The UAE government permits dual citizenship under certain conditions. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National
The UAE government permits dual citizenship under certain conditions. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National
The UAE government permits dual citizenship under certain conditions. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National
The UAE government permits dual citizenship under certain conditions. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National

Why it pays to obtain dual citizenship


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  • Arabic

In a globalised world, dual citizenship is no longer a rarity but a choice many people make to broaden their horizons.

Dual citizenship refers to a legal status where a person is simultaneously recognised as a citizen of two countries, which can be acquired by birth, descent, marriage, naturalisation or by investment, depending on the laws and regulations of the countries involved.

This status allows people to enjoy the rights and privileges afforded by each country, including the ability to live, work, study and gain access to social benefits in both nations.

Dual citizens or multi-locals are becoming more common thanks to an increasing interest in having dual and several citizenships, and greater tolerance by governments worldwide.

In 1960, just one third of countries allowed dual citizenship, compared with 75 per cent in 2019.

As awareness around global citizenship grows, so is the world’s acceptance and governments’ support by clear, legal pathways.

The UAE, a pioneering country in dual citizenship, stands out among Middle Eastern countries as an attractive destination for foreigners to live in.

While dual citizenship was previously banned, the UAE permitted this by amending the Nationality Law in 2021, allowing foreign investors, professionals, special talents and their families to obtain citizenship under certain conditions and only if they are nominated by the government or royal court officials.

It is also worth noting that Emiratis themselves are not permitted to hold dual citizenship.

The UAE government emphasised that this legislative adjustment aims to attract and retain people possessing specialised skills, including scientists, doctors, engineers and creative talents such as artists and authors, along with their families.

Tax transparency

High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) prefer jurisdictions such as the UAE for compliance with international standards and favourable tax structures.

The UAE’s tax system stands out for its lack of income and inheritance taxes, a low corporate tax rate of 9 per cent, double tax treaties with 139 countries for tax relief and the ability for high-revenue corporations to offset foreign taxes against the UAE’s corporate tax, preventing double taxation.

Banking centre

With its exceptional infrastructure and an array of international banks offering business-friendly services, the UAE positions itself as a premier global financial centre for business ventures and diverse financial products.

Moreover, as a leader in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, the city has a well-regulated decentralised finance ecosystem, solidifying this reputation further.

Succession planning for HNWIs

Succession planning is crucial for HNWIs, yet a recent survey by Swiss lender Lombard Odier shows only 24 per cent of the Middle East’s ultra-wealthy have comprehensive estate plans for the next generation.

Succession planning in the UAE has significant advantages: The absence of inheritance tax mitigates tax burdens for heirs while financial free zones with robust legal systems ensure enhanced privacy and asset protection, advanced trust and foundation laws, and the option of registering wills in the Dubai International Finance Centre, enabling inclusion of global assets.

Social integration

Preserving one’s cultural identity while integrating into a new society is a universal challenge for dual citizens.

Cultural ties, national pride and personal connections to each nation can create a complex interplay.

The UAE’s diverse cultural mosaic offers an ease in striking the right balance to understand both nations’ cultural, historical and social nuances.

How to tackle legal issues

Legal complexities can be a concern for dual citizens, where laws of two nations collide.

Dual citizens must proactively engage with legal professionals well-versed in international law to navigate potential minefields and find resolutions that align with the laws of both countries.

As the UAE embraces dual citizenship, people who have embarked on this journey serve as beacons of insight.

Their experiences highlight the importance of actively managing loyalty, legal considerations, economic strategies and cultural connections.

As the nation evolves, the experiences of these dual citizens provide a road map for others to follow, demonstrating that it is possible to strike a harmonious balance between two countries.

Veronica Cotdemiey is chief executive of Citizenship Invest

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Spanish Super Cup: 2017
Uefa Champions League: 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18
Uefa Super Cup: 2016, 2017
Fifa Club World Cup: 2016, 2017

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The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

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Winner: Ziyadd, Richard Mullen (jockey), Jean de Roualle (trainer).

7.05pm: Al Rashidiya Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (Turf) 1,800m

Winner: Barney Roy, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.

7.40pm: Meydan Cup Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,810m

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8.15pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,600m

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9.25pm: Al Shindagha Sprint Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m

Winner: Gladiator King, Mickael Barzalona, Satish Seemar.

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4.30pm: Handicap 64,000 (D) 1,950m

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Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

Where to donate in the UAE

The Emirates Charity Portal

You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments

The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Al Noor Special Needs Centre

You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.

Beit Al Khair Society

Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.

Dar Al Ber Society

Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.

Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.

Emirates Airline Foundation

Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.

Emirates Red Crescent

On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.

Gulf for Good

Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.

Noor Dubai Foundation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).

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Forwards: Yuya Osako, Takuma Asano, Koya Kitagawa

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Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh

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What is the FNC?

The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning. 
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval. 
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
 

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Updated: March 06, 2024, 12:11 PM