The UAE has launched a new 10-year residency program, the ‘Blue Residency’, specifically designed for individuals who have demonstrated significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainability efforts, both locally and internationally. According to Khaleej Times, this initiative is open to members of international firms, associations, NGOs, global award recipients, and distinguished activists and researchers in the environmental sector.
Applicants can submit their details through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. Additionally, relevant authorities are empowered to nominate notable individuals for this long-term residency.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, emphasized the link between economic and environmental sustainability at a recent Cabinet meeting. “The sustainability of our economy has become linked to the sustainability of our environment,” he stated.
This residency scheme is part of the UAE’s broader commitment to sustainability, which continues to be a key theme in 2024, following a focus on green initiatives in the previous year. The UAE typically grants two-year residency visas but has introduced longer-term visas such as the Golden Visas in 2019 and the Green Visas in 2022 to attract professionals in various sectors.