UAE government had announced recently that 10-year visas would be issued for professionals and investors.

Speaking at a seminar recently, Dr Raed Safadi, chief economic adviser at the Department of Economic Development in Dubai, outlined that the intention of the law is to attract investors and to bring in talent.

“We have to wait and see the specific directions as to what will include. But from what we have seen is that the initial wave will include technology entrepreneurs, influencers and high-end individual investors in certain areas that the country needs. I think it will not be a blanket for everyone to benefit from this system immediately. Maybe during the time, some new groups will be involved. But for now, I think technology entrepreneurs, influencers, high-tech investors and so on,” said Dr Habib Al Mulla, executive chairman of Baker McKenzie Habib Al Mulla.

Replying to a query about eligibility of doctors, engineers and architects to be part of the 10-year programme, Dr Al Mulla said he didn’t expect all these categories will be eligible.

“However, some specialists could be included in certain fields like medicine and so on but I don’t think it will be overall for everyone,” he added.

The professions identified so far are:

• Technology entrepreneurs
• Influencers
• High-end individual investors
• Specialist doctors