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UAE: Sheikh Mohammed announces Golden Visas for humanitarians

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Photo: HHShkMohd/Twitter

Photo: HHShkMohd/Twitter

Dubai - The extension of Golden Visas to humanitarian and charity workers is the UAE’s tribute to the selfless heroes.

Published: Thu 19 Aug 2021, 2:24 AM

Charity and humanitarian aid workers in the UAE are now eligible for the Golden Visa.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, made the announcement on his Twitter account on Wednesday, ahead of World Humanitarian Day that is being observed today.

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“We are proud of our country, which has provided more than Dh320 billion in aid since its establishment. We are proud of our cadres, institutions and international humanitarian organisations. We are not only an economic capital but a humanitarian capital,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted on Wednesday.

The extension of Golden Visas to humanitarian and charity workers is the UAE’s tribute to the selfless heroes, Sheikh Mohammed said.

“Aid workers are ambassadors of the UAE and role models instilling pride in us all. Giving is embedded in the fabric of Emirati society and culture, and we aspire to be the most vibrant humanitarian destination in the next 50 years. The UAE has always led impactful humanitarian initiatives and empowered those implementing them, and in the year of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, it aspires to become a world leader of humanitarian efforts in the next five decades,” he said.

He further added: “Having always paid tribute to hope makers, the UAE extends its commitment to global cooperation to include the humanitarian sector’s pioneers, groups, specialists and workers, so that the UAE can become a second home to these individuals.”

The UAE implemented the Golden Visa system in 2018. It included granting a long-term residence visa, for 5 or 10 years, to people who fall into any of certain categories — from investors and entrepreneurs to doctors, scientists, creators, inventors, researchers, among others.

In terms of humanitarian activities, the UAE has been leading from the front in extending help to the world’s most vulnerable and providing emergency aid to global victims of crises.

Over the years, significant contributions have been made by the UAE to improve health, education, transport, and water sectors in various countries.

In 2011, the UAE established Dubai International Humanitarian City (IHC) as an example of its efforts to lead humanitarian causes. The largest humanitarian destination in the world, IHC is a non-profit, independent, humanitarian free zone authority that hosts over 80 members comprising UN organisations, non-profits and non-government organisations, and commercial companies. This city is serving as a global logistical centre in the fight against Covid-19.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the UAE has been extending support and providing aid and vaccines to countries around the world — sending more than 2,200 tonnes of medical supplies to more than 135 nations, particularly in Africa and Asia.

suneeti@khaleejtimes.com



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