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ABU DHABi / WAM
As part of the directives of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship has granted the Permanent Golden Residency to a number of scientists and specialists in line with its position as an incubator for talents and skills.
The Permanent Golden Residency was granted during a special reception, held in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, along with scientists and their families. The reception was also attended by Crown Prince of Dubai HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lieutenant-General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan; and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with senior officials and dignitaries.
Sheikh Mohammed welcomed the scientists and praised their efforts in serving the humanity, and serving the country. “We celebrate the first batch of scientists, researchers and doctors who were granted permanent residence in the UAE. They include 2,500 scientists, researchers, innovators and investors. We welcome them,” HH Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter.
It was in May this year that the UAE announced its plan to offer long-term residence permits for expats under its ‘Golden Card’ system.
Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, said that granting the Golden Residency to a group of scientists living in the UAE is a positive step that will enhance their position in society and promote the scientific research sector.
“Our leadership, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, wishes to honour scientists and celebrate them on various occasions, due to their key role in the development of the UAE’s scientific community.”
“We are proud of the scientists and are happy that they part of the UAE’s scientific community, which will help build an economy based on sustainable knowledge,” she added.
Ali bin Hammad, Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, said that the golden residency system was launched to create an environment that encourages investment and creativity, through the participation of exceptional talents as permanent partners in the country’s development process.
He stressed that the Golden Residency promotes the creation of an attractive and encouraging environment that ensures business growth and success, and confirms the UAE’s position as a global destination for attracting talents.