UAE says reports of Dh100,000 golden visas for certain nationalities are false
The statement from the federal immigration department followed a frenzy of reports in Indian media that long-term residency could be purchased for Dh100,000, following a candidate nomination. Some reports claimed the scheme would be extended to Bangladeshi nationals as well.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) described the reports as 'false rumours circulating in the local and international media and websites.'
In a statement in Arabic and Urdu, ICP said: 'These claims have no legal basis and were made without referring to the competent authorities in the UAE.'
This comes days after a consultancy firm, the Rayad Group, told Indian media that it was part of a pilot programme to launch a new "nomination-based" golden visa to the UAE and termed it a "golden opportunity" for Indian citizens.
The company, based in India, claimed Indian applicants would not need to visit Dubai and could get a UAE golden visa for life by paying a one-time Dh100,000 fee. The company told India's PTI news agency that Indian citizens would be assessed on their contribution to the UAE's economy and society, would undergo background checks for money laundering and criminal records.
At present, a foreign investor would need to invest at least Dh2 million, usually in property, to qualify. Skilled professionals in key industries can qualify based on qualifications and job role.
Legal action warning
The ICP warned 'legal action against the parties, websites and entities that published these rumours to unlawfully obtain funds from people desiring to live and reside in the UAE by exploiting their dreams and aspirations for a better life in a safe and secure country.'
'All golden visa requests must be submitted only through official government channels inside the country and there is no internal or external consultancy entity that has the authority to process the golden visa,' the statement said.
The Abu Dhabi-based authority urged people desiring to visit, live or invest in the UAE 'not to respond to rumours, false news and never to pay money or provide personal documents to any party, office or agency that claims to provide the golden visa service.'
Verify news
The National has contacted the Rayad Group but did not receive a response.
Earlier this week, UAE authorities denied it was issuing golden visas to cryptocurrency investors after a blockchain technology company suggested on social media platforms that crypto investors had an exclusive opportunity to secure a golden visa by paying a one-time fee.
Golden visas are 10-year residency permits given to people including scientists, doctors, nurses, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes and outstanding students.
Holders of golden visas do not need a local sponsor giving them greater flexibility and autonomy. The golden visa also covers spouses, children and parents who enjoy the same benefits as the primary visa-holder.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
an hour ago
- The National
President Sheikh Mohamed holds talks with Armenian Prime Minister
President Sheikh Mohamed on Wednesday held talks in Abu Dhabi with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, as part of his working visit to the UAE. The leaders explored ways to boost co-operation across various fields, with a focus on the economy, investment and development sectors. The sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues during discussions held at Qasr Al Shati in the UAE capital. Sheikh Mohamed stressed the UAE's support for efforts to reinforce stability and security in the Caucasus region. He set out the country's commitment to working closely with Armenia to advance mutual development and promote sustainable growth. Mr Pashinyan thanked Sheikh Mohamed for his continued support in strengthening bilateral relations. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of Supreme Council for National Security; Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Dr Ahmed Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the President's Office for Strategic Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office; Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr Nariman Al Mulla, ambassador of the UAE to the Armenia; and several senior officials. Also present was the accompanying delegation of the Armenian Prime Minister. Mr Pashinyan was earlier welcomed at Abu Dhabi's Presidential Airport by Sheikh Abdullah and several senior officials.
The National
an hour ago
- The National
UN envoy warns of worsening Red Sea tension after Houthi attacks off Yemen's coast
The UN's Yemen envoy has expressed serious concern over the situation in the Red Sea, and warned of potential environmental damage after two Houthi attacks on commercial vessels. The incidents mark the first such attacks since Washington announced a truce with the Iran-backed rebel group in May. The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have previously attacked shipping lanes, but the latest strikes raise fears of renewed instability in the strategic waterway. Hans Grundberg, the special envoy for Yemen, told the Security Council on Wednesday that freedom of navigation in the Red Sea must be protected, and civilian infrastructure must never become a target in conflict. This week's attacks on shipping, both of which were claimed by the Houthis, were the first for seven months, Mr Grundberg said. 'Above all, Yemen must not be drawn deeper into regional crises that threaten to unravel the already extremely fragile situation in the country. The stakes for Yemen are simply too high,' he added. The first attack sank the Magic Seas cargo ship, although its crew was rescued by a UAE team. The second attack began on Monday against the MV Eternity C, a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, and left at least three crew members dead. The Houthis claimed responsibility for it on Wednesday. The EU naval mission in the Red Sea said the attacked ship's crew consisted of 22 sailors – 21 Filipinos and one Russian – along with a three-member security team. Five Filipinos and one Indian were rescued, the mission stated. The nationalities of the three people killed during the hours-long assault remain unknown. From November 2023 through December 2024, the Houthis launched missile and drone attacks on more than 100 commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The Iran-backed group claimed the strikes were in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The Iran-backed rebels halted their attacks during a temporary ceasefire but later faced an intense US-led air strike campaign under President Donald Trump. US acting ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, accused Iran of enabling the Houthis to 'attack Israel, threaten and blackmail our partners in the Gulf, and to play a role in Iran's terror networks across the wider Middle East region'. Ms Shea called on the 15-member Security Council to not tolerate Iran's violations.
Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai startup XPANCEO valued at eye-popping $1.35bn as it develops futuristic night-vision contact lenses
Dubai-based smart contact lens startup XPANCEO has closed a $250m Series A funding round at a $1.35 billion valuation, officially earning unicorn status as it accelerates efforts to launch the world's first all-in-one AI-powered extended reality (XR) smart lens. The funding round was led by Opportunity Venture (Asia), which also spearheaded XPANCEO's $40m seed round. The new capital will support final product development, global team expansion, and fast-track the company's go-to-market strategy — with a vision to replace smartphones, smartwatches, and other devices with a single seamless wearable: the eye-based smart lens. XPANCEO focuses on future after $250m funding boost in Dubai Roman Axelrod, founder and Managing Partner at XPANCEO, said: 'There's broad consensus across Big Tech that AI-powered wearable XR is the future. Yet, major players have only recently begun building glasses and headsets, so our smart lens technology puts us at least five years ahead. 'Becoming a unicorn is a powerful signal that we're on the right path. In just 24 months, we've developed 15 working prototypes, each unlocking a new layer of possibility. Our vision remains the same: to merge all your devices into a single, invisible interface – your eyes.' Unlike tech giants focused on bulky headsets or smart glasses, XPANCEO is developing a next-gen wearable that integrates: AI-powered XR for immersive experiences Real-time health monitoring, including intraocular pressure and glucose levels via tear fluid Zoom, night vision, and colour correction capabilities Wireless charging and data reading in real time 3D imaging through nano-optic lenses Since 2023, the new unicorn has developed 15 working prototypes and earned 24 international awards in optics, deep tech, and wearable innovation. Its team has contributed to 110 scientific publications and collaborates with top global institutions including University of Manchester, National University of Singapore, Donostia International Physics Centre and the University of Dubai. Dr. Valentyn S. Volkov, Founder and Scientific Partner at XPANCEO, said: 'To build something this ambitious, we had to push the boundaries of science itself. Our team possesses exceptional expertise at the forefront of physics, including on novel materials, nanoparticles development, nano-optics, and more. XPANCEO has scaled rapidly, doubling its team from 50 to 100 and expanding its state-of-the-art laboratories to support breakthrough research in nano-optics, novel materials, and wearable computing. With the personal computing market projected to exceed $750 billion over the next decade, investors see the firm as uniquely positioned to lead the post-smartphone era. Philip Ma, Managing Director of Opportunity Venture (Asia), said: 'We see XPANCEO as a once-in-a-generation project. They're not just building a product, they're rewriting the rules of personal tech. We backed them early because we saw the boldness of their vision'. Commercial launch timelines have not been disclosed, but with unicorn funding secured, the future of personal computing may soon be right before our eyes.
