UAE launches first phase of 10-year blue visa programme for environmental champions

Visa is aimed at individuals working in land and marine protection, as well as on air quality and sustainable technology

The first phase of the UAE's blue visa programme has been launched. Antonie Robertson/The National

The UAE launched the first phase of the blue visa, announcing the details of the 10-year residency permit at the World Governments Summit on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), said 20 sustainability thought leaders and innovators will receive permits in the first phase.

The visa will be granted to individuals who make exceptional contributions and efforts in the field of protecting the environment, whether marine or land. Work towards improving air quality and sustainable technologies will also be rewarded.

What is the blue visa?

First announced in May, the blue visa is a 10-year residency permit designed for individuals who have made an exceptional contribution towards the environment’s protection and sustainability, both inside and outside the UAE, state news agency Wam reported.

It is given to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organisations, international companies, and members of associations and non-governmental organisations. People can apply directly via the ICP website, or be nominated by a UAE authority.

"This initiative aims to leverage their contributions to achieve ambitious national goals and build a sustainable future for the people of the UAE and the world,” Dr Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Cop28 President and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, praised the launch of the blue visa scheme. UAE Presidential Court

Why is it important?

The announcement of a blue visa for contributions to protecting the environment is groundbreaking, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Cop28 President and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said in May.

“The blue residency visa aims to attract global environmental leaders to contribute to the UAE's sustainable economic and social development," said Dr Al Jaber. "It underscores the nation's dedication to leveraging advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to create impactful solutions. "With a forward-thinking approach, these solutions will address climate challenges and transform them into opportunities for a brighter future for humanity and our planet.”

Dr Al Jaber said the blue visa was in line with the legacy created by the Cop28 conference, the UN climate change summit that took place in Dubai in 2023.

What other visas are available in the UAE?

Residency visa for people working in the private sector – This is the most common visa available in the UAE. It lasts for two years before requiring renewal and is sponsored by a person's employer.

Golden visa – This is a 10-year visa awarded to people under a number of categories. You could be a property investor, entrepreneur, highly talented person, nurse, doctor, director, sportsperson, holder of a PhD, specialist, or an outstanding pupil.

Green visa – This is available to those who have their own businesses and are not working for, or sponsored by, an employer. The green visa lasts for five years.

A five-year residency is also available for freelancers and self-employed people, without the need to obtain a sponsor or employer in the UAE.

Investors establishing or participating in commercial activities are also eligible for a green visa.

Remote working visa – In March 2021, the UAE announced the introduction of a residence permit for remote workers, which came into effect in September 2022.

Golden visa for students – A high-school pupil who has achieved excellent results can be granted a golden visa for five years without a sponsor.

This can be extended if the course they are studying lasts for more than five years.

Tourist visa – A 60-day visit visa for tourists is now standard, instead of the previous 30-day one.

Multi-entry visa – The five-year multi-entry tourist visa does not require a sponsor and allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 90 consecutive days, as long as they have $4,000 or its equivalent in their bank account.

The World Governments Summit – in pictures

Elon Musk speaks through video link with Omar Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications. Antonie Robertson / The National

Former British prime minister Boris Johnson speaks to Richard Quest of CNN on the second day of the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

Emad El Din Adeeb, of Sky News Arabia, left, with Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the Arab League, and Jasem Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Co-operation Council, right, at the summit. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dr Kamal Kharazi, head of Iran's Strategic Council on Foreign Relations. Antonie Robertson/The National

Brian Niccol, right, chief executive of Starbucks, speaks to John Defterios. Antonie Robertson / The National

Former UK prime minister Tony Blair. Antonie Robertson / The National

Visitors attending day two of the summit in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

Makhtar Diop, managing director of the International Finance Corporation. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, right, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, attend the World Governments Summit. Wam

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, meets Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, on the first day of the summit. Wam

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, presents the GovTech Prize to a winner at the summit. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mansour meets Adylbek Kasymaliev, chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan. Hassan Bargash Al Menhali / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, with Bui Thanh Son, Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Wam

Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, alongside Richard Quest of CNN. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, hands over a Global Government Excellence Award at the event at Madinat Jumeirah. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait, addresses the summit. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Jason Miller, senior adviser to US President Donald Trump. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Andrzej Duda, President of Poland. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Mohammed Al Shehhi, Secretary General of the UAE Media Council. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy and Remote Work Application, and Robin Li, co-founder and chief executive of Baidu, discussing emerging technologies. Mr Al Olama is also vice chairman of the World Governments Summit. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and chairman of the World Governments Summit, speaks at the Madinat Jumeirah complex. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A Dubai Railbus vehicle on display. Testing of the sustainable transport project is expected to be complete in two years. Chris Whiteoak / The National