UAE citizenship: Artists look forward to getting Emirati passport

Artists in the UAE have hailed the government’s move to grant citizenship to select expats. Among those eligible for the citizenship are talented individuals, intellectuals and artists.

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The criteria for this category is that they should be pioneers in the culture and art fields and winners of one or more international award (s). A recommendation letter from related government entities is mandatory as well.

Jesno Jackson, an Indian artist and art curator, said: “Being an artist, to obtain the UAE passport will be a great appreciation for us talents. This is a wonderful initiative by the UAE Government who allow us contribute to the development and prosperity of the country.

Imah Dumagay, a Filipino stand-up comedian, called the news “exciting”.

“This is without a doubt a great way to recognise the talents, skills, and efforts contributed to success of the entertainment industry by expat artists. It is indeed another motivation for artists, who would love to be permanently part of this highly-developed country to do more and to give more.”

“Art has the unique potential to communicate people’s experiences. Cultural exchange will ... enrich society with great ideas and traditions. This will help the art community to have a solid foundation of the art forms.”

Rashmi Kotriwala, an Indian actor, director, producer and teacher, said this was a great move. “It will benefit all independent artists and practitioners to be able to use their skills professionally. Individual professionals cannot earn enough to justify creating a trade licence to practise arts, as it is too expensive. But this move will help them all to grow.”

Jeet Dhindsaa, theatre and digital actor, producer and director, said the decision will build a “further progressive society”. “This would ... provide the community a chance to garner fame in the field of arts.”

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi