The UAE Cabinet on Wednesday announced a 10-year Blue Residency visa for individuals who have made exceptional contributions in field of protecting the environment.

Those with significant efforts in the field of circular economy or other relevant fields will also be eligible.

The announcement came as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, chaired the Cabinet meeting at Qasar Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

“In alignment with the national directives declared by the UAE President, to designate 2024 as the year of sustainability in the UAE, we introduced the ‘Blue Residency’, a 10-year residency granted to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to environment protection, whether in marine life, land-based ecosystems, or air quality, sustainability technologies, the circular economy, or related fields. The sustainability of our economy is now linked to the sustainability of our environment… Our national orientations are clear and firm in this area,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

Blue Residency: Who is eligible?

The Blue Residency will specifically be granted to supporters of environmental action. This includes members of international organizations, international companies, members of associations and non-governmental organizations and global award winners. It also includes distinguished activists and researchers in environmental work. Those are interested in the residency are invited to submit their applications through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, or through nominations by competent authorities.

The UAE already grants 10-year residency visas, called golden visas, to eligible investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes.