The UAE’s new 10-year “Blue Residency” visa will attract talent to the country, aid environmental goals and be a boost to construction and real estate industries, according to government ministers and business leaders.
The new UAE visa was announced following a cabinet meeting this week.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai introduced the visa and said it would be offered to individuals who have made exceptional contributions towards the environment and sustainability.
UAE Blue Residency visa
Sheikh Mohammed said: “In alignment with the national directives declared by the UAE President, to designate 2024 as the year of sustainability in the UAE, we introduced the ‘Blue Residency’ a ten-years residency granted to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to environment protection, whether in marine life, land-based ecosystems, or air quality, sustainability technologies, the circular economy, or related fields”.
It is the first long-term residency scheme for environment and sustainability champions with achievements inside and outside the UAE.
Who can apply for a UAE Blue Residency Visa?
The Blue Residency will specifically be granted to supporters of environmental action, including:
- Members of international organisations
- International companies
- Members of associations and non-governmental organisations
- Global award winners
- Distinguished activists and researchers in environmental work
Sustainability advocates and experts who are interested in the UAE Blue Residency are invited to submit their applications directly through the services of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, or through nominations by competent authorities in the state for the individuals recommended for it.
Blue Residency visa boost for construction and real estate
Ahmad Bin Shafar, President of Dubai District Cooling Operators Association (DCOA) and CEO of Empower, said that the construction sector will see a transformative boom following the approval of the ‘Blue Residency Visa’
He said: “The building, construction and real estate sectors are a real theatre for sustainability and environmental conservation applications, including urban planning, engineering and architectural designs that allow for the environment, as well as building, decoration and furniture materials, whether recycled or manufactured with green standards, and heating and cooling processes that protect natural resources such as water and reduce electricity consumption”.
Bin Shafar pointed out that the building, construction, and real estate sectors directly feed more than 36 business activities that employ hundreds of thousands of people in various fields that contribute to promoting sustainability, green technologies, environmental protection, and circular economy chains.
Blue Residency visa can help address climate change
Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change and COP28 President, said that the UAE’s visionary leadership in sustainability is rooted in the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and continues today with the groundbreaking announcement of the launch of the “Blue Residency Visa”.
Al Jaber said: “Building on the momentum of COP28, which concluded last December with the landmark UAE Consensus, this initiative further cements the UAE’s role as a global leader in sustainability, environmental stewardship, and nature conservation.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with the UAE’s extended Year of Sustainability, reflecting the nation’s remarkable success in hosting COP28.
“The conference was a paradigm shift, showcasing the UAE’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation, and developing a united global approach to the challenges of climate change.
“This visa will build on that good work and will help further establish the UAE as a frontrunner in the development of technologies, such as artificial intelligence, that can help address climate change.”
The minister added: “The ‘Blue Residency Visa’ aims to attract global environmental leaders to contribute to the UAE’s sustainable economic and social development.
“It underscores the nation’s dedication to leveraging advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to create impactful solutions.
“With a forward-thinking approach, these solutions will address climate challenges and transform them into opportunities for a brighter future for humanity and our planet.”
Blue Residency visa can attract talents
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said the “Blue Residency” reflects the UAE’s aim to enhance climate action and redouble environment conservation efforts in the country.
She said: “The approval of the Blue Residency comes in line with the Year of Sustainability, as it recognises the efforts of individuals who contribute to enriching climate and environmental work in the country.
“It also strengthens the UAE’s position as a global hub for sustainability and spotlights its role in creating climate-smart and environmentally friendly solutions.
“The approval of the residency will go a long way in supporting the country’s efforts to achieve Net Zero by 2050.
“We are working in cooperation with all relevant authorities in the UAE to implement its climate and environmental plans and support its national goals by engaging the private sector and community members in the country’s sustainable development.
“The Blue Residency will have a major role in attracting talents in the field including innovators, and climate champions from all over the world, who will contribute to the advancement of the UAE’s work in fostering a sustainable future for all.”
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