The UAE’s widely-recognised Golden Visa programme, once a magnet primarily for foreign capital and real estate investment, is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Initially introduced in 2019 to attract long-term foreign residents through investment-led pathways, the programme is now zeroing in on specialised talent, especially in artificial intelligence, climate tech, and advanced digital sectors.This evolution reflects a larger strategic ambition: not just to host wealth, but to cultivate a workforce aligned with the country’s economic and innovation goals. The shift became especially pronounced post-2023, when the government moved beyond its pandemic-era push for capital influx and began empowering key federal entities, including the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Sports, and the Abu Dhabi Residents Office, to identify and attract high-value individuals worldwide.Rather than focusing solely on monetary investments, authorities are now increasingly evaluating applicants based on their capacity to contribute to local ecosystems, whether through technical expertise, entrepreneurial leadership, or sector-specific knowledge.
Rising Numbers and Strategic Talent hunt
According to industry observers, among them Gaurav Keswani, founder and managing director of JSB, a Dubai-based advisory firm specialising in company formation and visa services, the UAE is now actively targeting professionals in emerging technology and sustainability sectors. Speaking to local news outlet Khaleej Times, Keswani noted that the Golden Visa programme has shifted focus from purely investment-led entry to attracting individuals who can contribute long-term value. Data from 2023 reveals that 158,000 Golden Visas were granted in Dubai alone, underscoring both the scale and strategic success of the initiative.Among these recipients:
- 40% were investors
- 60% came from other high-value categories
- 22% were professionals from banking and non-banking sectors, including those in AI and climate change roles
including a growing segment of individuals working in AI, IoT, cloud computing, and environmental solutions.This approach mirrors the UAE’s parallel push to become a hub for global finance and innovation. Over the past few years, eight of the world’s top 20 hedge funds have set up offices in the UAE, collectively managing an estimated $48 billion in business. But this influx of capital has created an equally urgent demand for executive talent, from CEOs and CTOs to AI consultants and infrastructure architects, capable of scaling these operations. “The government has realised that investment alone doesn’t build a sustainable economy,” Keswani explained. “There’s now a visible focus on people who can actively shape and grow industries, not just fund them.”
Expanding Eligibility, Rising Demand
Originally aimed at investors and property buyers, the Golden Visa’s scope now includes a broad array of profiles: scientists, outstanding students, coders, private wealth managers, and graduates of globally top-ranked universities. As new industries become national priorities, the visa programme is swiftly adapting to accommodate professionals who can advance them. Keswani’s firm, which has helped over 250 individuals secure Golden Visas in just the last six months, reports a surge in applicants from niche sectors such as AI ethics, green finance, and climate engineering. Many of these candidates are either driving large-scale innovation projects or are themselves investors bringing both capital and expertise into the region. “The last five months alone have seen a jump in shortlists for cloud specialists, private bankers, and AI developers,” Keswani noted. “These are people often behind billion-dollar strategies, not just jobseekers.” According to a local news agency report, the programme will likely continue diversifying, with more categories expected to be added, particularly around digital economy domains, including decentralised technologies and energy transition roles.
Built-In Flexibility for Global Professionals
What truly sets the UAE’s Golden Visa apart from similar long-term residency schemes is its structural flexibility. Professionals are not tied to a single employer and can freely transition into entrepreneurship or independent consultancy without losing their residency status. This flexibility, paired with residency terms of up to ten years, has made the programme especially attractive to senior global talent. Another key feature is the decoupling of investment from residency rights. For instance, a resident can liquidate their original investment and reallocate assets into different sectors without jeopardising their visa status. This legal separation allows for greater asset mobility, a major draw for high-net-worth individuals and top-tier executives. Targeting the Asia-Pacific talent pool has also become a strategic priority. As the UAE continues to position itself as a nexus between East and West, it is not just pulling in capital or companies, it’s bringing in the people behind them.
