UAE citizenship law: Full list of announcements, reactions

Dubai - Attracting talents that contribute to the UAE's development journey is the aim of the new directives.

In a landmark decision announced on Saturday, the UAE approved amendments to its citizenship law, opening it up to eligible foreigners.

Under certain criteria, the new law now allows investors, professionals, special talents and their families to acquire the Emirati nationality and passport in a culmination of visa reforms that began more than two years ago.

Attracting talents that contribute to the UAE's development journey is the aim of the new directives, according to a tweet posted by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The historic move has been lauded for its inclusivity, and for opening the door wider for people of all nationalities to truly embrace the UAE as their own.

All your questions answered

Naturally, it has also raised up a storm of questions: Who exactly is eligible? What are the terms and conditions? Can applicants retain their original citizenship? Does this open the door for naturalized residents to own commercial properties in the UAE?

The answers to all of those queriees and more can be found here.

Families welcome

In another welcome aspect, the law will also extend the provision for citizenship to the families of the selected foreigners.

As per the UAE Government directive, spouses and children of those who acquire the citizenship are eligible to receive the Emirati passport as well. More details here.

En route to 'the next level'

The UAE community has been quick to react to the announcement, with prominent businessmen and investors among the first to welcome the move as "the most exciting piece of news" they've come across in a long time.

The UAE has been a land of opportunity that has long positioned itself as the place to make one's dreams come true. And this has certainly been true of the local entrepreneurship scene, which has attracted talented professionals and entrepreneurs from all over the world.

Read all about why local investors and industry experts believe the new law will reshape the UAE's future.

Rethinking immigration

Residents, meanwhile, have declared their excitement at what they're seeing as a "huge opportunity". Many pointed out that the only reason they've been looking at other immigration and resettlement plans is due to the fear of losing their jobs. The new law, however, will help them secure their futures in the land that has lived up to its promise of being a great place to live and work in.

Find out how immigration consultancies have weighed in about this additional option that has opened up to residents.

Appreciating the arts

Among those eligible for the citizenship are talented individuals, intellectuals and artists. The criteria for this category is that they should be pioneers in the culture and art fields and winners of one or more international awards.

UAE artists noted that while it is too expensive for individual professionals to justify creating a trade licence to practise the arts, the new law was greatly welcome as it would encourage them all to grow.

Read more about why artists are looking forward to getting the Emirati passport here.

Futuristic vision

Meanwhile, top educators in the country have hailed the vision and wisdom of the leadership behind the new law. The move comes on the heels of last week's announcement to extend residencies to the families of foreign students in the UAE.

The new law is yet another milestone on a transformation path that is sure to yield positive scientific and economic benefits for the UAE, they said.

Find out more about what implications the new law will have on preventing brain drain in the UAE.

Citizenship is a 'reward'

News of the amendment in citizenship law has overwhelmed the professionals in the healthcare sector with optimism and joy too.

With so many proudly calling the UAE a second home, doctors in the UAE noted that the new law is the "best New Year gift by the government of the UAE to the huge expat population".

Don't miss out on why the UAE's top medical professionals believe offering the Emirati passport to foreigners is nothing short of an honour.

Hope for the future

Members of the Federal National Council (FNC) on Saturday recognised how the new law, which comes half a century after the formation of the UAE, also contributes to the "stability of the minds" that have resided in the country for as many years and have "all the love and loyalty to this great nation”.

In the last 50 years, the UAE has become home to millions of people, especially those with brilliant talents and minds.

Read all about how the new citizenship law puts the UAE firmly on the path towards greatness.

• UAE