UAE Offers Citizenship To Rich And Skillful Foreigners In Attempt To Boost Economy

UAE Offers Citizenship To Rich And Skillful Foreigners In Attempt To Boost Economy

The United Arab Emirates has said it will hand out passports to investors, doctors and other foreigners with in-demand skills, in a significant break from past policy.

The aim, according to Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, is to attract talent and investment into the country.

These days the economy is struggling from low oil revenues and the impact of the coronavirus crisis. Ratings agency Standard & Poor's thinks the economy will not recover to pre-pandemic levels until 2023.

The government said those who can qualify include investors, doctors, inventors, scientists, intellectuals and artists. Their spouses and children will also benefit and all will be allowed to retain their existing nationality.

How many people will be able to claim citizenship is unclear, but there are a number of hurdles they will need to overcome.

Investors will need to own a property in the UAE, for example, while doctors and other medical specialists must be focused on a scientific discipline in demand in the UAE. Scientists are required to be actively involved in research and have at least 10 years' experience, among other requirements. Inventors must have obtained one or more patents for their creations, while intellectuals or artists "should be pioneers