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Focus on leaders in AI, climate tech, and digital innovation
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New focus shifts from investment to expertise, as UAE targets top minds in future-facing industries
The UAE’s Golden Visa programme, long viewed as a magnet for foreign investment and luxury real estate buyers, is undergoing a strategic transformation. Originally launched in 2019, the programme was designed to attract long-term residents through capital commitments. But as of 2024–25, the initiative has pivoted sharply—now zeroing in on high-skilled professionals in AI, climate technology, cloud computing, and digital innovation , reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Rather than just hosting global wealth, the UAE aims to cultivate talent ecosystems that align with its vision for a future-ready economy. This recalibration reflects a broader shift from post-pandemic capital inflows to nation-building through knowledge, expertise, and sustainability. Key federal entities such as the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Sports, and Abu Dhabi Residents Office are now empowered to identify and invite global professionals whose work shapes emerging sectors.
UAE’s revamped Golden Visa targets global trailblazers in AI, green tech, and digital sectors, moving beyond investment-led models to build a sustainable, knowledge-driven economy.
According to Gaurav Keswani, Managing Director of JSB—a Dubai-based advisory firm—the UAE is now actively pursuing professionals who bring long-term intellectual value. “The Golden Visa is no longer just about who has money—it’s about who has ideas and impact,” he told Khaleej Times. His firm alone has helped over 250 people secure Golden Visas in the last six months, many from niche sectors such as AI ethics, green finance, and climate engineering.
In 2023 alone, Dubai issued 158,000 Golden Visas:
- 40% were investors
- 60% included high-value professionals
- 22% were experts in finance, AI, and environmental sustainability
The shift complements the UAE’s emergence as a global financial and innovation hub. In recent years, eight of the world’s top 20 hedge funds have established offices in the Emirates, bringing with them nearly $48 billion in managed assets. This surge in capital has created a parallel need for CXOs, AI consultants, tech architects, and digital infrastructure leaders capable of scaling high-growth projects.
New categories are continuously being added. Apart from investors and entrepreneurs, eligible applicants now include:
- Scientists and researchers
- Outstanding university graduates
- Private wealth managers
- Coders, green engineers, and IoT specialists
A key advantage is the programme’s flexibility. Professionals are not tied to a specific employer and can transition into consultancy or entrepreneurship without losing residency. Moreover, investment is decoupled from visa status, meaning assets can be liquidated or shifted without legal risk—a critical draw for global executives and high-net-worth individuals.
Asia-Pacific has become a strategic recruitment region, as the UAE continues to position itself as a global bridge between East and West, offering not just infrastructure, but a flexible ecosystem for talent.
