5:22 am - February 15, 2026
The United Arab Emirates continues to advance and diversify its immigration and residency policies with a focus on attracting skilled professionals across multiple sectors while easing bureaucratic hurdles. Key updates introduced in 2024 and 2025 reflect the UAE’s ambition to become a global hub in areas such as healthcare, education, gaming, digital media, and environmental sustainability.
Among the most significant reform measures is the introduction of new visa categories tailored to various industries. Notably, nurses who have served Dubai Health for more than 15 years are now eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa, acknowledging their crucial role in the UAE’s healthcare system. This initiative, aligned with directives from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and launched on International Nurses Day, aims to retain experienced healthcare professionals and improve sector stability. Similarly, teachers across Dubai’s private schools and universities, as well as educators in Ras Al Khaimah, can apply for a 10-year Golden Visa, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to long-term development in education.
The UAE is also targeting creative and emerging industries. As part of the Dubai Gaming Programme 2033, esports and gaming professionals aged 25 or above who secure accreditation from Dubai Culture are now eligible for the Golden Visa, supporting the nation’s strategy to become a regional esports centre. Digital creators such as filmmakers and influencers are included in this forward-looking stance, with the Creators HQ initiative enabling 10-year Golden Visa applications without requiring local sponsorship. These moves are supplemented by Abu Dhabi’s efforts through its Department of Culture and Tourism to bolster the gaming and creative sectors.
On the innovation front, Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has launched “Salama,” an AI-powered platform designed to streamline visa application processes, manage payments, and facilitate services. This technology-driven approach reduces paperwork and enhances convenience for both individuals and businesses navigating residency and work permits.
Expanding travel facilitation, from February 2025 Indian nationals holding valid visas or residencies from countries such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada will be eligible for UAE visa-on-arrival privileges. This marks a widening of the current policy, which already benefits holders of US, UK, or EU documentation.
Another noteworthy addition is the UAE’s Blue Visa, offering a 10-year residency to environmental advocates who have demonstrated significant contributions to sustainability. Eligible applicants include researchers, climate leaders, and members of environmental organisations, reflecting the country’s increasing emphasis on environmental stewardship and innovation in the face of global climate challenges.
Among clarifications issued by UAE authorities, it has been firmly stated that cryptocurrency investments—and by extension, holdings of digital currencies like Toncoin—do not qualify for the Golden Visa. This refutation responds to false claims circulating online that suggested residency could be obtained through blockchain investments. A joint statement from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, the Securities and Commodities Authority, and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority categorically denied these rumours, emphasizing that Golden Visas are granted following strict, officially approved criteria excluding digital currency investors. The authorities have urged the public to rely solely on official sources for accurate information concerning visa eligibility.
Finally, initiatives like the “Work Bundle” digital platform are streamlining recruitment and employment procedures by allowing employers to manage hiring, permit renewals, and cancellations online using UAE PASS. This one-stop platform is a key element of the broader Workin UAE programme, designed to make the hiring process more efficient and minimise administrative burdens.
Collectively, these reforms highlight the UAE’s ongoing commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy, attracting global talent, and supporting sustainable development, while ensuring transparency and regulatory clarity in its immigration framework.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://propakistani.pk/2025/07/09/everything-you-need-to-know-about-uaes-latest-visa-changes-and-updates/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/uae-denies-granting-golden-visa-to-cryptocurrency-investors-1.500189037 – The UAE authorities have officially clarified that investments in cryptocurrency do not qualify individuals for the country’s Golden Visa programme. This clarification was issued in response to misleading online claims suggesting that users could obtain residency through The Open Network (TON), a blockchain platform linked to Telegram. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) jointly refuted these rumours to ensure accurate public information. The Golden Visa is granted based on clear and officially approved frameworks and criteria, which do not include digital currency investors.
- https://www.business-standard.com/immigration/no-golden-visa-for-crypto-investors-uae-warns-against-misinformation-125070700740_1.html – The UAE has denied claims that investors in digital currencies are eligible for the country’s coveted Golden Visa. In a joint statement issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), it was clarified that Golden Visas are not granted based on cryptocurrency holdings. The agencies stated that the Golden Visa is only available to specific categories of individuals under clearly defined guidelines, including investors in real estate, entrepreneurs, individuals with exceptional talent, scientists and specialists, top-performing students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline workers.
- https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad/no-golden-visa-for-digital-currency-investors-in-uae-authorities-clarify-3905382/ – UAE authorities have denied any claims regarding the issuance of Golden Visas to virtual asset investors in Dubai. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) issued a joint statement clarifying that the Golden Visa is granted based on clear and officially sanctioned regulations and criteria, which exclude digital currency investors. The authorities urged the public and investors to exercise caution and refer to official government websites and approved communication channels for accurate information.
- https://www.business-standard.com/immigration/uae-golden-visa-nurses-teachers-in-dubai-to-get-10-year-residency-125051400330_1.html – The UAE has announced a 10-year Golden Visa for nurses who have worked with Dubai Health for more than 15 years. This initiative, announced on International Nurses Day, aligns with directives from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and offers long-serving healthcare professionals the opportunity to obtain long-term residency. The move recognises the vital contribution of nurses to public health and aims to enhance the stability and quality of the healthcare workforce in the UAE.
- https://www.business-standard.com/immigration/uae-golden-visa-nurses-teachers-in-dubai-to-get-10-year-residency-125051400330_1.html – The UAE has announced a 10-year Golden Visa for nurses who have worked with Dubai Health for more than 15 years. This initiative, announced on International Nurses Day, aligns with directives from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and offers long-serving healthcare professionals the opportunity to obtain long-term residency. The move recognises the vital contribution of nurses to public health and aims to enhance the stability and quality of the healthcare workforce in the UAE.
- https://www.theweek.in/news/middle-east/2025/07/07/no-golden-visa-for-cryptocurrency-investors-uae-clarifies.html – The UAE has clarified that digital currency investors will not have a chance to obtain its new nomination-based Golden Visa that offers lifetime residency without the requirement to invest in property or business. This comes amid claims that Toncoin holders can now acquire the UAE’s much sought-after Golden Visa by staking TON. A joint statement issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, Securities and Commodities Authority and Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) said the Golden Visas are issued according to clear and officially approved frameworks and criteria, which do not include digital currency investors.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents recent developments in UAE visa policies, including new visa categories for healthcare workers, educators, and creatives, as well as the introduction of the ‘Salama’ AI platform. These updates align with information from reputable sources such as Gulf News, dated July 8, 2025. ([gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/living-in-uae/visa-immigration/10-major-uae-visa-changes-and-updates-you-need-to-know-about-in-2025-1.500191223?utm_source=openai)) The inclusion of updated data alongside previously reported material suggests a moderate freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative includes direct quotes attributed to UAE authorities, such as statements from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and officials from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. These quotes are consistent with information from Gulf News, dated July 8, 2025. ([gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/living-in-uae/visa-immigration/10-major-uae-visa-changes-and-updates-you-need-to-know-about-in-2025-1.500191223?utm_source=openai)) The presence of these quotes in earlier material indicates potential reuse.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from ProPakistani, a source with a limited reputation and reach. While it references information from Gulf News, a reputable source, the primary source’s reliability is uncertain. The lack of verification for some entities mentioned in the report raises concerns about potential fabrication.
Plausability check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative presents plausible claims regarding UAE’s visa reforms, including new visa categories and the ‘Salama’ AI platform. These developments are corroborated by Gulf News, dated July 8, 2025. ([gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/living-in-uae/visa-immigration/10-major-uae-visa-changes-and-updates-you-need-to-know-about-in-2025-1.500191223?utm_source=openai)) However, the lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets and the presence of unverifiable entities in the report suggest potential issues with plausibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents recent developments in UAE visa policies, with some information corroborated by reputable sources. However, the reliance on ProPakistani, a source with limited reputation, and the presence of unverifiable entities raise concerns about the report’s overall credibility. Further verification from additional reputable sources is recommended to confirm the accuracy of the claims presented.
