Our correspondent
The United Arab Emirates will offer investors, professionals, special talents and their families the Emirati nationality and passport under certain conditions in an effort to attract and appreciate the talents and competencies present in the UAE.
Investors, doctors, specialists, inventors, scientists, intellectuals, artists and their families (spouse and children) can qualify for citizenship, while retaining their current nationality.
Acquiring the Emirati citizenship will be based on nominations from Rulers and Crown Princes’ Courts, Executive Councils, and the Cabinet based on nominations by federal entities.
The Cabinet chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, approved the amendments of the Executive Regulation of the Federal Law concerning Nationality and Passports.
The amendments specified the conditions that must be met in each category. For instance, investors are required to own a property in the UAE.
Doctors and specialists must be specialised in a unique scientific discipline or any other scientific departments that are highly required in the UAE. The applicant must have acknowledged scientific contributions, studies and research of scientific value, a practical experience of not less than 10 years, and 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 10 years in the same field. They also should have contributions in the scientific field – winning a prestigious scientific award, or securing substantial funding for their research during the past 10 years, and obtain a recommendation letter from recognised scientific institutions in the UAE.
Inventors who wish to acquire Emirati citizenship 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.
Individuals with creative talents such as intellectuals and artists should be pioneers in the culture and art fields and winners of one or more international award. A recommendation letter from related government entities is mandatory.
After qualifying, and before acquiring the citizenship, they should swear the oath of allegiance, commit to abide by the Emirati laws and officially inform the respective government agency in case of acquiring or losing any other citizenship.
The UAE citizenship offers a wide range of benefits includes the right to establish or own commercial entities and properties, in addition to any other benefits granted by federal authorities after the approval of the Cabinet or local authorities.
As per the amendments, the citizenship can be withdrawn upon breach of the conditions.
Acquiring the Emirati citizenship will be done through Rulers and Crown Princes Courts, Executive Councils, and the Cabinet based on federal entities nominations.
