Investors, artists, intellectuals, inventors, doctors and scientists and their families will now be able to get Emirati citizenship and passports, but must be nominated.
The opportunity was announced today (Saturday January 30), with the aim to “appreciate the talents” in the UAE to “attract more bright minds to the Emirati community”.
Those who can qualify include: investors, doctors, specialists, inventors, scientists, talents, intellectuals, artists and their families (spouse and children). The new opportunities also mean that they can retain their current nationality and citizenship too.
You can only get UAE citizenship, however, via nominations from Rulers and Crown Princes Courts, Executive Councils, and the Cabinet based on federal entities nominations.
#MohammedBinRashid : We adopted law amendments that allow granting the UAE citizenship to investors, specialized talents & professionals including scientists, doctors, engineers, artists, authors and their families. #WamNews pic.twitter.com/xHGoHfhW5E
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) January 30, 2021
#MohammedBinRashid : The UAE cabinet, local Emiri courts & executive councils will nominate those eligible for the citizenship under clear criteria set for each category. The law allows receivers of the UAE passport to keep their existing citizenship.#WamNews pic.twitter.com/pK8Q97O3mo
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) January 30, 2021
There are specific conditions in each category, for example investors must own a property in the UAE.
Doctors and specialists must be specialised in a unique scientific discipline that is “highly required” in the UAE and “must have acknowledged scientific contributions, studies and research of scientific value and a practical experience of not less than ten years, in addition to obtaining membership in a reputable organisation in his field of specialisation”.
Scientists are required to be an “active researcher in a university or research centre or in the private sector, with a practical experience of not less than ten years in the same field. They also should have contributions in the scientific field such as winning a prestigious scientific award, or securing substantial funding for their research during the past ten years”. They must also have a recommendation from a recognised scientific institution in the UAE.
Inventors need to have one or more patents approved by the UAE Ministry of Economy or any other reputable international body, as well as a recommendation letter from the Economy Ministry.
Artists and intellectuals should be winners of one or more international award with a letter from related government entities.
Other requirements include swearing the oath of allegiance, committing to abide by the Emirati laws and officially informing the respective government agency in case of acquiring or losing any other citizenship are mandated.
The benefits include being able to set up or own commercial entities or properties and other benefits granted by federal authorities. The citizenship can be withdrawn if conditions are breached.
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