Latest news with #DPG33
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
UAE adds more professionals to Golden Visa list: 6 key things you should know
A fresh wave of reforms is reshaping residency rights in the United Arab Emirates, as the country moves to widen the gates of its prestigious Golden Visa programme. Announced in May 2025, the latest expansion brings five new professional categories into the fold, a clear signal that the UAE is doubling down on its ambition to attract global talent across sectors beyond traditional finance and tech. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Healthcare workers, private educators, digital creators, e-sports professionals, and luxury yacht owners can now access a 10-year, self-sponsored residency, complete with family sponsorship, under one of the Gulf's most liberalised immigration frameworks. The move is part of a broader economic transformation strategy aimed at positioning the UAE as a destination for long-term settlement, not just short-term opportunity. Below is a breakdown of what's changing, who qualifies, and why the policy matters. Nurses with over 15 years of service now qualify Timed with International Nurses Day, Dubai Health confirmed that long-serving nurses with at least 15 years of continuous experience are now eligible for the Golden Visa. The announcement, made under the directive of Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, acknowledges the vital role of frontline health workers and supports the emirate's medical tourism ambitions. According to the Dubai Health Authority, Dubai hosts more than 3.7 million medical tourists annually, a figure expected to rise in the coming years. Private school and university educators included Teachers and university faculty in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah have also been brought under the Golden Visa umbrella. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Department of Knowledge (RAK DOK) will oversee the implementation, which aims to retain top educational talent in a system ranked among the world's top ten by UNESCO. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Eligible educators will be permitted to sponsor their families, providing a stable, long-term pathway that contrasts with more restrictive visa regimes in neighbouring countries. Digital creators get a visa track of their own Filmmakers, content creators, and digital influencers now have access to an independent visa track through Creators HQ. Announced at the 1 Billion Followers Summit, this pathway does not require employer sponsorship, making it especially attractive to freelancers and digital entrepreneurs. Dubai's creative economy currently contributes an estimated $2 billion per year, according to the Department of Economic Development, a figure expected to grow as digital-first talent relocates to the emirate. E-sports professionals join the list With the gaming industry booming across the region, professionals over the age of 25 working in e-sports and game development are now eligible for long-term residency. Applications can be made through Dubai's DPG33 initiative, with mandatory accreditation from Dubai Culture. Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism has adopted a similar model. According to Statista, the UAE's gaming sector is valued at $1.8 billion, while Esports Insider reports that Abu Dhabi hosts around 20% of global gaming events. Luxury yacht owners and executives now eligible Under the new Golden Quay initiative, Abu Dhabi has opened the visa programme to yacht owners with vessels exceeding 40 meters in length and executives within the luxury maritime sector. The inclusion reflects the emirate's push to grow its $1.2 billion maritime tourism economy, according to AD Ports. Visa holders under this category are eligible to sponsor family members, further incentivising long-term residence and investment. Streamlined application, global edge The Golden Visa programme remains self-sponsored and application-based, with a streamlined process handled through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Processing takes roughly 30 days, considerably shorter than similar skilled migration schemes in Australia or Singapore. Applicants must provide proof of qualifications, professional contributions, or ownership, depending on their category. Family sponsorship is available across most tracks, reinforcing the UAE's long-term settlement model. Aligned with vision 2030 The expansion forms a key pillar of the UAE's Vision 2030, which targets the attraction of 100,000 skilled professionals to drive innovation-led growth. CBRE data shows non-oil sectors contributed 8% GDP growth in 2024, gains now reinforced by talent acquisition across healthcare, education, gaming, and luxury tourism. LinkedIn data also reveals a 70% retention rate among Golden Visa holders, underscoring the programme's success in anchoring top global professionals. A shift in regional policy thinking Unlike temporary employment visas common across the Gulf, the UAE's model encourages permanence, entrepreneurship, and autonomy. With over 20,000 Golden Visas issued since the programme's launch in 2019, the latest expansion further distances the Emirates from its regional counterparts in terms of immigration policy and economic openness. By extending the Golden Visa to these newly prioritised sectors, the UAE sends a clear message: the future belongs to creators, caregivers, and innovators, and they are welcome to build that future from within its borders.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
UAE Golden Visa Expands: These five new professionals are eligible - do you qualify?
The UAE's expanded Golden Visa now welcomes professionals from healthcare, education, digital media, gaming, and luxury yachting with 10-year residency benefits/Representative Image. In a significant move to strengthen its position as a global hub for innovation and skilled professionals, the United Arab Emirates has announced the expansion of its prestigious Golden Visa program. This update, made public in May 2025, adds five new eligibility categories to the 10-year residency scheme. Professionals from diverse fields including healthcare, education, digital content, e-sports, and maritime luxury can now access long-term residency benefits without employer sponsorship, making the UAE an increasingly attractive destination for global talent and their families. New Golden Visa Categories and Who Can Apply The UAE's Golden Visa program, originally launched in 2019, now encompasses a broader range of professionals with the aim of accelerating economic diversification and attracting knowledge-based talent. The five newly introduced categories are: 1. Nurses With Long-Term Service On May 12, 2025, coinciding with International Nurses Day, Dubai Health, under the directive of Sheikh Hamdan, announced 10-year visas for nurses with over 15 years of service. This decision honours the critical role of nurses in healthcare, especially as Dubai receives around 3.7 million medical tourists annually, according to Dubai Health Authority (DHA) data. 2. Teachers and Educators Private school teachers, principals, and university academic staff in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah are now eligible for the visa. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai and RAK DOK in Ras Al Khaimah manage the scheme, which recognizes academic excellence and allows for family sponsorship. The initiative aims to elevate the UAE's already strong educational system, which ranks 10th globally per UNESCO. 3. Content Creators Launched at the 1 Billion Followers Summit , the creative residency track targets filmmakers and social media influencers. Managed by Creators HQ, this visa requires no employer sponsorship, making it particularly attractive to digital nomads and freelancers. The move supports Dubai's growing media industry, which contributes $2 billion annually, according to Dubai's Department of Economic Development (DED). 4. E-Sports and Gaming Professionals Applicants aged over 25 can now apply through Dubai's DPG33 initiative and require accreditation from Dubai Culture. Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) extends similar benefits, reinforcing the UAE's presence in the booming global gaming sector. With a gaming market valued at $1.8 billion and major events drawing significant footfall, the UAE is becoming a key player in the e-sports landscape, according to Statista. 5. Luxury Yacht Owners Under Abu Dhabi's Golden Quay initiative, owners of yachts longer than 40 meters, as well as executives in the yacht industry, are eligible for the 10-year residency. The visa includes family sponsorship and supports the emirate's luxury maritime tourism industry, currently valued at $1.2 billion, per AD Ports. Strategic Vision and Economic Impact The Golden Visa expansion is a strategic component of the UAE's Vision 2030, which aims to transition the national economy away from oil dependence by attracting 100,000 skilled professionals by 2030, as reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM). The updated program is designed to reinforce critical sectors: Healthcare and Education: Bolstered by long-serving nurses and educators, which in turn support Dubai's ambition to be a leading medical and academic destination. Creative Economy: Driven by digital content creators and gamers. Dubai's gaming-related events alone attract approximately 500,000 visitors every year, according to the Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET). Maritime and Luxury Tourism: Strengthened through the inclusion of luxury yacht owners, contributing to the 8% GDP growth in non-oil sectors, per CBRE. By allowing family sponsorship across most new categories, the UAE encourages long-term settlement and community integration, a feature that differentiates it from neighbouring nations such as Qatar, where residency options remain limited. Simplified Process and Global Edge Unlike traditional residency systems that require employer sponsorship, the UAE's Golden Visa is self-sponsored. Applications are submitted through the ICP's online portal or licensed government-affiliated agencies in Dubai. Required documents vary by category and include: Verified qualifications and experience Evidence of impact or contributions (for creatives and educators) Proof of ownership (for yacht owners) Processing takes around 30 days, according to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) significantly faster than countries like Singapore, where approval may take up to 90 days, as per the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The system's simplicity and flexibility especially appeal to freelancers and independent professionals, making it competitive with other programs such as: Canada's Express Entry Australia's Skilled Migration Visa Singapore's Global Talent Programme Crucially, this approach has helped retain top talent, with 70% of Golden Visa holders remaining in the UAE after initial issuance, as per LinkedIn data. Positioning the UAE on the Global Stage The Golden Visa program is not just a residency plan, it's part of a broader strategy to shape the UAE's global identity as a destination for opportunity, innovation, and investment. Since its launch in 2019, the program has already issued 20,000 Golden Visas, according to WAM. Emirates (EK) and Etihad (EY) airlines enhance accessibility with routes to over 150 global destinations, facilitating international arrivals. Dubai alone is home to 15,000 startups, according to Dubai Development Authority (DDA), highlighting the country's robust entrepreneurial landscape. Abu Dhabi hosts 20% of all global gaming events, per Esports Insider, cementing the UAE's reputation as a growing powerhouse in the gaming sector. The UAE's tax-free regime, combined with long-term residency and high-end infrastructure, continues to attract high-net-worth individuals and top-tier professionals globally.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
UAE Golden Visa: Welcoming 5 new professional categories, see if you qualify
In a significant move to strengthen its position as a global hub for innovation and skilled professionals, the United Arab Emirates has announced the expansion of its prestigious Golden Visa program. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This update, made public in May 2025, adds five new eligibility categories to the 10-year residency scheme. Professionals from diverse fields including healthcare, education, digital content, e-sports, and maritime luxury can now access long-term residency benefits without employer sponsorship, making the UAE an increasingly attractive destination for global talent and their families. New Golden Visa Categories and Who Can Apply The UAE's Golden Visa program, originally launched in 2019, now encompasses a broader range of professionals with the aim of accelerating economic diversification and attracting knowledge-based talent. The five newly introduced categories are: 1. Nurses With Long-Term Service On May 12, 2025, coinciding with International Nurses Day, Dubai Health, under the directive of Sheikh Hamdan, announced 10-year visas for nurses with over 15 years of service. This decision honours the critical role of nurses in healthcare, especially as Dubai receives around 3.7 million medical tourists annually, according to Dubai Health Authority (DHA) data. 2. Teachers and Educators Private school teachers, principals, and university academic staff in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah are now eligible for the visa. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai and RAK DOK in Ras Al Khaimah manage the scheme, which recognizes academic excellence and allows for family sponsorship. The initiative aims to elevate the UAE's already strong educational system, which ranks 10th globally per UNESCO. 3. Content Creators Launched at the 1 Billion Followers Summit , the creative residency track targets filmmakers and social media influencers. Managed by Creators HQ, this visa requires no employer sponsorship, making it particularly attractive to digital nomads and freelancers. The move supports Dubai's growing media industry, which contributes $2 billion annually, according to Dubai's Department of Economic Development (DED). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 4. E-Sports and Gaming Professionals Applicants aged over 25 can now apply through Dubai's DPG33 initiative and require accreditation from Dubai Culture. Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) extends similar benefits, reinforcing the UAE's presence in the booming global gaming sector. With a gaming market valued at $1.8 billion and major events drawing significant footfall, the UAE is becoming a key player in the e-sports landscape, according to Statista. 5. Luxury Yacht Owners Under Abu Dhabi's Golden Quay initiative, owners of yachts longer than 40 meters, as well as executives in the yacht industry, are eligible for the 10-year residency. The visa includes family sponsorship and supports the emirate's luxury maritime tourism industry, currently valued at $1.2 billion, per AD Ports. Strategic Vision and Economic Impact The Golden Visa expansion is a strategic component of the UAE's Vision 2030, which aims to transition the national economy away from oil dependence by attracting 100,000 skilled professionals by 2030, as reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM). The updated program is designed to reinforce critical sectors: Healthcare and Education: Bolstered by long-serving nurses and educators, which in turn support Dubai's ambition to be a leading medical and academic destination. Creative Economy: Driven by digital content creators and gamers. Dubai's gaming-related events alone attract approximately 500,000 visitors every year, according to the Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET). Maritime and Luxury Tourism: Strengthened through the inclusion of luxury yacht owners, contributing to the 8% GDP growth in non-oil sectors, per CBRE. By allowing family sponsorship across most new categories, the UAE encourages long-term settlement and community integration, a feature that differentiates it from neighbouring nations such as Qatar, where residency options remain limited. Simplified Process and Global Edge Unlike traditional residency systems that require employer sponsorship, the UAE's Golden Visa is self-sponsored. Applications are submitted through the ICP's online portal or licensed government-affiliated agencies in Dubai. Required documents vary by category and include: Verified qualifications and experience Evidence of impact or contributions (for creatives and educators) Proof of ownership (for yacht owners) Processing takes around 30 days, according to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) significantly faster than countries like Singapore, where approval may take up to 90 days, as per the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The system's simplicity and flexibility especially appeal to freelancers and independent professionals, making it competitive with other programs such as: Canada's Express Entry Australia's Skilled Migration Visa Singapore's Global Talent Programme Crucially, this approach has helped retain top talent, with 70% of Golden Visa holders remaining in the UAE after initial issuance, as per LinkedIn data. Positioning the UAE on the Global Stage The Golden Visa program is not just a residency plan, it's part of a broader strategy to shape the UAE's global identity as a destination for opportunity, innovation, and investment. Since its launch in 2019, the program has already issued 20,000 Golden Visas, according to WAM. Emirates (EK) and Etihad (EY) airlines enhance accessibility with routes to over 150 global destinations, facilitating international arrivals. (EY) airlines enhance accessibility with routes to over 150 global destinations, facilitating international arrivals. Dubai alone is home to 15,000 startups, according to Dubai Development Authority (DDA), highlighting the country's robust entrepreneurial landscape. Abu Dhabi hosts 20% of all global gaming events, per Esports Insider, cementing the UAE's reputation as a growing powerhouse in the gaming sector. The UAE's tax-free regime, combined with long-term residency and high-end infrastructure, continues to attract high-net-worth individuals and top-tier professionals globally.
Gulf Insider
10-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Aims for 30K Gaming Jobs in $200B Global Market
Dubai has flicked the switch on its developing gaming industry as it targets 30,000 new jobs and a $1bn GDP boost from the sector by 2033. The Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 'DPG33' has announced that Dubai is home to more than 350 gaming companies, with 260 of them categorised as specialised game developers, contributing overall to a global industry valued at $200bn globally. Since the programme's launch in November 2023, more than 60 new companies have been established in Dubai of which 12 per cent are large global companies — marking a growth rate of 16.6 percent since the launch of the programme. The gaming industry has emerged as one of Dubai's most promising economic sectors in recent years. Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, said: 'The recent achievements in the Dubai's gaming industry reflects the success of the city's vision for its future economy — one built on economic diversification and the proactive investment in current and future development opportunities. Belhoul added: 'The gaming sector holds unprecedented economic potential, and Dubai was — and will remain — a land of opportunity and a destination for innovators and creators. The industry offers a wealth of unprecedented opportunities thanks to the supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs and innovative ideas in advanced technology sectors, particularly game development, which is a key driver in enhancing Dubai's global competitiveness and in achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).' Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, launched the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 in November 2023, to position Dubai among the world's top 10 global gaming hubs over the next decade, with 30,000 new jobs and a $1bn boost to GDP by 2033. DPG33 focuses on nurturing talent and entrepreneurship, embracing technological advancements, and fostering digital content development, while creating training and employment opportunities with leading global firms and academic institutions, and leads a variety of local and international events, exhibitions, and partnerships that strengthen collaboration between individuals, businesses, and regulatory bodies in Dubai and beyond. Also read: Dubai's Ultra-Luxury Property Market Hits New Heights With $77M Bulgari Lighthouse Penthouse Sales
Mid East Info
10-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Dubai Gaming Ecosystem Expands Rapidly with 350+ Companies and $1 Billion Economic Target Under ‘Dubai Program for Gaming 2033'
The program is overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation and aims to position Dubai among the top 10 cities globally by 2033 Dubai,June 2025: Overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation, the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 'DPG33', has announced that Dubai is home to more than 350 companies, with 260 of them categorised as specialised game developers, contributing overall to a global industry valued at USD 200 billion globally. Since the program's launch in November 2023, more than 60 new companies have been established in Dubai of which 12% are large global companies — marking a growth rate of 16.6% since the launch of the program. The gaming industry has emerged as one of Dubai's most promising economic sectors in recent years. His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, said: 'The recent achievements in the Dubai's gaming industry reflects the success of the city's vision for its future economy — one built on economic diversification and the proactive investment in current and future development opportunities. Belhoul added: 'The gaming sector holds unprecedented economic potential, and Dubai was — and will remain — a land of opportunity and a destination for innovators and creators. The industry offers a wealth of unprecedented opportunities thanks to the supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs and innovative ideas in advanced technology sectors, particularly game development, which is a key driver in enhancing Dubai's global competitiveness and in achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).' Dubai Program for Gaming 2033: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, launched the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 in November 2023, with the goal of positioning Dubai among the world's top 10 global gaming hubs over the next decade, with 30,000 new jobs and a $1 billion boost to GDP by 2033. DPG33 focuses on nurturing talent and entrepreneurship, embracing technological advancements, and fostering digital content development, while creating training and employment opportunities with leading global firms and academic institutions, and leads a variety of local and international events, exhibitions, and partnerships that strengthen collaboration between individuals, businesses, and regulatory bodies in Dubai and beyond.
