Thousands of scientists, researchers and investors were granted permanent residency in the UAE on Tuesday.
Following the orders of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship issued Permanent Golden Residency visas to 2,500 expatriates.
The move is part of efforts to position the UAE as an incubator of talents and skills, reported state news agency Wam. More scientists and researchers are expected to be granted the visa, after Sheikh Mohammed described the group as the “first batch”.
"We celebrate the first batch of scientists, researchers and doctors who were granted permanent residence in the UAE. They include 2,500 scientists, researchers, innovators and investors. We welcome them," Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter.
The visas were delivered to recipients during a special reception held in Abu Dhabi and also attended by Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
The permanent visa residency scheme - known as the Golden Card system - was launched in May.
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A look back at the Business Extra podcast explaining the golden visa
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Read more: UAE's Golden Card business leaders
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Rizwan Sajan, founder and chairman of property developer Danube, was given a golden visa in 2019. At the time, he also welcomed the decision to allow mid-level managers earning Dh30,000 ($8,000) per month to apply for long-term visas. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Dr Azad Moopen, chairman and founder of Aster DM Healthcare, was also granted a 10-year residency visa. Randi Sokoloff / The National -
Fragrance tycoon Mohammed Rahman (C) receives his golden card visa at Dubai's immigration service, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. The businessman, who runs Al Haramain Group, was the first Bangladeshi to receive the visa. Photo: GDRFA -
Firoz Merchant, founder of Pure Gold Jewellers, said it was 'a huge honour' to be granted long-term residency in 2019. Photo: Firoz Merchant -
MA Yusuff Ali, chairman and managing director of supermarket chain Lulu Group, pictured with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, was the first recipient of a golden card. The National -
Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and chairman of VPS Healthcare, receives UAE permanent residency in summer 2019. Photo: Dr Shamsheer Vayalil -
Indian-Arab businessman Balvinder Sahni, owner of RSG International, which builds hotels and residential towers, was an early recipient of long-term visa. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Sharjah’s first golden card recipient was Lalu Samuel, chairman and managing director of Kingston Holdings and Chairman of Sharjah Industry Business Group. Photo: Kingston Holdings -
Siddique Pallolathil, head of hypermarket chain Nesto Group, was the first recipient in Ajman to received long-term residency. Photo: Siddique Pallolathil
