Ninety Dubai doctors have been awarded 10-year golden card residency visas in recognition of their efforts to support young patients during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The medics - all at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital in the emirate - have been honoured for the quality of care they have provided during a challenging period for the country's health sector.
They are the latest healthcare professionals to receive the long-term visas under the golden card scheme launched by Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, in May of last year.
“It is not only an appreciation to the doctors that received it but to each and every team member in Al Jalila Children’s and for the hospital as a whole,” said Dr Abdulla Al Khayat, the hospital’s chief executive.
“This generous gesture gives us great motivation to continue working tirelessly to provide the highest level of quality care to our young patients and their families.”
In May, 212 medics were given similar recognition for their work during the pandemic, following up on the 6,800 investors and residents from 70 countries chosen to receive the visa last year.
Since opening in 2016, the 200-bed hospital has treated hundreds of children and adolescents up to the age 18 for sometimes complex medical conditions.
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Gallery: High-profile golden card recipients
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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
