Page 64 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - JUNE 2025

7/1/25, 11:34 AM UAE expands Golden Visa to attract top global talent in AI, climate and tech sector - Times of India
Expanding Eligibility, Rising Demand

Originally aimed at investors and property buyers, the Golden Visa’s scope now includes a broad array of profiles: scientists,
outstanding students, coders, private wealth managers, and graduates of globally top-ranked universities. As new industries
become national priorities, the visa programme is swiftly adapting to accommodate professionals who can advance them.

Keswani’s firm, which has helped over 250 individuals secure Golden Visas in just the last six months, reports a surge in
applicants from niche sectors such as AI ethics, green finance, and climate engineering. Many of these candidates are either
driving large-scale innovation projects or are themselves investors bringing both capital and expertise into the region.

“The last five months alone have seen a jump in shortlists for cloud specialists, private bankers, and AI developers,” Keswani
noted. “These are people often behind billion-dollar strategies, not just jobseekers.”

According to a local news agency report, the programme will likely continue diversifying, with more categories expected to be
added, particularly around digital economy domains, including decentralised technologies and energy transition roles.

Built-In Flexibility for Global Professionals

What truly sets the UAE’s Golden Visa apart from similar long-term residency schemes is its structural flexibility. Professionals
are not tied to a single employer and can freely transition into entrepreneurship or independent consultancy without losing their
residency status. This flexibility, paired with residency terms of up to ten years, has made the programme especially attractive to
senior global talent.

Another key feature is the decoupling of investment from residency rights. For instance, a resident can liquidate their original
investment and reallocate assets into different sectors without jeopardising their visa status. This legal separation allows for
greater asset mobility, a major draw for high-net-worth individuals and top-tier executives.

Targeting the Asia-Pacific talent pool has also become a strategic priority. As the UAE continues to position itself as a nexus
between East and West, it is not just pulling in capital or companies, it’s bringing in the people behind them.

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