UAE Introduces 10-Year ‘Blue Residency Visa’ for Environmental Advocates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again taken a bold step towards sustainability with the launch of the ‘Blue Residency Visa’, a new long-term residency initiative aimed at recognising and supporting individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainability.

This new visa program offers a 10-year residency to environmental advocates, in line with the UAE’s focus on sustainability in 2024, designated as the year of sustainability. The Blue Residency Visa is specifically designed for advocates of environmental initiatives, including members of international organisations, NGOs, global award recipients, and notable activists and researchers dedicated to environmental causes.

Eligible candidates can apply for the Blue Residency Visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, with relevant entities also authorised to nominate individuals for this prestigious residency. The launch of this initiative has been met with praise from leaders and experts in the field of sustainability.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, emphasised the importance of linking economic sustainability with environmental sustainability. He stated, “The sustainability of our economy has become linked to the sustainability of our environment,” highlighting the interconnectedness of these two crucial aspects.

David Mackenzie, General Manager of the recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones, highlighted the benefits of the 10-year visa program, noting the freedom it provides to individuals. “The biggest benefit [of a ten-year visa] is that it has made it possible to live here without needing to be under the sponsorship of a company. It gives you so much freedom,” said Mackenzie.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Cop28 President and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, described the Blue Residency Visa as groundbreaking. He stated, “The blue residency visa aims to attract global environmental leaders to contribute to the UAE’s sustainable economic and social development,” highlighting the nation’s dedication to leveraging advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to create impactful solutions for environmental challenges.

Dr. Al Jaber also connected the Blue Residency Visa to the legacy of the Cop28 conference, a significant UN climate change summit held in Dubai. He mentioned, “The conference was a paradigm shift, showcasing the UAE’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation, and developing a united global approach to the challenges of climate change. This visa will build on that good work and will help further establish the UAE as a front-runner in the development of technologies, such as artificial intelligence, that can help address climate change.”

The Blue Residency Visa follows previous successful residency initiatives in the UAE, including the Golden Visas introduced in 2019 for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, exceptional students, graduates, and humanitarian pioneers, as well as the Green Visas launched in 2022 for skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs.

Overall, the launch of the Blue Residency Visa underscores the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, while also positioning the country as a global leader in the development of innovative solutions for a brighter future for humanity and the planet.