UAE 30 Days Visit Visa Everything you need to know
There are two types of UAE 30 Days Visit Visa, Single Entry & Multiple Entry. If you have been searching how much is 30 days visit visa for UAE, you have come to the right place. You will find this blog post useful as it has everything you need to know.
The UAE 30 Days Visit Visa is meant for individuals who would like to enter UAE and are not eligible for the UAE visa-free entry or on-arrival visa.
UAE 30 Days Visit Visa Single Entry
The 3UAE 30 Days Visit Visa Single Entry is the best visa to get if you will not stay for long in UAE. The visa allows one to stay in UAE for 30 days. Almost all tourists entering UAE who are required to have a visa while entering can apply for this visit visa. Note Females under 18 years cannot be issued this visa unless their parents accompany them.
UAE 30 Days Visit Visa Multiple Entry
The UAE 30 Days Visit Visa Multiple Entry allows you to leave and enter UAE using the same visa within 30 days. The visa is best suited for those coming to UAE for Meetings, Conferences, or on Transit, etc.
Equally, the visa is recommended for those traveling nearby UAE who would like to make multiple stopovers in the UAE for a short time.
UAE 30 Days Visit Visa Multiple Entry helps save money and time and avoid applying for two or three separate visas. When returning to UAE using this visa, you can either enter through airways or sea route
Process of Obtaining UAE 30 Days Visit Visa
It is easy to obtain the 30 days visit visa. All you need is to get in touch with a tour agency like Gatewayz. We will guide you through how to get the visa. You will have to send all the documents required to process the visa, and we will forward them to the UAE visa-issuing authorities on your behalf. Below is the Process of Obtaining 30 Days Visit Visa:
Documents Required to Get the UAE 30 Days visa
The following are the documents required to get UAE 30 days to visit visa.
A passport with a minimum validity period of six months
A photocopy of the visa application form duly filled.
Scanned copy from two-color photographers on white background.
Cover letter from applicants explaining their reason for visiting and the length of their stay.
Confirmed return flight tickets
Solo women traveling alone under 24 years old would require a NOC from their father or husband.
Pakistani Nationals: Passport signature page and national ID card front & back.
Children: Copy a child’s birth certificate if the mother’s or father’s name is not stated in their passport.
How Long Does it Takes to Get the UAE 30-Days Visa
It takes 2-3 working days to process the UAE 30 days visit visa. If you are in a hurry, you should opt for the UAE express visa, which takes 6 to 8 hours to process.
It is important to take caution because many travelers seeking a UAE visa are fooled online. Ensure that anyone promising to process a UAE visa for you is genuine before you engage. You can check the review online and double-check to see if the travel company exists.
Rejection Reasons
Sometimes, after submitting the 30 days UAE visa application, the issuing authorities may reject the application.
There are several reasons which can lead to the visa application being rejected. The visa-issuing authorities have the right to reject the visa application. You will be informed why your visa was rejected.
You can ensure the 30 days UAE visa application is not rejected by following the instructions given during the application stage by the visa expert in charge of processing your visa.
You should give accurate information during the application stage to avoid rejection. If you have cases of overstay or any other crucial information, tell the visa expert to know as proceed to apply for the visa. Some of the reasons which can lead to 30 days UAE visa application rejection include;
Not Clear or Blurred Photo
Incorrect and Incomplete Application
Women Under Age-25 Cannot Travel to Dubai Solo
Handwritten Passports Are Outdated
Typographical Errors
Previous Overstay UAE Trip
UnCanceled Residential Visa
Previous Applied Visa Application & Have Not Entered the Country
Passport Occupation by Unskilled Person
Criminal Record in the UAE or Any Other Nation
Extending 30 Days Visit Visas
The 30 days UAE visit visa can be extended for 30 days twice. You have to apply for the extension and get it approved by the relevant authority. You can extend the 30 days UAE Visit Visa without exiting the country.
At Gatewayz, we offer UAE visa extension services for those seeking to extend their stay in the UAE without leaving the country.
Chinese New Year 2023 – Every Thing you Need to Know about to the Celebrations of the Spring Festival
As many as 3 billion people would sweep across the globe every year as the time for the Spring Festival arrives: the Chinese New Year is a gala affair for more than a billion population of China and the Chinese communities scattered across the globe.
A week-long holiday extends to over a month-long celebration with the excitement and eagerness blooming months in advance of this humongous annual event. People would stock up on New Year supplies as stores remain closed and you could get the waft of New Year dishes and desserts flowing in from the direction of kitchens days in advance.
What are the dates of the Chinese New Year? How do the Chinese observe New Year? Here is everything you need to know about Chinese New Year 2023.
Chinese New Year 2023
Chinese New Year 2023 dates
The Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is marked by a long list of specific festivities and observance of traditions in the days leading up to the Spring Festival and following New Year’s Day. The date of the new year is decided upon by following the lunar calendar during the months of January and February.
Since the New Year holiday is on the second new moon after the winter solstice (December 21), it varies from year to year. In the year 2023, the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival will be celebrated on January 22nd. It starts with the onset of the Little Year and culminates in the Lantern Festival. Here are some of the important dates during the Spring Festival Chinese New Year 2023 .
February 4th: Little Year (小年 / xiǎo nián) Lunar date: December 23rd
Chinese New Year 2023
Chinese New Year 2023
The Little Year on February 4th will kick off the festivities of the Chinese New Year 2021. A day of prayer ceremonies, people clean their houses on this day to keep bad luck at bay. In fact, there is a popular Cantonese saying “Wash away the dirt on nin ya baat (the 28th day of month 12)”. A special stove candy made of malt, also termed as sugar melons, is also prepared on this particular day.
February 11th: New Year’s Eve (除夕 / chúxì) Lunar date: December 30th The New Year’s Eve or the 30th of the year is widely known as the day of the primary meal of the year or the annual Reunion Dinner. It is somewhat comparable to the Thanksgiving Dinner in western culture. After dinner, families stay awake till midnight to welcome the new year together.
February 12th: Spring Festival (春节 / chūn jié) Lunar date: January 1st The Chinese New Year Day or the Day of the Spring Festival officially begins at midnight. The night sky is lit up with glittering colors of fireworks as friends and family greet each other and pray for the wellbeing of the elderly in the family.
February 13th: To the in-law’s (迎婿日 / yíng xù rì) Lunar date: January 2nd On this day, traditionally, married daughters would pay a visit to their paternal house along with their husband and children.
Chinese New Year 2023
Chinese New Year 2023
January 24th: Day of the Rat (鼠日 / shǔ rì) Lunar date: January 3rd As the folk tales go, people believe that rats marry on this particular day and hence would leave small crumbs of food around the corner of their houses to feed their rats. In rural areas, people also burn paper offerings over trash fires as it is the day of Chikou or Red Mouth (the God of Blazing Wrath). Some would also start worshipping the God of Wealth from this day on.
January 25th: Day of the Sheep (羊日 / yáng rì) Lunar date: January 4th As sheep were created on the 4th day of the year as per Chinese mythology, it is known as the Day of the Sheep. The five gods are welcomed on this day with three tables of food, one of kumquats and sugarcanes, the second of cake, and the other of main course with pig, fish, chicken, and soup.
January 26th: Break Five (破五 / pò wǔ) Lunar date: January 5th Once the prayers for the God of Wealth conclude, shops and businesses would open up to usher in a new wave of wealth and prosperity. People would mark the day by eating jiaozi and dumplings.
January 27th: Day of the Horse (马日 / mǎ rì) Lunar date: January 6th
Chinese New Year 2023
Chinese New Year 2023
Most of the official work restarts on this day in the business world after the ‘Break Five’. A common belief is that throwing away all old things on this day would ring out the spirit of Poverty.
January 28th: Day of the Human (人日 / rén rì) Lunar date: January 7th Renri was considered by the Chinese to be the day that humans were first formed. Nüwa, a goddess in Chinese mythology, is credited with creating the universe. On various days, she created animals, and on the seventh day, she created people. Chinese people believe that if Renri descends on a sunny day, it will herald a prosperous new year, good fortune, and harmony. Giving birth on this day was a wonderful and joyous occasion for a lady.
January 29th: Day of the Millet (谷日节 / gǔ rì jié) Lunar date: January 8th At places where stores didn’t open after the first three days of celebration, they would start resuming business on this day onwards. Grain, being highly valued in Chinese society for ages, some would host lunch or dinners while others make an effort to enrich their knowledge of agriculture by visiting rural areas.
January 30th: Providence Health (天公生 / tiān gōng shēng) Lunar date: January 9th The sovereign ruler – Jade Emperor is said to have been born on this day. So, all activities revolve around worshipping the highest God of the Universe. For Hokkien people, the day is even more significant than the day of the Chinese New Year itself.
February 5th: Lantern Festival (元宵节 / yuán xiāo jié) Lunar date: January 15th The Lantern Festival, or the “Shangyuan Festival” or Yuan Xiao Festival, sees people hitting the streets with their lanterns as thousands of floating lanterns would gradually festoon the evening sky, filling it with brightness and bringing happiness in the hearts of the people. Being a full moon day, moon-gazing while flying your lanterns makes for a more awesome end to the festival. Desserts of glutinous rice balls called yuan xiao (same as the festival) are enjoyed on the day Chinese New Year 2023.
How do people celebrate Chinese New Year 2023 ?
During this course of the Chinese New Year celebration, mainland China enjoys a week-long holiday known as the Golden Week. Holidays in the Philippines, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and others observe one to three days of holiday during Chinese New Year.
From bylanes to home interiors, every corner gives it away. From the iconic red decorations to massive parades, from homecoming to lighting of lanterns, here’s how the Chinese carry out the exuberant celebrations during their New Year, a festival with over 3,000 years of history.
Chinese New Year 2023 decorations
Families perform spring cleaning around the house and get busy adorning the space with festive decorations. Red is the dominating color during the festival as it is considered to be auspicious. So, you’d find red lanterns and posters in every shop and household.
Red Spring Festival couplets are pasted at entrances as a sign of good luck in the coming year. You’d also find ‘Fu’ character pictures and red window paper-cuts amidst the decorations as a sign of prosperity. 2023, being the year of the Rabbit, many decorations would also feature the animal sign.
Family reunion dinner on Chinese New Year 2023
Homecoming is primary in the celebration of Chinese New Year as families gather for the annual sumptuous reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve. Most feasts would also include a communal hot pot which signifies the coming together of the family for the dinner. Fish is a staple; however, it will not polish off as people go by the belief ‘let there be surplus every year’ (“surplus” and “fish” sound the same in Chinese). Dumplings and rice cakes are also indispensable for most people.
Firecrackers color the sky towards the end of the day to welcome the New Year and do away with all things old and evil. In Mainland China and many places where the Chinese diaspora congregates, the night will be spent watching CCTV’s New Year’s Gala, arguably the most-watched show in the world, bringing celebrations to home with a live broadcast of musical and dance performances.
Gifts and red envelopes Chinese New Year 2023
Chinese New Year is also the time of gift exchanging, and red envelopes gifted during this time of the year are said to herald good luck. As generations progressed, people welcomed newer ways of exchanging wishes and gifts. One common practice these days is to send digital red envelopes.
The children would also be gifted ‘luck’ money by the elders, wrapped in red packets, which they can later spend on toys, clothes, snacks, or even save up for future educational needs.
Chinese New Year 2023
What is considered unlucky during Chinese New Year 2023?
Even in a world dominated by science and technology, people resort to beliefs of their own, and it is only humane to be respectful towards these superstitions even if you don’t indulge in one. Chinese New Year, too, is the time of several such traditional beliefs, both auspicious and ill-fated ones, as the beginning of the year is considered to affect the rest of the year. Here are a few that you should keep in mind:
gifts and money are exchanged as a ‘good luck’ wish
on the day of the Spring Festival, you shouldn’t clean your house as the act is said to sweep away all the good fortune that the New Year brings with it
on the fourth day or the day of the sheep, it is forbidden to slaughter sheep for meat
fair weather on the Day of millet means you’d be blessed with a wholesome harvest in the next season
in Chinese, Lanterns (tiān dēng) sound similar to ‘adding children’ (tiān dīng). So, many families light lanterns with the hope of bringing a new member into the family
amongst food items, fish is considered lucky for New Year’s Eve, and so is the lighting of fireworks and firecrackers
How to greet Happy New Year to your Chinese friends? In Mandarin, you can say gong xi fa cai (恭喜发财) or wishing you a prosperous New Year. Alternatively, you can simply say xin nian kuai le (新年快乐), meaning “happy new year”.
Saudi Visa for UAE Residents 2023: How to Apply For a Visa to Saudi Arabia from the UAE?
Saudi Visa for UAE Residents : Saudi Arabia is currently open for tourism, and international travel to or from the kingdom has been largely restored. For those wishing to visit Saudi Arabia, visas will once again be issued by the authorities to accommodate the various needs of various travellers.
Do UAE residents need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
No, nationals belonging to the GCC countries, including residents from the UAE, do not require a visa to visit Saudi Arabia and may use National ID cards to enter the Kingdom.
However, UAE residents can apply for the new visa scheme for GCC residents, Furthermore, it also allows them to visit Saudi for both Umrah and tourism purposes.
Saudi visa for UAE residents general requirements
To be eligible to apply for the Saudi eVisa, UAE residents must meet the following conditions:
The UAE resident’s occupation must be among the eligible occupations.
the residency document must be valid for three (3) months
the passport must be valid for at least six (6) months
a parent application is mandatory for children under the age of 18
applicants must complete separate visa applications for each member of their direct family and must accompany the member upon entering Saudi
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UAE Out Pass: Everything You Need To Know About UAE’s Exit Permit :-
Visitors who overstay their welcome in the UAE must pay fines for each additional day after their visa expires and get an out pass (exit permit) at the airport or the immigration office at the land borders.
UAE out pass is not simply for visitors who stay for way too long in the country but also for those who have lost their UAE passports. Here is everything you need to know about UAE out pass, its cost, eligibility, required documents and validity.
What is UAE out pass?
UAE out pass is an exit permit which facilitates those foreigners who intend on exiting the country and do not possess a valid UAE visa because it has either expired or cancelled/rejected.
Who needs UAE out pass?
Visitors who stay in the UAE after their visas have expired or way past the grace period extended by the emirates. There are also other categories that will need UAE out pass outlined below,
UAE out pass required documents
Violator of an entry permit or residency visa
Original and copy of the passport of the person concerned
A copy of the travel ticket
2 personal photos of the sponsored person
Lost passport
Sponsored passport or travel document from the embassy or consulate
Loss letter from the police
A copy of the travel ticket
2 personal photos of the sponsored person
Newborn
Original and copy of the mother’s and father’s passports
Child’s passport or travel document from the embassy or consulate
Original and copy of the child’s birth certificate
A letter from the father stating to issue an exit permit for the child
A copy of the travel ticket
2 personal photos of the child
Violators and registration of eye-print:
Original and copy of the passport of the person concerned
A copy of the travel ticket
2 personal photos of the sponsored person
UAE out pass fees
A fee of AED 221 will need to be paid for the UAE out pass. If you pay through commercial banks in Dubai, a collection commission of AED 20 will be added per transaction. Furthermore, if the application is submitted through AMER centres, a fee of AED 100 will be added.
How do I apply for UAE out pass?
Violation of the residency visa
Through the GDRFA website:
Login to the website
Register a new user account (in case there is no account)
Select the required service
Attach the required documents
Pay the fees due for the service
Submit the application
Through AMER center:
Head to one of AMER’s service centers
Select the required service at the receptionist
Submit the required documents to the service employee
Verification of a Document
Pay the fees due for the service
Submit the application
Newborn
The father of the newborn has to be present for the avail
Submit the application to the service officer
Pay the fees due
Receipt of the print of departure permit
In case of lost passport
You have to present for the avail
Submit the application to the service officer
Pay the fees due
Receipt of the print of departure permit
In case of violators and record of an eye-print:
You have to be present for the avail
Submit the application to the service officer
Pay the fees due
Receipt of the print of departure permit
UAE out pass validity
Those who have been issued the UAE out pass must leave the country within 10 days after obtaining the permit.
UK Tourist Visa from Dubai The United Kingdom has now eased almost all Covid-19 restrictions for travellers, including the need to complete a UK passenger locator form, and Covid-19 PCR test and quarantine requirements, irrespective of the vaccination status of the travellers. Therefore, travellers from Dubai & the UAE can now travel to the UK without any stringent entry restrictions.
Do Dubai & UAE residents need a UK tourist visa to the UK?
According to a directive from the United Kingdom home office, from 2023 UAE nationals will no longer need a UK Tourist Visa to enter the Kingdom.
As of now, since the UAE does not fall under countries eligible for visa-free services upon arrival in the UK, travellers from the UAE and Dubai to the UK must have a valid visa document for entry to the UK.
The UAE and Dubai residents can apply for the Standard Visitor Visa to visit or the UK Tourist Visa for tourism, as well as business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other purposes. You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. However, you might be able to apply to stay for longer in certain circumstances, such as for medical treatment purposes.
Types of UK tourist visas available for Dubai & UAE residents
The short-term standard visitor visa
Residents from the UAE and Dubai can apply for the Standard Visitor Visa to visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities, including:
for tourism, for example on a holiday or vacation
to see your family or friends
to volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity
to pass through the UK to another country (‘in transit’)
for certain business activities.
to take part in a school exchange programme.
to do a recreational course of up to 30 days.
to study, do a placement or take an exam
as an academic, senior doctor or dentist
for medical reasons
You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. However, you might be able to apply to stay for longer in certain circumstances, such as for medical treatment purposes.
The long-term standard visitor visa
Residents from UAE and Dubai can also apply for a long-term Standard Visitor Visa that lasts 2, 5 or 10 years if they need to visit the UK regularly over a longer period. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit. If you’re under 18 years old when you apply, your long-term Standard Visitor visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18. You cannot get a refund on the fee.
The UK tourist visa from Dubai & UAE requirements
The following are some of the requirements that have to be met while applying for a Standard Visitor Visa or the UK Tourist Visa in UAE and Dubai:
A passport or travel document to enter the UK, that should be valid for the whole of your stay in the UK. Additionally, there must be a blank page in your passport for your Standard Visitor visa.
You must be able to show that:
you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit
you’re able to support yourself and your dependents during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you)
you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey)
you’ll not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home
Contact Us For Details : +971 50 307 7353 , Gatewayz
Qatar Visa on Arrival : Being ‘the most open country in the Middle East’, Qatar allows citizens from over 95 countries to obtain a visa waiver on arrival in the country. Passengers from eligible countries can now apply for a Qatar visa on arrival visa hassle-free by simply going through some procedures and requirements.
Here is all you need to know about Qatar visa on arrival along with its procedure, requirements, the countries eligible to apply for the visa, and more.
Qatar Visa on Arrival
Qatar visa on arrival 2022 latest news With FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 around the corner and the airlines and hotels amping up travel packages for football fans heading to Qatar, the authorities have now announced that effective from 1 November 2022 to 23 January 2023, entry to Qatar will be restricted to Hayya card holders, residents and nationals of Qatar.
The Hayya Card will serve as the only entry permit for visitors to Qatar during this period, and no other standard visit or travel or visa-free permits will be issued during this period.
Moreover, the UAE and GCC residents and travellers intending to visit Qatar for any other purpose will also need a Hayya card to enter Qatar starting from 1 November 2022. However, travellers who do not have match tickets will have to wait to apply for the Hayya card.
Additionally, visitors without World Cup tickets will be able to enter Qatar after the group-stage matches conclude on December 2. Even though a match ticket is no longer required for inbound arrivals to Qatar, visitors must still present a Hayya Card before traveling.
It is important to note that those who are already in Qatar on a visit visa and intend to stay for the World Cup must go to the nearest service centre to alter their permit status and obtain a Hayya Card if their visit visa expires in November or December.
Qatar visa on arrival eligible countries
The Qatar visa on arrival allows nationals of 95 eligible countries to obtain a visa waiver upon arrival to Qatar by presenting a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket.
The nationals of these countries do not require any prior visa arrangements before travelling to Qatar. Visitors intending to stay in Qatar must hold a valid hotel booking for the duration of the stay.
The countries eligible for the Qatar visa on arrival will, however, be divided into two categories depending on the types of visas on arrival they are eligible.
90-day stay period For nationals of the countries listed below, the waiver will be valid for 180 days from the date of issuance and entitle its holder to spend up to 90 days in Qatar, during either a single trip or on multiple trips:
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine
30-day stay period
For citizens of the following countries, a visa-free stay of 30 days is allowed from the date of issuance and may be extended for another 30 days.
Andorra, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Georgia, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Macau, Macedonia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Russia, Rwanda, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Suriname, Thailand, The United Kingdom, The United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela.
Qatar visa on arrival rules for travellers from India, Pakistan, Iran
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has now implemented a new measure amending the requirements for visas on arrival for Indian, Iranian and Pakistani nationals. They will be required to meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply for a Qatar visa on arrival:
The applicant must have purchased hotel accommodation from the Discover Qatar website for the entire duration of their stay in Qatar.
The length of visa granted must correspond to the duration of the hotel booking, ranging from a minimum of 2 days to up to 30 days, with the option of a one-time extension of their visa for 30 days in Qatar.
They must meet all other criteria as mandated by the Ministry of Interior.
Please note that due to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Discover Qatar will only take bookings for check-ins up to 15 September 2022 with the last check-outs on 15 October 2022. The visa on arrival (VOA) accommodation will again be available for check-ins from 23 December 2022.
Visa exemption for GCC countries
In addition to the countries eligible for visa-free entry to Qatar, nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) also do not require a visa to enter Qatar.
Qatar visa on arrival requirements
Passengers from countries eligible for the Qatar visa on arrival can possess visa-free entry to Qatar and obtain a visa waiver on arrival if they meet the following requirements:
The passenger must be a citizen of an eligible country.
Must present a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months
Must possess a confirmed onward or return ticket.
Passengers intending to stay in Qatar must hold a valid hotel booking for the duration of the stay.
Passengers from Pakistan and India might also require:
proof of fund or a credit card to be eligible for the Qatar visa on arrival. Make sure to carry an International Debit/Credit Card, under your name, with a minimum balance of QAR 5000.
a bank statement from the last three months might also be required to prove that the balance is equivalent to QAR 5000.
Please note that passengers from India, Pakistan and Iran will have to go through some additional requirements to obtain the Qatar visa on arrival, as mentioned above.
Qatar visa on arrival application process
1. Ehteraz travel permit
As Qatar is expecting an unprecedented 1.2 million visitors during the November 20th to December 18th tournament, visitors entering Qatar will no longer be required to present a negative PCR test or RAT result. Furthermore, the requirement for showing Covid-19 status on the Etheraz app has also been dropped.
However, travellers must still show the app before entering a healthcare facility.
Please make sure to download the Ehteraz mobile application if you want to enter a healthcare facility in Qatar.
2. Visiting the immigration counter
Visit the Immigration counter in Doha, and show the officer your travel permit.
Submit all the required documents like Passport, Return or onward ticket, hotel booking confirmation, vaccine certificate and International Credit/Debit Card with three months’ bank statement (for India and Pakistan) to the Immigration Officer, and go through all the procedures and requirements the officer asks you to.
If confirmed, the Immigration Officer will fix a small sticker to your passport, marking the acceptance of a visa on arrival to Qatar.
Qatar visa on arrival fee
The Qatar visa on arrival is absolutely free of cost for all the travellers eligible for the visa. The extension or renewal of the Qatar visa on arrival is also free of cost.
Qatar visa on arrival extension
Passengers from countries eligible for the 30-day visa are the ones eligible to extend the Qatar visa on arrival for an additional 30 days. The visa extension can be done online through the Ministry of Interior portal, by following the steps given below:
Visit the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website.
Fill in all the details including, “Visa Number” (can be found on the sticker attached to your passport), “Passport Number”, and “Nationality”.
Enter the Captcha displayed on the screen, accurately.
Your Qatar visa on arrival will now be extended for 30 days.
GCC residents, citizens can travel to Qatar without Hayya card : Qatar's Ministry of Interior has announced that citizens and residents of the Gulf will be allowed to enter the country without a Hayya card.
Regular entry procedures will resume for all those eligible from today, December 6.
However, the authority has added that those who wish to attend the upcoming matches will still need the card.
There are separate rules regarding the entry process, which are as follows:
GCC residents, citizens can travel to Qatar without Hayya card
By air
Travellers will be able to enter the country through airports without a Hayya Card. Those without a match ticket will not be required to register on the Hayya website. As of December 6, 2022 (today), tourists will be able to enter the country seamlessly with travel protocol that was earlier in place.
By bus
All those wishing to enter the country by bus can do so without registering on the website of the Ministry of Interior. Free parking spaces will also be allocated for buses.
By private vehicle
From December 12, 2022, tourists wishing to enter the country using their own private vehicle will be able to do so. However, they must register on the website of the Ministry of Interior at least 12 hours before the date of entry. No fees will be charged on registration.
Authorities have said that this step is being taken in an effort to allow more visitors from GCC countries to come in and enjoy the spirit of the game.
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GCC residents, citizens can travel to Qatar without Hayya card
Football World Cup Opening Ceremony 2022 : Football fans will soon be able to enjoy the World Cup proceedings as the date for the opening ceremony is only days away. The opening ceremony of this grand football tournament is expected to be a stunning celebration full of light and colour as is traditional for events of this sort.
World Cup opening ceremony 2022
The World Cup opening ceremony will signify the official start of the competition. If past renditions are any indication, the opening ceremony will involve some of the world’s biggest and most celebrated artists and performers.
Without a doubt, this year’s opening ceremony will be a memorable event as it is the first World Cup to be held in winter as well as in an Arab country.
World Cup opening ceremony 2022 timing
The World Cup opening ceremony will take place on 20 November before the tournament’s first Group A match between host Qatar and Ecuador. The opening ceremony will begin one hour before the game at 17:00 AST (GMT+3) / 09:00 ET.
Khalifa International Stadium
World Cup opening ceremony 2022 stadium
The World Cup opening ceremony will be held at the Al Bayt Stadium in the city of Al Khor. The stadium has a maximum capacity of 60,000 and will also be the venue for one of the semifinals.
World Cup opening ceremony 2022 artists and singers
Shakira, who is well known for her performances at previous opening ceremonies, will reportedly be one of the performers. Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, the Black Eyed Peas, J Balvin, Nora Fatehi, and other acts have all been suggested as potential performers.
In addition, early in September, American rapper Lil Baby released the World Cup’s official anthem. Shortly after, he tweeted to announce that he would be participating in the competition in some way.
FIFA is yet to announce a full list of performers for the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony, however, it has been confirmed that Bollywood singer Nora Fatehi will perform the World Cup single “Light The Sky” with BTS’s Jung Kook.
Where to tune in for the opening ceremony?
You can enjoy the opening ceremony and the first match of the World cup from home by turning in to one of these channels below:
Take a Beaches Break : For many visitors, a UAE vacation centres around the beach.
Late October to May, while temperatures plummet over Europe and North America, is high season here as the UAE's punishing summer heat gives way to winter's beaches weather.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the more obvious beach choices, offering city sightseeing, shopping, and theme parks in easy reach of the sand.
For sun-and-sand vacations in Dubai, luxury resorts are focused along the coast west of the central city. In particular, the beach around Jumeirah and Dubai Marina offer plenty of family-oriented, five star resorts dedicated to beaches time.
Abu Dhabi's luxury resorts rim the shoreline of the city's various islands, so resort areas are more scattered across the city than in Dubai. Saadiyat Island, Marina Breakwater, and Khor Al Maqta are the areas offering some of the best beach-focused resorts in town.
Take a Beaches Break
Away from these two destinations, though, there are more beaches options.
The beach resorts of Ras Al-Khaimah and Ajman in particular are favourite city getaways, while on the UAE's eastern coast, Al Aqah beach in the Emirate of Fujairah is a popular option for beach-goers who want to head away from the crowds.
UAE Golden Visa announcement: Online quiz revealed to check UAE Golden Visa Eligibility in 2 minutes
The test will help users understand if they are eligible to receive a Golden Visa.
The UAE has revealed a new online tool to help users understand if they are eligible to receive a Golden Visa.
The tool, which is available on the Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship’s website, is a short quiz that will inform users if they are eligible for a Golden Visa. The quiz can be conducted in a couple of minutes, and asks users questions about their investments in the UAE, job role, and contribution to the country’s economy.
The UAE recently announced reforms for its Golden Visa rules and long-term visit visas, paving the way for more people to access the system. Unlike a normal job visa, the Golden Visa is not tied to employment, meaning the bearer can stay in the UAE. The visa lasts 10 years.
The benefits of Golden Visas extend to immediate family members. Children can be sponsored by a Golden Visa or Green Residence visa holder until the age of 25 – an increase from the previous rule of 18 years – with no age limit for unmarried daughters. Children of determination are granted a residence permit, regardless of their age.
The UAE Golden Visa residency programme was first implemented in 2019 and enables expats to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need of a national sponsor and with 100 percent ownership of their business on the UAE’s mainland.
New reforms recently eased the criteria to apply for the 10-year visas, with more people across a diverse set of professions offered the opportunity to apply for the Golden Visa.
Under the new regulations, the UAE Golden Visa will grant 10-year residence to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes, who meet certain eligibility parameters.
As part of its expansion, more professionals and highly skilled workers with educational qualifications and professional experience in all disciplines can now qualify for a Golden Visa. This includes those working in medicine, sciences and engineering, information technology, business and administration, education, law, culture, and social sciences.
Golden Visa for Athletes
Under this category, the Golden Residency Visa for specialised talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge is granted for 10 years without a sponsor and is subject to renewal.
Requirements:
Applicants would need a recommendation letter from the General Authority of Sports in Dubai OR Dubai Sports Council.
A copy of the sponsored passport.
Golden Visa for creative specialists in Culture and Art
Under this category, the Golden Residency Visa for specialised talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge is granted for 10 years without a sponsor and is subject to renewal.
Requirements:
Applicants will need a recommendation letter from Dubai culture and Arts Authority.
A copy of the sponsored passport.
Golden Visa for Executive Directors
Under this category an Executive Director and his family members can be granted a Golden Residency Visa for specialized talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge for a period of 10 years without a sponsor and subject to renewal.
Requirements:
Executive Directors would require an “NOC” letter from the company that does not mind the golden residency, also mentioned that the service period is not less than 5 years as a general manager – executive director – chairman of the board of directors.
Attested bachelor’s degree or higher degree.
Salary certificate which should not be less then AED 50,000 monthly.
Labour contract with the same profession and salary at the salary certificate.
Bank statement for the last 6 months.
Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs
This category grants a Golden Residency Visa for 5 years to an entrepreneur who owns an economic project of a technical or future nature based on risk & innovation.
Requirement:
The applicant would require an approval letter from Dubai Future Foundation.
Golden Visa for Retired Foreigners
Under this category, a retired foreigner can be granted a Golden Residency Visa for a period of 5 years without a sponsor and subject to renewal.
Requirement:
The applicant would need a bank letter with a deposit value or income of AED15,000 or real estate ownership with the value of one million AED.
Golden Visa for Investors
Under this category, an investor can be granted the Golden Residency Visa for 5 or 10 years.
It is automatically renewed if the same conditions are met.
Requirements:
The applicant should be an investor in an investment fund (commercial investor) –
Applicant would require the company’s financial report for the previous year – made by the company’s financial auditor.
The company’s trade license and photocopy of the list of partners’ names.
A copy of the sponsored residency.
The company’s bank statement for the last 3 months.
The company’s VAT return for the previous year.
The applicant should be an investor in an investment fund (deposit) –
A letter from the bank in Arabic form showcasing a “fix deposit”. A note must be mentioned in the letter. (The fix deposit will not be broken for the next two years, OR in case the fix deposit was broken for any reason, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai must be notified)
A copy of the sponsored passport.
Tenancy contract.
Investor in (Tax Return Investor) –
A letter from the Federal Tax Authority.
Company’s Trade license and photocopy of the list of partners’ names.
A copy of the sponsored residency.
Golden Visa for Specialists in Engineering and Science
Under this category, an applicant and his family member can be granted a Golden Residency Visa for specialised talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge for 10 years without a sponsor and subject to renewal.
Requirements:
Applicants would require an attested degree (bachelor’s degree or higher), or a letter of equivalency for the academic degree from the Ministry of Education (for certificates from outside the country).
A copy of the sponsored residency.
A work contract in one of the following disciplines: (Epidemiology and Viruses – Artificial Intelligence – Big Data – Computer Engineering – Electronics Engineering – Software Engineering – Electrical Engineering – Genetic Engineering – Biotechnology Engineering).
Golden Visa for Inventors
Under this category, a Golden Residency Visa can be granted to an applicant and his family member for specialized talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge for 10 years without a sponsor and subject to renewal.
Requirements:
Applicant would require a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy.
A copy of the sponsored passport.
Golden Visa for Scientists
Under this category, a Golden Residency Visa can be granted to an applicant and his family member for specialized talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge for 10 years without a sponsor and subject to renewal.
Requirements:
Applicants would require a recommendation letter from “Emirates Scientists Council” or a letter from “Rashid Award for Scientific outstanding” that he/she has been awarded the Medal of Scientific outstanding.
Golden Visa for Outstanding Students
Under this category a Golden Residency Visa is granted for outstanding students for a period of 5 or 10 years and automatically renewed if the same conditions are met.
Requirements for a high school graduate:
A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education.
Copy of the sponsored residency – applicable only for Dubai residents.
Copy of the sponsored passport.
Requirements for a university graduate:
Attested degree (bachelor’s degree or higher) along with the academic transcript.
Copy of the sponsored residency applicable for Dubai residents only
Copy of the sponsored passport.
Golden Visa for Doctors
Under this category, a Golden Residency Visa can be granted to an applicant and his family member for specialised talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge for 10 years without a sponsor and subject to renewal.
Requirements:
Applicants would require a copy of their labour card.
A copy of labour contract from MOHRE.
A copy of the sponsored residency.
The UAE Golden Visa residency programme, which was first implemented in 2019, enabled expats to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need of a national sponsor and with 100 percent ownership of their business on the UAE’s mainland.
With the new rules, the criteria to apply for the 10-year visas have now been eased, as more people across a diverse set of professions will be offered the opportunity to apply for the Golden Visa.
Here’s an overview of the impact UAE’s latest Golden Visa rules will have on the region:
How the Golden Visa rules will impact students, families, and the business of education in the UAE
UAE’s new Golden Visa rules to encourage more doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals to move to the UAE
How UAE’s Golden Visa reforms will lead to more expat investment
How the updated UAE Golden Visa rules have changed the talent market
How UAE’s new Golden Visa rules will impact businesses
How UAE’s new Golden Visa rules will benefit startups in the region.
How the Golden Visa rules will impact students, families, and the business of education in the UAE :
Academic institutions, students, families, as well as the business and state of education will improve considerably following the recent set of sweeping amendments made to long-term visa policies in the UAE, an expert told Arabian Business.
Under the new executive regulations, the UAE Golden Visa programme will grant 10-year residency to high-performing students in UAE secondary schools, and outstanding graduates from UAE universities, as well as students from the best 100 universities worldwide who meet specific elibility criteria.
The criteria includes submitting proof of cumulative average of their academic performance, the year of graduation, and the university classification.
“The new visa regime approved by the UAE Cabinet assures incredible flexibility to its beneficiaries. The updated visa structure enables educational institutions to shift the cost of securing visas for education away from the student and his/her family,” explained Danielle Butterworth (below), the executive director for Finance and Administration at the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD).
“Such government initiatives not only positively impact the business of education here in the UAE, but also enhance the state of education in the country, attracting more foreign students than ever, and reaffirming the UAE’s pioneering role as an international education and knowledge hub.”
The positive policy reforms will further enable educational to facilitate uninterrupted education preventing students and their families from the hassle of re-applying or purchasing an alternative visa type.
Butterworth added: “The UAE Golden Visa expanded scheme will also incentivise students in UAE secondary schools and universities to aim for high performance. This will further fuel student interest and intake across universities, allowing educational institutions to attract and retain exceptional talent.”
The UAE Cabinet has also approved a special entry permit for those attending training and academic courses and/or participating in internship programmes.
The sponsor can be universities or educational or research institutions licensed in the country or government or private entities.
“Universities form the crux of UAE’s academic landscape and any policy reforms that impact entry and retention for students across universities, also increase the flexibility of the education market.
“The updated rules contribute to a more accessible academic environment. The visa overhaul places students and academics at the fore, building effectively on the competitiveness of the UAE as a pioneer in education,” Butterworth concluded.
UAE’s new Golden Visa rules to encourage more doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals to move to the UAE :
Healthcare has received a huge boost in the UAE with the new rules for 10-year Golden Visas and 5-year Green Residence visas, which are expected to attract top professionals to the nation, an industry expert said.
The UAE Cabinet has eased the eligibility criteria for long-term visas in the UAE. The new rules also make the Golden Visa programme more inclusive to encourage more professionals across diverse industries to apply to the programme.
Reacting to the recent rules, the founder chairman and managing director of Aster DM Healthcare, Dr Azad Moopen, said: “For the healthcare sector, these reforms will attract more doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to build their careers in UAE and select the country as a home for their families.”
According to the new rules, the UAE Golden Visa will be granted to scientists and researchers with high achievements and influence in their field based on the recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council.
The candidate must have a PhD or a Master’s degree in the disciplines of engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences from the best universities in the world, as well as substantial research achievements.
The UAE Cabinet has also revealed a major expansion, opening out the Golden Visa to highly skilled workers with educational qualifications and professional experience in all disciplines, including medicine, sciences, and engineering, among others.
In addition, the UAE’s new set of executive regulations will also provide skilled employees the opportunity to gain a 5-year Green Residency, without the need for a sponsor or employer.
Dr Azad Moopen, founder chairman and managing director of Aster DM Healthcare
Moopen added: “It is heartening to see the UAE’s visa relaxation announcement has reforms to support expatriates and businesses. The expansion of benefits to Golden Visa holders and introduction of green residence visa will attract more people with new skill sets and many businesses to the country.
“This will boost the talent pool in UAE and aid in the development of diverse sectors in alignment with the vision of the great rulers of the country to make UAE a global destination of choice.”
The announcement of the new set of rules is also timely, given the recent announcements surrounding the easing of Covid-related regulations in the UAE and the completion of a highly successful six-month long World Expo.
Moopen concluded: “Our triumph in the global war against Covid-19, while delivering the World’s Greatest Show – Expo 2020 – with such success, has established UAE as the most sought-after destinations for businesses and healthcare already. I am sure these moves will increase it exponentially.”
How UAE’s Golden Visa reforms will lead to more expat investment
The forthcoming reforms to the UAE visa system are designed to make it easier for expats to live, work and build a future in the country. With this, we’re likely to see an evolution in the spending and investment habits of expats in the UAE, as they start to plan their finances around longer-term residency, says Sophia Bhatti, an award-winning leader in finance and investment and a Chartered Wealth Manager.
Alongside the extended investor and entrepreneur visas, the new regulations are likely to encourage expats to commit more financial resources within the UAE, whether it be buying property, building an investment portfolio locally, or spending more disposable income in-country.
The new long-term residency schemes will promote a high sense of stability among qualifying UAE expats. It will also provide an important buffer to foreign residents living in the UAE who were previously reliant on short-term renewable visas linked to their employment.
The confidence that comes with secure residency will encourage more special visa-holders and their families to put down roots. With an extended visibility on the future, expats can now build and oversee investment and savings plans over the longer-term, as well as exploring new opportunities within the UAE.
The visa system overhaul will lead to a reduction in the cost of renewing residency permits, which should in turn lead to more savings and investments taking place as a result. Attracting more knowledge workers to the country will help to build and retain a highly-skilled workforce, with more investment potential and greater spending power.
The lifestyle opportunities the UAE offers, combined with the prospect of working towards a clear savings goal, mean that the investor visa option is likely to attract not only high-net-worth individuals but also the mass affluent expats.
The opportunity to reside in the UAE long-term is likely to change the investment mindset, particularly when it comes to property. Where expats might previously have invested in a residence in their home country, the option to build a future in the UAE means long-term visa holders will be more likely to explore residential property in the Emirates.
Furthermore, the current supply and demand equation has made investment property an attractive proposition. With the implementation of longer-term residency options, more expats will come to the UAE, and push rental prices up in the process.
The new regulations will naturally have a positive impact on the local banking industry as more investment is retained in the UAE. We can also expect an evolution in the broader business landscape as companies start to plan differently for their future.
Security of residence for employees will help to build more certainty around business continuity. Growing investment in commercial property is likely as existing businesses look to commit to the long-term and more new ventures set themselves up in the UAE.
How the updated UAE Golden Visa rules have changed the talent market
“What got you here won’t get you there” – Marhsal Goldsmith.
In the pre-pandemic era, employees, and entrepreneurs alike, were willing to go through lengthy and tedious residency processes to be based out of Dubai and the wider UAE.
Being “based in the UAE” has always been perceived as prestigious and for numerous, well-justified reasons. Landing a job with an employer in the country was, and still is, considered a privilege, says Ayman Kattan, Chief People Officer at Bayzat.
The pandemic however has brought about unprecedented changes to workforce dynamics by allowing most employers in the technology industry, both in the UAE and beyond, to double down on a “talent-first” approach to hiring.
As it turned out, being forced to adapt to a new reality and rapidly transitioning into the remote work paradigm, was a silver lining to what was otherwise an extremely challenging time for humanity.
The emergence of innovative and disruptive services such as Employers of Record (EoR) and Outsourcing solutions has created something of a “decentralisation of talent” and “free for all” effect on the talent landscape.
While this new reality has presented number of obvious positives for both talent and employers, it has come with some hefty costs.
Today, professionals can still enjoy the perks of working with Dubai-based employers and serving the local market, while operating out of the luxury of their own homes, which thanks to technology, could be anywhere in the world.
The hassle, costs, and time it takes to acquire a visa is simply not worth it anymore, be it for a job or to set up shop.
A quick change was therefore needed for the UAE to continue to flourish and remain a top tier business destination and once again the UAE’s government has demonstrated its incredible vision and foresight.
It was announced earlier this year that one of the key objectives of Dubai’s Chamber of Digital Economy is to attract 300 digital startups to Dubai within two years.
Such an ambitious objective would undoubtedly require rapid enhancements and changes to laws and policies.
To see immediate reforms to the visa system in the UAE, is just a testament to the country’s agility and ability to adapt to the new world we now live in.
With these visa reforms, we should expect to see a substantial increase of both supply and demand in the job market, which will go a long way in putting things that have been disrupted by the pandemic back into a state of equilibrium.
UAE-based employees will no longer be competing with just their domestic counterparts, but with the expected influx of top global talent
For businesses, this presents a momentous opportunity. But employees will need to be mindful that this can represent a change in the competitive landscape.
Overnight, UAE-based employees will no longer be competing with just their domestic counterparts, but with the expected influx of top global talent.
Moreover, for UAE-based organisations to capitalise on the influx of talent, the truth is, whatever worked up until this point, won’t work tomorrow.
Now is the time for these companies to invest in retention schemes for top performers, and to review things like their EVP (employee value proposition), wellbeing initiatives and employee benefits.
Otherwise, they will face the very real threat of their top talent, and the top talent in the resource pool, being snatched up quite quickly.
I also reckon that companies that haven’t invested in talent development and those that aren’t constantly up-skilling their people, are not going to be able to remain competitive in this new market that is being rapidly reformed and transformed.
This is a great time to be living and working in the UAE but just as the UAE government has been quick to adapt, it is imperative that UAE businesses and employees do too.
How UAE’s new Golden Visa rules will impact businesses
To help attract and retain top talent across numerous sectors, the UAE Cabinet recently amended its Golden Visa programme to include professionals from more diverse fields and ease the eligibility criteria.
This programme allows investors, entrepreneurs, startup owners, professionals, and exceptionally talented individuals to apply for long-term residency – for up to 10 years with the option of renewal – to live, work, or invest in one of the most cosmopolitan nations around the world. With a Golden Visa, expats can forego the need of a national sponsor and maintain 100 percent ownership of their businesses on the UAE mainland.
Commenting on the new executive regulations on the long-term residence visa, Roberto Croci, the managing director of Microsoft for Startups – Middle East, Turkey, and Pakistan, said: “The UAE showed a superb management of Covid with open borders, high vaccination rates, and its business-friendly regime. In this context, the Golden Visa can play a critical role in empowering more entrepreneurs to build their business from the UAE at a time where more global players like Sequoia Capital India and Softbank start looking seriously at the region and eventually undertake deals.”
Roberto Croci, the managing director of Microsoft for Startups – Middle East, Turkey, and Pakistan
The emergence of many technical startups and big companies looking to invest in Dubai and establish their headquarters in the emirate has also led to an increase in demand for technical skilled labour in the past years.
“Over the past few years, the UAE has positioned itself as an essential business hub connecting the Middle East to the world. Due to its dynamic and robust economy, it has become a destination of choice for business people and wealthy individuals seeking financial success,” Croci added.
“There is also a strong push by the UAE for new-age technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, automation, and e-commerce.”
Innovation, entrepreneurship, and advanced industries remain a clear focus for the UAE as part of its plan to create a diversified knowledge-based economy in line with the UAE Centennial Plan 2071. With this active policy intervention the UAE can emerge as the tech hub of the Arab world with an ambition of becoming home to 20 tech companies worth $1 billion or more by 2031.
“The Golden Visa allow entrepreneurs and technology investors to live in the country for up to 10 years, longer than regular visas, with long-term financial planning and the opportunity to consider the UAE as home.
“The Golden Visa clearly shows how progressive the UAE is when it comes to supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Exciting times ahead for the UAE and its startup ecosystem,” Croci concluded.
How UAE’s new Golden Visa rules will benefit startups in the region
Entrepreneurs in the UAE are hailing the new Golden Visa regulations as yet another “great move forward,” in strengthening the country’s startup ecosystem.
The new executive regulations coming in to effect next month, set flexible requirements for entrepreneurs and startup owners to obtain the ten-year residency visa, making it easier to attract top talent and businesses to the country, industry stakeholders told Arabian Business.
“As a business owner, entrepreneur, employer, mother and long-term resident of the UAE, I fully welcome the broadening of the rules and ability for more people to be eligible. The UAE is an attractive place to do business, live and create amazing things,” said Kate Midttun, founder and CEO, Acorn Strategy and Abu Dhabi’s first female Golden Visa holder.
“Allowing access for more people to do that and have control over their journey and future through the Golden Visa programme is a great thing. The impact as a business is huge, forging a stronger talent pool and making the region much more competitive globally,” she continued.
Kate Midttun, founder and CEO of Acorn Strategy
Golden visa eligibility criteria for entrepreneurs include owning or being a partner in a UAE-registered startup that generates annual revenues of $272,250 (AED 1 million) and above, having approval from an official body for a startup idea or being a former founder of an entrepreneurial project that sold for not less than $1.9m (AED7m).
“These visa reforms make a lot of sense in the short to medium term. The UAE’s projected 4.2 percent growth for 2022 is no surprise given that researchers in the US found that entrepreneurs who started their business in a recession were more likely to thrive and innovate due to adversity giving them a greater hunger for success. And UAE stock markets are buoyant, money is pouring into later-stage venture capital, with VC funding reaching $2.6bn last year, 138 percent more than the funding in 2020,” said Ramesh Jagannathan, NYU Abu Dhabi Associate Dean of Engineering, and startAD managing director.
“The global consumer class will reach 5.2 billion people by 2030, out of which, over three billion of them will be in India, China, Africa referred to as the “ICA Corridor”. Given that the MENA is part of the ICA Corridor, there is an opportunity to ‘ride the wave’ of India and China’s global tech dominance by becoming dominant in the global entrepreneurial economic landscape.”
Ramesh Jagannathan, NYU Abu Dhabi Associate Dean of Engineering, and startAD managing director
“There is a white space available for the UAE to walk into, with a good strategy and patient execution and, as such, the latest visa reforms are another vital ingredient to add to the recipe that will create a dominant MENA digital economy fit for the evolving 21st Century needs,” Jagannathan added.
The new rules will allow the Golden Visa holder to sponsor his/ her family members, including spouses and children regardless of their age.
“This is yet another great move forward from the UAE government in its efforts to attract entrepreneurs to the region and give them all the incentives to launch businesses that can go on to make valuable contributions to the economy of the UAE as well as the wider Middle East,” said Ryaan Sharif, general manager, Flat6Labs, a seed and early-stage venture capital firm.
“Obviously, there is still more to be done, however, every change to proactively assist entrepreneurs in moving to the UAE and putting down roots here helps us in attracting the top talent globally,” Sharif continued.
Under the new executive regulations, the UAE Golden Visa will grant 10-year residence to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes, who meet certain eligibility parameters.
“This is great news all around for the startup ecosystem for both founders and Investors. It gives visibility and longevity to current and past founders, creates a fantastic environment for founders who want to become VCs (a growing trend) and sets up access to attract and retain a large and diversified talent pool,” said Derek Watson, founder and CEO of N2 Technology, a business focused on accelerating the funding process for startups and investors.
“It begs the question why would you want to be a startup or investor based anywhere else?” he added.
