The UAE cabinet has introduced a 10-year Blue Residency Visa, specifically designed for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to environmental protection. The new visa, known as the UAE Blue Residency Visa, emphasizes the nation’s commitment to sustainability and recognizes the efforts of those working in the circular economy and related fields.
Blue Residency Visa: Eligibility and Impact
Announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Blue Residency Visa aims to align with the national directives designating 2024 as the Year of Sustainability. During a Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the crucial link between the sustainability of the economy and the environment. The visa will be granted to individuals who have significantly contributed to marine life preservation, land-based ecosystem protection, air quality improvement, sustainability technologies, and the circular economy.
Eligible candidates for the Blue Residency Visa include members of international organizations, global company members, NGO members, winners of international awards, and distinguished activists and researchers in environmental fields. Applicants can apply through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security or be nominated by competent authorities.
Cabinet Decisions and Initiatives
In addition to the Blue Residency Visa, the UAE Cabinet’s recent session approved several new initiatives, including the National Youth Agenda 2031 and a new framework for higher education institution classification. Measures to regulate marketing calls and an overview of the UAE’s space sector achievements were also discussed. The establishment of the Supreme Committee for Combating Commercial Fraud and the National Committee of Statistics and the restructuring of the UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions were key highlights.
Further decisions included guidelines for using generative artificial intelligence within the government, creating a CEO role for AI, and ratifying investment agreements with India and Korea; these initiatives reflect the UAE’s holistic approach to sustainable development, economic growth, and technological advancement.
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