UAE announces new initiatives, including visa changes and new data law

UAE announces new initiatives, including visa changes and new data law

The UAE announced the first set of 50 new projects and initiatives set to be unveiled this month as part of its 50th founding-anniversary celebrations. Several initiatives were announced in the areas of industry, technology and human talent at an event on Sunday. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, revealed the launch of a new ‘green visa’, which will be granted to entrepreneurs, investors and innovators. The visa will permit holders to sponsor their sons until the age of 25 (currently 18 years) and will also grant them a grace period of 90-180 days to stay in the country once their visa is cancelled (up from 30 days at present) to support them find a new sponsor. Al Zeyoudi also announced the launch of a freelance visa, and new temporary work permits for students to help them find opportunities. New initiatives to support the growth of the local industrial sector were unveiled by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology along with Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology. The newly launched Project 5bn – launched in collaboration with Emirates Development Bank – will see Dhs5bn allocated to