Novak Djokovic said it was an “honour” to be the latest beneficiary of UAE's golden card residency scheme, shortly after winning the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title on Saturday evening.
The golden card, which was announced in May last year by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, is a 10-year residency visa. Soon after its launch, more than 400 businesspeople and investors, including some of their families, were granted the visa, with dozens more receiving it each day.
Earlier this month, local reports claimed Djokovic and football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo were among the recipients of the golden visa.
“I’m not really yet sure about all the benefits and privileges of that honour,” Djokovic, 32, said during his press conference after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas to win his fifth Dubai title.
“I am grateful because I've been friends for years with His Highness [Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai]. I want to thank him for allowing me to train at his facility for the years I've been coming to Dubai.
“The golden visa is, I like to think, a positive consequence of the relationship that we have, as well, alongside other big athletes like Ronaldo. I'm honoured to be in that group.”
Djokovic has been a frequent visitor to the UAE over the years. He has competed in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 11 times, winning the title in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 and now this year. The 17-time Grand Slam champion has also played at the pre-season Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi on six occasions.
“Dubai has been a very important city in my career, not just because of the tournament, but because I've been coming as a tourist here and using this as a base for pre-season training,” Djokovic said.
“I really enjoy it. I can't wait to come back again. If you ask my children, they'll probably be even more excited to come back to Dubai.”
