of professionals with the aim of accelerating economic diversification and attracting knowledge-based talent. The five newly introduced categories are: 1. Nurses With Long-Term Service On May 12, 2025, coinciding with International Nurses Day, Dubai Health, under the directive of Sheikh Hamdan, announced 10-year visas for nurses with over 15 years of service. This decision honours the critical role of nurses in healthcare, especially as Dubai receives around 3.7 million medical tourists annually, according to Dubai Health Authority (DHA) data. 2. Teachers and Educators Private school teachers, principals, and university academic staff in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah are now eligible for the visa. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai and RAK DOK in Ras Al Khaimah manage the scheme, which recognizes academic excellence and allows for family sponsorship. The initiative aims to elevate the UAE's already strong educational system, which ranks 10th globally per UNESCO. 3. Content Creators Launched at the 1 Billion Followers Summit , the creative residency track targets filmmakers and social media influencers. Managed by Creators HQ, this visa requires no employer sponsorship, making it particularly attractive to digital nomads and freelancers. The move supports Dubai's growing media industry, which contributes $2 billion annually, according to Dubai's Department of Economic Development (DED). 4. E-Sports and Gaming Professionals Applicants aged over 25 can now apply through Dubai's DPG33 initiative and require accreditation from Dubai Culture. Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) extends similar benefits, reinforcing the UAE's presence in the booming global gaming sector. With a gaming market valued at $1.8 billion and major events drawing significant footfall, the UAE is becoming a key player in the e-sports landscape, according to Statista. 5. Luxury Yacht Owners Under Abu Dhabi's Golden Quay initiative, owners of yachts longer than 40 meters, as well as executives in the yacht industry, are eligible for the 10-year residency. The visa includes family sponsorship and supports the emirate's luxury maritime tourism industry, currently valued at $1.2 billion, per AD Ports. Strategic Vision and Economic Impact The Golden Visa expansion is a strategic component of the UAE's Vision 2030, which aims to transition the national economy away from oil dependence by attracting 100,000 skilled professionals by 2030, as reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM). The updated program is designed to reinforce critical sectors: Healthcare and Education: Bolstered by long-serving nurses and educators, which in turn support Dubai's ambition to be a leading medical and academic destination. Creative Economy: Driven by digital content creators and gamers. Dubai's gaming-related events alone attract approximately 500,000 visitors every year, according to the Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET). Maritime and Luxury Tourism: Strengthened through the inclusion of luxury yacht owners, contributing to the 8% GDP growth in non-oil sectors, per CBRE. By allowing family sponsorship across most new categories, the UAE encourages long-term settlement and community integration, a feature that differentiates it from neighbouring nations such as Qatar, where residency options remain limited. Simplified Process and Global Edge Unlike traditional residency systems that require employer sponsorship, the UAE's Golden Visa is self-sponsored. Applications are submitted through the ICP's online portal or licensed government-affiliated agencies in Dubai. Required documents vary by category and include: Verified qualifications and experience Evidence of impact or contributions (for creatives and educators) Proof of ownership (for yacht owners) Processing takes around 30 days, according to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) significantly faster than countries like Singapore, where approval may take up to 90 days, as per the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The system's simplicity and flexibility especially appeal to freelancers and independent professionals, making it competitive with other programs such as: Canada's Express Entry Australia's Skilled Migration Visa Singapore's Global Talent Programme Crucially, this approach has helped retain top talent, with 70% of Golden Visa holders remaining in the UAE after initial issuance, as per LinkedIn data. Positioning the UAE on the Global Stage The Golden Visa program is not just a residency plan, it's part of a broader strategy to shape the UAE's global identity as a destination for opportunity, innovation, and investment. Since its launch in 2019, the program has already issued 20,000 Golden Visas, according to WAM. Emirates (EK) and Etihad (EY) airlines enhance accessibility with routes to over 150 global destinations, facilitating international arrivals. Dubai alone is home to 15,000 startups, according to Dubai Development Authority (DDA), highlighting the country's robust entrepreneurial landscape. Abu Dhabi hosts 20% of all global gaming events, per Esports Insider, cementing the UAE's reputation as a growing powerhouse in the gaming sector. The UAE's tax-free regime, combined with long-term residency and high-end infrastructure, continues to attract high-net-worth individuals and top-tier professionals globally.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE Golden Visa: Welcoming 5 new professional categories, see if you qualify
In a significant move to strengthen its position as a global hub for innovation and skilled professionals, the United Arab Emirates has announced the expansion of its prestigious Golden Visa program. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This update, made public in May 2025, adds five new eligibility categories to the 10-year residency scheme. Professionals from diverse fields including healthcare, education, digital content, e-sports, and maritime luxury can now access long-term residency benefits without employer sponsorship, making the UAE an increasingly attractive destination for global talent and their families. New Golden Visa Categories and Who Can Apply The UAE's Golden Visa program, originally launched in 2019, now encompasses a broader range of professionals with the aim of accelerating economic diversification and attracting knowledge-based talent. The five newly introduced categories are: 1. Nurses With Long-Term Service On May 12, 2025, coinciding with International Nurses Day, Dubai Health, under the directive of Sheikh Hamdan, announced 10-year visas for nurses with over 15 years of service. This decision honours the critical role of nurses in healthcare, especially as Dubai receives around 3.7 million medical tourists annually, according to Dubai Health Authority (DHA) data. 2. Teachers and Educators Private school teachers, principals, and university academic staff in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah are now eligible for the visa. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai and RAK DOK in Ras Al Khaimah manage the scheme, which recognizes academic excellence and allows for family sponsorship. The initiative aims to elevate the UAE's already strong educational system, which ranks 10th globally per UNESCO. 3. Content Creators Launched at the 1 Billion Followers Summit , the creative residency track targets filmmakers and social media influencers. Managed by Creators HQ, this visa requires no employer sponsorship, making it particularly attractive to digital nomads and freelancers. The move supports Dubai's growing media industry, which contributes $2 billion annually, according to Dubai's Department of Economic Development (DED). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 4. E-Sports and Gaming Professionals Applicants aged over 25 can now apply through Dubai's DPG33 initiative and require accreditation from Dubai Culture. Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) extends similar benefits, reinforcing the UAE's presence in the booming global gaming sector. With a gaming market valued at $1.8 billion and major events drawing significant footfall, the UAE is becoming a key player in the e-sports landscape, according to Statista. 5. Luxury Yacht Owners Under Abu Dhabi's Golden Quay initiative, owners of yachts longer than 40 meters, as well as executives in the yacht industry, are eligible for the 10-year residency. The visa includes family sponsorship and supports the emirate's luxury maritime tourism industry, currently valued at $1.2 billion, per AD Ports. Strategic Vision and Economic Impact The Golden Visa expansion is a strategic component of the UAE's Vision 2030, which aims to transition the national economy away from oil dependence by attracting 100,000 skilled professionals by 2030, as reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM). The updated program is designed to reinforce critical sectors: Healthcare and Education: Bolstered by long-serving nurses and educators, which in turn support Dubai's ambition to be a leading medical and academic destination. Creative Economy: Driven by digital content creators and gamers. Dubai's gaming-related events alone attract approximately 500,000 visitors every year, according to the Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET). Maritime and Luxury Tourism: Strengthened through the inclusion of luxury yacht owners, contributing to the 8% GDP growth in non-oil sectors, per CBRE. By allowing family sponsorship across most new categories, the UAE encourages long-term settlement and community integration, a feature that differentiates it from neighbouring nations such as Qatar, where residency options remain limited. Simplified Process and Global Edge Unlike traditional residency systems that require employer sponsorship, the UAE's Golden Visa is self-sponsored. Applications are submitted through the ICP's online portal or licensed government-affiliated agencies in Dubai. Required documents vary by category and include: Verified qualifications and experience Evidence of impact or contributions (for creatives and educators) Proof of ownership (for yacht owners) Processing takes around 30 days, according to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) significantly faster than countries like Singapore, where approval may take up to 90 days, as per the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The system's simplicity and flexibility especially appeal to freelancers and independent professionals, making it competitive with other programs such as: Canada's Express Entry Australia's Skilled Migration Visa Singapore's Global Talent Programme Crucially, this approach has helped retain top talent, with 70% of Golden Visa holders remaining in the UAE after initial issuance, as per LinkedIn data. Positioning the UAE on the Global Stage The Golden Visa program is not just a residency plan, it's part of a broader strategy to shape the UAE's global identity as a destination for opportunity, innovation, and investment. Since its launch in 2019, the program has already issued 20,000 Golden Visas, according to WAM. Emirates (EK) and Etihad (EY) airlines enhance accessibility with routes to over 150 global destinations, facilitating international arrivals. (EY) airlines enhance accessibility with routes to over 150 global destinations, facilitating international arrivals. Dubai alone is home to 15,000 startups, according to Dubai Development Authority (DDA), highlighting the country's robust entrepreneurial landscape. Abu Dhabi hosts 20% of all global gaming events, per Esports Insider, cementing the UAE's reputation as a growing powerhouse in the gaming sector. The UAE's tax-free regime, combined with long-term residency and high-end infrastructure, continues to attract high-net-worth individuals and top-tier professionals globally.
The Citizen
21-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Donated blankets keep hospitalised babies warm this winter
The cold days of winter are being held at bay in three paediatric wards of Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital (RMMCH), filled with precious babies who lovingly received donated blankets from a local organisation. For one excited mother, Tryphina Maswanganyi, this blanket means keeping warm while spending cold nights at the hospital with her three-year-old daughter. Read more: Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital celebrates their nurses in International Nurses Day She was overwhelmed by the kind gesture that will now aid in her sickly daughter's wellbeing. 'Nights are cold at the hospital, but now we get to keep warm.' Making this all possible was the Shincheonji Volunteers, a Ferndale-based nonprofit. Their team of seven ventured into the various wards, filled with gentle coos of babies and tender whispers from doting mothers. As they gave away these blankets, they described the gift as one made with love. The recipients' appreciation and excitement was clearly visible as they had their pick from a selection of handmade crocheted and knitted blankets. Xihaluke Mabasa, from the nonprofit, said RMMCH is often faced with many challenges, and they saw fit to help alleviate, at least one of those. He said, one of their principals is to always be of help to those in need. He explained that these blankets were handmade by people across the city, and each one included a special message for its recipient. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Time Out Dubai
20-06-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
7 Dubai visa changes you need to know in 2025
It's no secret that Dubai is one of the best places in the world to live and visit. In the past year, the emirate has introduced a number of new Dubai visa changes and initiatives to make it easier to extend your stay, visit the city and even move with a long-term residence visa. Whether you're interested in moving to Dubai or are looking at extending your stay, it's always worth knowing about the latest visa news. Here's what you need to know. The Blue visa has launched The 10-year blue visa has officially been launched (Credit: Canva) First announced in May of 2024, the blue visa was only officially launched in February 2025. Holders can get The blue visa is a 10-year residence visa aimed towards people who have made a significant positive contribution to the environment inside or outside the UAE. It will be given to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organisations and companies, global award winners, distinguished activists and researchers. The visa is an extension of the highly sought-after UAE golden visa system and the green residency permit which have both been in place for some time. After launching in February, applicants across the world will have 24/7 access to the blue visa service on the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. Nurses to get golden visas Hamdan bin Mohammed issued directives to grant golden visas to nursing staff employed with Dubai Health who have served for more than 15 years. The decision comes in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community and their crucial role in advancing the quality of… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 12, 2025 The highly sought-after golden visa has been granted to nurses in Dubai. Granting holders a 10-year residence, the golden visa is awarded to those who work every day to make Dubai such a great place to live. To coincide with International Nurses Day, observed annually on May 12, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE issued a directive to grant nurses golden visas. Nursing staff who have served Dubai Health for more than 15 years will be issued with the long-term residency visa in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community. The nursing golden visa rewards those who have played a crucial role in advancing the quality of healthcare services in the emirate. Influencers to get golden visa help The Creators HQ in Dubai will help people get a UAE influencers golden visa (Credit: Canva) If you're a content creator then you could be in line for a special long-term residency in the UAE. The influencer golden visa has been rolled out following the 1 Billion Followers Summit in January 2025. Influencers, photographers, writers and more content creators who push the boundaries of creativity and innovation are able to apply via the newly established Creators HQ. The Creators HQ will assist up to 10,000 online personalities with getting their hands on a long-term residence permit. Criteria for applicants to qualify include a proven track record of impactful or creative work and strong potential for contributing to the UAE's creative community. New AI-assisted Dubai visa application Dubai has introduced a new AI-powered digital platform which will make it easier and quicker to renew Dubai visas. Salama will allow people living in the emirate to renew their existing Dubai visa within minutes. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs launched the platform on Monday February 24 to improve the efficiency of government services. Available services include renewing and cancelling the residency of sponsored persons and finding the answers to questions. Dubai visa rules expanded for Indian nationals Indian nationals are now able to get a visa-on-arrival in Dubai and the rest of the UAE following an expansion to the visa rules. Indian passport holders with valid residency permits from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea will now be able to get a visa upon entry at all UAE ports including Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central. Previously rules were expanded to allow Indian nationals with valid European Union, United Kingdom and United States of America permits to also obtain a UAE visa-on-arrival. It means that there is now much less hassle for Indian travellers coming to Dubai. Golden visa for teachers introduced The golden visa is now available to educators (Credit: Adobe Express) Announced on Saturday October 5 in 2024, World Teachers' Day, educators are now able to get their hands on a golden visa. It is available to exceptional educators who have demonstrated outstanding performance and made significant contributions to Dubai's private education sector. Applicants need to meet a certain set of criteria to qualify including success in raising the quality of education at institutions they've worked at and having a positive impact on the wider educational community. The full set of criteria can be found on the Knowledge and Human Development Authority site. It's quicker to get a work visa The work bundle changes outlined (Credit: Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE) Introduced in summer of 2024, the UAE work bundle means it's now quicker to go through the process of applying for a visa. As part of the government's plan to eliminate bureaucracy, the application process has now been reduced from one month down to five days. Previously you needed 16 documents to apply for a residency visa but now you need just five. Life in Dubai In pictures: Dubai then and now See just how much the city has changed through the decades UAE public holidays All the details on the official public and private sector holidays here New restaurants in Dubai that you need to visit right now From casual eats to fine dining, there's bound to be a new venue you'll want to try
