Good morning from The National on May 17, 2024.
Here is your digest of what is making the headlines in the Emirates.
The UAE has announced a new long-term residency scheme called the Blue Visa.
It will grant a 10-year residency to people who have made “exceptional contributions” towards protecting the nation's environment.
Announced on Wednesday after a Cabinet meeting led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the decision aligns with the country’s long-term goals of making the UAE more sustainable.
The new visa is the latest to be introduced in the UAE, following the Golden Visa, which also offers a 10-year residency.
A number of other initiatives, such as the Green and Remote Working visas, have also been issued in recent years.
One of the country's leading recruiters said visas offering long-term stays in the UAE have been a big success so far.
“The biggest benefit [of a 10-year visa] is that it has made it possible to live here without needing to be under the sponsorship of a company,” said David Mackenzie, group managing director of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones.
“It gives you so much freedom.”
Read Patrick Ryan's full story here
Dialysis in 39 countries: Globe-trotting kidney patient has treatment on Abu Dhabi holiday
A Portuguese dialysis patient is not letting his condition restrict his travel options, after receiving treatment in Abu Dhabi on holiday this week.
Filipe Amado de Almeida, 35, started needing dialysis three times a week in 2017, after his kidneys stopped working properly when he was 12 because of an autoimmune disease.
The father of three spends six hours at a time attached to a machine to remove waste products and excess fluid from his blood.
This initially felt like “the end of the world” for the avid traveller, but Mr Almeida was determined not to let his condition stop him from visiting all of the countries on his travel list.
He made Abu Dhabi his 42nd holiday destination this week, attending Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week for two days before having dialysis on Wednesday. He has now had dialysis in 39 countries.
“When I started dialysis, I felt like this was the end of the world. My life had stopped and I was never going to travel again,” Mr Almeida told The National.
“I realised that dialysis would never stop but it should not stop my life. I needed to take care of my kids, and I began travelling a lot.”
Read more from Shireena Al Nowais here
Government offers 'unwavering support' for UAE creatives with Dh100,000 grants
The Ministry of Culture has launched the second National Grant Programme for Culture and Creativity.
It is aimed at helping Emirati creatives with their projects and is accepting online applications until June 1.
It is open to projects with books and literature, music, film and TV, performing arts and theatre, visual arts and design, video games, and those exploring cultural heritage.
The grants are in four categories across seven fields. The Creation and Production Grant offers up to Dh100,000 to help finance the production of new works.
The Promotion and Local Participations Grant offers up to Dh80,000 to bolster promotion, distribution and publication efforts.
The Capacity Development Grant offers up to Dh50,000 to selected applicants looking to hone their skills through residencies, specialised training or short courses.
Finally, the International Travel and Mobility Grant will help with participation in international events and opportunities, as well as funding costs related to travel and accommodation. It will offer grants of up to Dh50,000.
Read Razmig Bedirian's full report here
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COMING UP
- The National Youth Orchestra Celebration Gala Concert 2024: Dubai Opera – May 18
- Abu Dhabi Comedy Week – New York Legends: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi – May 20-21
FACT OF THE DAY
Al Ghurair Foods has started developing its new poultry farm at Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi. It is the first of its three planned mega food processing projects aimed at boosting the UAE’s production capabilities and food security. Read more here
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