By Staff Reporter
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
