As it continues to aim for regional leadership in environmental sustainability, the United Arab Emirates hopes to attract and retain exceptional talent through the 10-year residency.
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched the first phase of its Blue Visa program – a 10-year residency aimed at people who have made exceptional contributions towards environmental sustainability.
The move, announced at the World Governments Summit in Dubai earlier this month, comes less than a year after the residency visa was first announced last May following a cabinet meeting in Abu Dhabi. “The sustainability of our economy has become linked to the sustainability of our environment, and our national directions in this area are clear and consistent,” UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said in a social media post at the time.
The country’s dedication to environmental sustainability became more apparent over the last few years, as the Gulf nation hosted the UN COP28 summit, announced several environmentally friendly policies, and dubbed 2024 its “Year of Sustainability.” Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber said the residency program is a continuation of the momentum achieved during COP28. “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,” he said.
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, mirrored his opinions when she recognised that the Blue Residency comes in line with national efforts for enriching climate and environmental work such as the plan to achieve Net Zero by 2025. She added, “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.”
20 leading individuals from the field will be granted permits under the first phase of the program, including an architect raising awareness about sustainable living, a veterinarian dedicating his life to wildlife conservation, and a sustainability expert who spent two decades in international development.
Moving forward, individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the fields of environmental protection and sustainability, both within the UAE and abroad, will be able to apply for the Blue visa. WAM, the state-owned news agency, counts members of international organisations and international companies, members of associations and non-governmental organisations, global award winners, distinguished activists, researchers, sustainability advocates and other experts in the field amongst those who will be considered. Individuals can also be nominated for the visa by relevant government authorities.
At a time when global leaders such as the United States are turning their back on climate action and the rise of right wing sentiments across the West is leading to a surge in climate denialism, policies such as the Blue visa offer a glimmer of hope. While the UAE still has a long way to go when it comes to issues such as reducing fossil fuel emissions and curtailing rampant energy consumption, the move is nevertheless a step in the right direction.
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