·The UAE has expanded its Golden Visa scheme to attract international talent
·The program allows content creators and e-sports professionals to work and reside in the UAE
·Additionally, luxury yacht owners can apply for long-term residence, supporting the UAE's tourism
As a move to recruit international talent, the UAE has chosen to broaden its Golden Visa scheme that grants long-term residence opportunities to specialists in key fields. The offer of visa was launched in 2019 and now has been extended to encompass five new groups. These five new groups will grant 10-year residences to individuals in varied fields like medical care, education, digital content creation, e-sports, and luxury yacht ownership.
Content Creators: Content creators have also been included in the category by the UAE. It encompasses filmmakers, influencers, and digital nomads. The residency program, which was rolled out at the 1 Billion Followers Summit, will enable professionals to work and reside in the UAE without the requirement of a sponsor. This is among the UAE's initiatives to enhance its creative sectors, as Dubai is already a top destination for digital content creation. It is intended to draw international talent in filmmaking, social media, and other digital media sectors.
E-Sports and Gaming Professionals: The UAE is also introducing Golden Visas for e-sports professionals and gamers. They have to be above the age of 25 years and possess accreditation from Dubai Culture or entities that are comparable. This class focuses on boosting the fast-growing gaming industry worth $1.8 billion. The UAE's investment in e-sports talent is also part of its vision to be a top center for digital innovation and to be a host of international gaming tournaments.
Luxury Yacht Owners: The final category are luxury yacht owners above 40 meters in length. This program, which is referred to as the Golden Quay program, focuses on high-net-worth individuals in the shipping sector. Yacht owners and business leaders in the yacht sector are able to apply for long-term residence in Abu Dhabi, making the emirate all the more desirable as a high-end tourist destination. The scheme helps support the UAE's ability to further build up its tourism and maritime sector, worth over $1.2 billion annually.
