Abu Dhabi wants the its top artists, cultural leaders and athletes to stick around for the long haul.
The emirate has launched a new programme, entitled “Thrive in Abu Dhabi’, which promotes long-term visas, called ‘Golden Visas’, for its top talent. The programme is also a “pathway to citizenship for international talent working, creating, studying, excelling and investing in key sectors and specialties in Abu Dhabi,” according to Abu Dhabi’s TAMM.
One of those key sectors includes leading figures in the arts and culture space, specifically creatives, who it hopes make Abu Dhabi their home now and long into the future as the emirate hopes to continue its strong cultural scene for decades to come.
The UAE’s Golden Visa provides those who qualify with visas for up to 10 years. Those invited besides creatives includes people and researchers in the fields of science and knowledge such as doctors, specialists, scientists and inventors, as well as athletes, entrepreneurs and real estate investors in the emirate.
Creatives interested must have a recommendation from one of the specialised governmental cultural agencies in Abu Dhabi. The visa includes visas for spouses and children, as well as the ability to sponsor a domestic worker, subject to relevant regulations, according to TAMM.
Sports figures must obtain a recommendation from the General Sports Authority or the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and must either an outstanding sports talent, have achieved athletic excellence, currently hold a leadership position in international sports federations, committees or organizations, or specialize in sports medicine. Similar to the creatives, it also includes visas for spouses, children, and a domestic worker.
Recently, the UAE announced a pathway to citizenship for exemplary individuals.