Dubai has made a significant announcement, stating that it will now grant its coveted Golden Visa, a long-term residency permit, to preachers, imams, and Islamic scholars who meet the required conditions.This move expands the list of eligible categories, which already included real estate tycoons, businessmen, investors, entrepreneurs, doctors, scientists, artists, and more.
The decision was declared by Crown Prince Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, and now includes preachers, muezzins, Islamic jurists, as well as imams and religious scholars. It’s important to note that eligible individuals must have completed a minimum of 20 years of residency in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their respective roles.
The Golden Visa program in the UAE is a popular option aimed at attracting and retaining foreign professionals in the country. It allows individuals to live, work, and study in the UAE for either five or ten years without requiring a sponsor. This program also offers flexibility to work outside the UAE for extended periods without impacting visa status and provides the opportunity to sponsor family members. This recent expansion of the Golden Visa categories to include preachers, imams, and Islamic scholars demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to promoting religious and cultural diversity within its borders.