Following a cabinet session in Abu Dhabi, the UAE has announced plans for a new 10-year residency visa. They named it the “Blue Residency” and will grant it to individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, chaired the cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated: “In accordance with the national directives of the UAE President, declaring 2024 as the year of sustainability in the UAE, we introduced the ‘Blue Residency,’ a ten-year residency granted to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to environmental protection, whether in marine life, terrestrial ecosystems, air quality, sustainability technologies, the circular economy, or related fields.”
“The sustainability of our economy is now intricately linked to the sustainability of our environment… Our national objectives are resolute and unequivocal in this regard.”
The “Blue Residency” offers the first long-term residency opportunity for individuals who have demonstrated remarkable dedication and endeavours in environmental advocacy and sustainability, both within and beyond the borders of the United Arab Emirates.
This initiative aims to strengthen and sustain the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and aligns with the UAE President’s directives to extend the momentum of the Year of Sustainability from 2023 into 2024.
Recipients of the Blue Residency will primarily include proponents of environmental activism, comprising members of international organisations, global corporations, association members, non-governmental organisations, recipients of global accolades, and esteemed advocates and researchers in environmental pursuits, encompassing both Emirati nationals and conscientious resident proponents of environmental conservation.
