In an unprecedented move, the UAE announced a landmark decision this year to open its citizenship to a select group of investors, professionals, and those that possess specialised talents.The directive was primarily to broaden the country’s talent pool and attract and retain the brightest minds to facilitate the country’s ascendancy towards development and progress. Professionals that can acquire the Emirati nationality include doctors, scientists, engineers, artists, and authors as well as their families. Potential beneficiaries will have to meet certain criteria to qualify; however, recipients, upon acquiring the UAE passport, can retain dual nationalities.
The decision could prove momentous for a country whose demographic landscape has historically been dominated – in large part – by expatriates. The amendment will prompt the UAE’s competitiveness as a residence pad, facilitating foreign residents to fully integrate into its national identity.
“This amendment is in line with the UAE’s aim to become not just an attractive hub, but also a permanent one, for investors and for highly-skilled and talented individuals, who contributed and will continue to contribute to the country’s development and economic growth,” opines Shiraz Sethi, regional head of Employment at Dentons.
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