United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced it will grant citizenship to foreign residents who "add value" to nation. It is very rare for Gulf state to bestow citizenship on foreign nationals and represents bold revision of the UAE's immigration policy. UAE Vice-President and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum explained that people with "specialised talents" who "contribute to our development journey" could fall under new policy. He said artists, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, intellectuals, inventors, investors and scientists could be eligible to be given UAE passport. All successful people and their families would be permitted to hold dual nationality.
procedure to be given citizenship is dependent on recommendations and nominations from members of UAE royal family and high-ranking government officials. It will then be decision of UAE cabinet to approve or reject nomination. Sheikh Mohammed said there are "clear criteria" in selection process. Doctors must be specialised in scientific fields that are deemed high-priority by UAE. They must have conducted significant studies and research. Scientists must be active researchers and have made contributions to their field by attaining international award or research grant. Inventors need patented inventions registered by internationally recognised organisation.
