The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

The Cabinet, headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the launch of a new category of residency in the country under the name “Blue Residency,” which is the first long-term residency visa for individuals with exceptional contributions and efforts in the field of environmental protection and sustainability from inside and outside the UAE.

It will be granted in particular to supporters of environmental efforts, including members of international organizations and international companies, members of associations and civil society institutions, recipients of international awards, and contributors to environmental work, including distinguished activists and researchers from within the country and residents responsible for the environment.

The blue residency will be provided through the direct application procedure, within the application services at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, or through the nomination of the individuals nominated by the competent authorities in the country.

Sustainability advocates and experts who are interested in the UAE Blue Residency are invited to submit their applications directly through the services of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, or through nominations by competent authorities in the state for the individuals recommended for it.

Sheikh Mohammed said, “As part of the Cabinet’s projects to implement the national directions announced by the President that the year 2024 be the year of sustainability... today we approved the “Blue Residency”... which is a long-term residency for 10 years. It will be awarded to individuals with exceptional contributions and efforts in the field of environmental protection, whether marine or terrestrial, the quality of the air environment, sustainability and its modern technologies, the circular economy, or other fields.”

The “Blue Residency” aims to complement the UAE’s efforts in the sustainability file, and is in line with the directives of the President of the State, to extend the year of sustainability to 2024.