H.H. Sheikh Mohammed announces ‘Golden Card’ for investors

Expats are an essential part for most of the countries in the Middle East, with expats making up roughly 90% of the entire population in the United Arab Emirates alone. With such large numbers of local workers coming from abroad, the economy depends heavily on them to grow its future and achieve its local economic Vision.

The UAE recognises this, and has recently launched another initiative to attract and maintain its highly skilled and qualified expat population. Through a so-called Golden Card, H. H. Sheikh Mohammed and the local government in Dubai announced the permanent residency scheme that aims to attract foreign talent.

The Golden Cards are meant for investors and those with “exceptional competencies” in certain fields of expertise, including arts, medicine, engineering, and medicine. Through these measures, roughly 6,800 investors are eligible for the Golden Cards, which have invested a combined $27 billion (AED 100 billion) into Dubai's economy. Read more about the new Golden Card permanent residency scheme here.