Dubai launches 'talent pass' to attract professionals from around the world

Dubai Airport Free Zone has launched a "talent pass" freelance licence category to attract global media, education, technology, art, marketing and consultancy professionals to the emirate.

This initiative will further boost the free zone's business environment and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global destination for innovators and talent, DAFZ said in a statement on Sunday.

The talent pass will enable freelancers to obtain a three-year residence visa and allow them to rent commercial office space in the free zone that offers flexible costs and remote services.

License holders will have access to the free zone’s customers, who range from international companies to small and medium enterprises as well as entrepreneurs. They will also have access to the free zone’s digital platform that allows them to contact customers for easier access to work, contracts and services.

The free zone is home to more than 1,800 companies in over 20 economic sectors, with multinationals making up more than 30 per cent of those businesses.

The free zone has already signed a preliminary agreement with Dubai Culture and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs to launch the new licence category.

A signing ceremony was attended by Mohammed Al Zarooni, executive chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, Mohamed Al Marri, general director of GDRFA and Hala Badri, director general of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

“This MoU supports our strategic plans for supporting the national economy by enhancing the role of commercial, investment and creative sectors in enhancing the emirate’s gross domestic product, and enables us to contribute to reinforcing Dubai’s position as a creative hub and an incubator for talent,” Mr Al Zarooni said.

The talent pass will enable Dubai’s business community to benefit from the expertise of global creatives, specialists and professionals, he added, saying it gives them the flexibility to access diverse business services at competitive prices.

The preliminary agreement creates the framework for co-operation to process licences, visas and other services that support innovators in establishing, operating and growing their business in the emirate, the statement said.

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The initiative follows Dubai’s strategy for the creative economy that was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, which seeks to double the contribution of the creative sector to Dubai’s gross domestic product.

It also aims to increase the emirate’s ability to attract creative individuals, investors and entrepreneurs, as well as local, regional and international investments.

DAFZ will evaluate and process applications for the talent pass and issue licences to practise commercial activities within the free zone. Dubai Culture will support the cultural visa for licence holders, encourage talent to join the free zone and tap regional and global markets through awareness and communication programmes, the statement said.

“Co-operation with public and private entities has always been a key priority within our strategy to promote cultural mobility and develop the emirate’s creative and knowledge-based sectors,” Ms Badri said.

The talent pass licence will enable Dubai’s business community to benefit from the expertise of global creatives, specialists and professionals

Mohammed Al Zarooni,
executive chairman, Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority

The GDRFA will promote the free zone as a preferred destination for global businesses and the emirate of Dubai as a business-friendly environment that provides talented individuals with the opportunities to expand their reach to a large consumer market, the statement added.

“This supports Dubai’s plan to create an incubator ecosystem that provides opportunities for creative talent to develop themselves and expand their business,” Mr Al Marri said.

The talent pass is part of a portfolio of six licences offered by DAFZ, which includes the commerce licence for commercial activities such as import, export, re-export and general commerce activities.

The free zone also offers: an industrial licence for light manufacturing activities and packaging and assembly; an e-commerce licence for online trading of goods and services and a licence issued in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, allowing DAFZ-registered companies to apply for the department’s licence without the need for an office space outside the free zone. Dafz also issues a services licence for a range of service-based companies, according to the statement.

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LILO & STITCH

Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders

Director: Dean Fleischer Camp

Rating: 4.5/5

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Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?

The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.

The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.

He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.

He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.

He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.

Tips on buying property during a pandemic

Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.

While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.

While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.

Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.

Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.

Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.

Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.

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Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE

Join parent networks
Look beyond school fees
Keep an open mind