Under certain conditions, investors, professionals, special talents, and their families will be allowed to acquire the Emirati nationality and passport.
This, after the UAE has approved amendments to the citizenship law, which aims to appreciate the talents and competencies in the UAE and attract brighter minds to the Emirati community.
In the approved amendments, those who are eligible are investors, doctors, specialists, inventors, scientists, talents, intellectuals, and artists together with their families in tow. Applicants may also retain their original citizenship.
Acquiring Emirati citizenship will be done through nominations from Rulers’ and Crown Princes’ Courts, Executive Councils, and the Cabinet based on federal entities’ nominations. UAE citizenship offers a wide range of benefits, including the right to establish or own commercial entities and properties.
Applicants must comply with terms and conditions as follows:
– Investors are required to own a property in the UAE, while doctors and specialists must be specialized in a unique scientific discipline or any other that are highly required in the UAE.
– Scientists are required to be active researchers in a university or research centre or in the private sector, with a practical experience of not less than 10 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 10 years. It is also mandatory to obtain a recommendation letter from recognized scientific institutions in the UAE.
– Inventors are required to obtain one or more patents that are approved by the UAE Ministry of Economy or any other reputable international body, in addition to a recommendation letter from the Economy Ministry,
– Creative talents should be pioneers in the culture and art fields and winners of one or more international award(s). A recommendation letter from related government entities is mandatory as well.
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.
The citizenship can be withdrawn upon breach of the conditions. (CC)
