Any medical doctor will now be eligible for the golden visa. Reem Mohammed / The National
Any medical doctor will now be eligible for the golden visa. Reem Mohammed / The National
The UAE is keen to attract and retain the skills of scientists as part of the golden card scheme. The National
The UAE is keen to attract and retain the skills of scientists as part of the golden card scheme. The National
Those with high-level knowledge of advancing technologies, such as artificial intelligence as well as computer programmers, are eligible for long-term residency. Getty Images
Those with high-level knowledge of advancing technologies, such as artificial intelligence as well as computer programmers, are eligible for long-term residency. Getty Images
Engineers are a driving force behind the country and will also benefit from an expanded effort to support leading professionals
Engineers are a driving force behind the country and will also benefit from an expanded effort to support leading professionals
Gifted pupils will be rewarded under the expanded golden card programme. Pawan Singh / The National
Gifted pupils will be rewarded under the expanded golden card programme. Pawan Singh / The National
The UAE is aiming to retain the talents of the brightest students in the country as they embark on their careers. The National
The UAE is aiming to retain the talents of the brightest students in the country as they embark on their careers. The National

Government

UAE to expand 10-year golden visa system to all doctors, PhD holders and highly skilled workers

Major expansion to system brought in to attract and retain foreign talent

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Latest: UAE's frontline medics tell of morale boost at 10-year golden visas

The UAE will significantly expand its 10-year golden visa system next month to attract foreign professionals and encourage them to settle for longer.

The change means any medical doctor will qualify for the long-term visa.

In addition, a wide range of scientists and data experts will be able to easily secure long-term residency, as will all PhD holders.

The list includes people with backgrounds in computer and electrical engineering, biotechnology and those with AI and programming expertise.

I have been mentoring female engineers in the UAE for years and want to continue to contribute to the community here

Pupils who leave high school with top marks would also be eligible – along with their families. Students leaving universities with a GPA of 3.8 will also be included.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, announced the nationwide move on Sunday. It will come into effect from December and the application website is here.

"We want to keep those who are talented here so we can continue together our journey of development and achievement," he said.

The original scheme brought in last year was aimed at top investors, company executives and scientists.

Some wealthy expat business owners with long-standing investments and contributions were approached or invited to apply.

Dr Ramanathan Venkiteswaran, medical director of Medcare and Aster Hospitals and Clinics, said his teams were thrilled by the news.

"Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, doctors have been at the frontline of battling this deadly virus," he told The National.

"The extended visa will provide opportunity for doctors to continue to serve the people, striving for excellence in all fields of patient care."

Dr Amgad Farouk, a consultant urologist who works for Medcare's Al Safa hospital, said the move would "attract many more doctors to Dubai and create a medical hub for any health issue".

In the UAE, a person's residential status is typically tied to their employer through a residency visa. It is cancelled once the two part ways and the former employee typically has 30 days to secure a new visa or find another job.

Boost for R&D industry

Long-term visas mean the person has far greater flexibility, can plan ahead, more easily sponsor their family and has piece of mind about their status in the country.

Dr Boutheina Tlili, associate professor of electrical engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology's campus in Dubai, said the decision was a boom for the research and development industry.

"The number of students in research will surge with this 10-year-visa and universities here will soon catch up with universities in Europe and the US," she said.

She said securing visas for post-doctoral candidates has been problematic at times.

PhD and post-doctoral students would often be given a one or two-year visas but their research would take much longer.

"We would not know if the student would be able to stay in the country and there was no stability," she said.

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"Now, this gives us more stability to plan ahead for research. Now, students can stay back and complete their research."

Dr Tlili, 55, who is originally from Tunisia and made Dubai her second home 17 years ago, also hopes to take advantage of the 10-year visa and then retire in the UAE.

At present, her employer renews her residency visa every three years.

"I have been mentoring female engineers in the UAE for years and want to continue to contribute to the community here," she said.

Last month, Dubai brought in a scheme to attract remote workers from around the globe to the emirate. Officials hope the country's tax-free status and year-round sunshine will appeal to skilled workers whose companies have moved to long-term home working.

The scheme does not require employees to work for a locally-based company, which has long been a feature of the visa system.

The coronavirus pandemic has also put the spotlight on the contributions of medical personnel and other crucial frontline workers.

In September, the government opened a database of professionals of all nationalities that were deemed crucial to tackling the pandemic or any future crisis.

About 80,000 doctors, nurses, hospital workers and others were added to the 'frontline heroes' register.

As part of the programme, frontline heroes are awarded various benefits including help with living costs and school fees, where needed.

Golden visa recipients - in pictures

Rizwan Sajan, founder and chairman of property developer Danube, was given a golden visa in 2019. At the time, he also welcomed the decision to allow mid-level managers earning Dh30,000 ($8,000) per month to apply for long-term visas. Antonie Robertson / The National
Rizwan Sajan, founder and chairman of property developer Danube, was given a golden visa in 2019. At the time, he also welcomed the decision to allow mid-level managers earning Dh30,000 ($8,000) per month to apply for long-term visas. Antonie Robertson / The National
Dr Azad Moopen, chairman and founder of Aster DM Healthcare, was also granted a 10-year residency visa. Randi Sokoloff / The National
Dr Azad Moopen, chairman and founder of Aster DM Healthcare, was also granted a 10-year residency visa. Randi Sokoloff / The National
Fragrance tycoon Mohammed Rahman (C) receives his golden card visa at Dubai's immigration service, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. The businessman, who runs Al Haramain Group, was the first Bangladeshi to receive the visa. Photo: GDRFA
Fragrance tycoon Mohammed Rahman (C) receives his golden card visa at Dubai's immigration service, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. The businessman, who runs Al Haramain Group, was the first Bangladeshi to receive the visa. Photo: GDRFA
Firoz Merchant, founder of Pure Gold Jewellers, said it was 'a huge honour' to be granted long-term residency in 2019. Photo: Firoz Merchant
Firoz Merchant, founder of Pure Gold Jewellers, said it was 'a huge honour' to be granted long-term residency in 2019. Photo: Firoz Merchant
MA Yusuff Ali, chairman and managing director of supermarket chain Lulu Group, pictured with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, was the first recipient of a golden card. The National
MA Yusuff Ali, chairman and managing director of supermarket chain Lulu Group, pictured with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, was the first recipient of a golden card. The National
Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and chairman of VPS Healthcare, receives UAE permanent residency in summer 2019. Photo: Dr Shamsheer Vayalil
Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and chairman of VPS Healthcare, receives UAE permanent residency in summer 2019. Photo: Dr Shamsheer Vayalil
Indian-Arab businessman Balvinder Sahni, owner of RSG International, which builds hotels and residential towers, was an early recipient of long-term visa. Reem Mohammed / The National
Indian-Arab businessman Balvinder Sahni, owner of RSG International, which builds hotels and residential towers, was an early recipient of long-term visa. Reem Mohammed / The National
Sharjah’s first golden card recipient was Lalu Samuel, chairman and managing director of Kingston Holdings and Chairman of Sharjah Industry Business Group. Photo: Kingston Holdings
Sharjah’s first golden card recipient was Lalu Samuel, chairman and managing director of Kingston Holdings and Chairman of Sharjah Industry Business Group. Photo: Kingston Holdings
Siddique Pallolathil, head of hypermarket chain Nesto Group, was the first recipient in Ajman to received long-term residency. Photo: Siddique Pallolathil
Siddique Pallolathil, head of hypermarket chain Nesto Group, was the first recipient in Ajman to received long-term residency. Photo: Siddique Pallolathil
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Tonight's Chat on The National

Tonight's Chat is a series of online conversations on The National. The series features a diverse range of celebrities, politicians and business leaders from around the Arab world.

Tonight’s Chat host Ricardo Karam is a renowned author and broadcaster with a decades-long career in TV. He has previously interviewed Bill Gates, Carlos Ghosn, Andre Agassi and the late Zaha Hadid, among others. Karam is also the founder of Takreem.

Intellectually curious and thought-provoking, Tonight’s Chat moves the conversation forward.

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More on animal trafficking
Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Belong%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Michael%20Askew%20and%20Matthew%20Gaziano%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Technology%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%243.5%20million%20from%20crowd%20funding%20and%20angel%20investors%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
If you go...

Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.

Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50

The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

The biog

Age: 59

From: Giza Governorate, Egypt

Family: A daughter, two sons and wife

Favourite tree: Ghaf

Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense 

Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”

HOSTS

T20 WORLD CUP 

2024: US and West Indies; 2026: India and Sri Lanka; 2028: Australia and New Zealand; 2030: England, Ireland and Scotland 

ODI WORLD CUP 

2027: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia; 2031: India and
Bangladesh 

CHAMPIONS TROPHY 

2025: Pakistan; 2029: India  

Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

LUKA CHUPPI

Director: Laxman Utekar

Producer: Maddock Films, Jio Cinema

Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Kriti Sanon​​​​​​​, Pankaj Tripathi, Vinay Pathak, Aparshakti Khurana

Rating: 3/5

Kamindu Mendis bio

Full name: Pasqual Handi Kamindu Dilanka Mendis

Born: September 30, 1998

Age: 20 years and 26 days

Nationality: Sri Lankan

Major teams Sri Lanka's Under 19 team

Batting style: Left-hander

Bowling style: Right-arm off-spin and slow left-arm orthodox (that's right!)

Bharat

Director: Ali Abbas Zafar

Starring: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Sunil Grover

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Whiile you're here
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

The%20specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E261hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E400Nm%20at%201%2C750-4%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.5L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C999%20(VX%20Luxury)%3B%20from%20Dh149%2C999%20(VX%20Black%20Gold)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
Key developments

All times UTC 4

On Women's Day
Credit Score explained

What is a credit score?

In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.

Why is it important?

Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.

How is it calculated?

The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.

How can I improve my score?

By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.

How do I know if my score is low or high?

By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.

How much does it cost?

A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.

More from Rashmee Roshan Lall

((Disclaimer))

The Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG (“Bank”) assumes no liability or guarantee for the accuracy, balance, or completeness of the information in this publication. The content may change at any time due to given circumstances, and the Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG is under no obligation to update information once it has been published. This publication is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer, a recommendation or an invitation by, or on behalf of, Liechtensteinische Landesbank (DIFC Branch), Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG, or any of its group affiliates to make any investments or obtain services. This publication has not been reviewed, disapproved or approved by the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) Central Bank, Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”) or any other relevant licensing authorities in the UAE. It may not be relied upon by or distributed to retail clients. Liechtensteinische Landesbank (DIFC Branch) is regulated by the DFSA and this advertorial is intended for Professional Clients (as defined by the DFSA) who have sufficient financial experience and understanding of financial markets, products or transactions and any associated risks.

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Fixtures (all times UAE)

Saturday
Brescia v Atalanta (6pm)
Genoa v Torino (9pm)
Fiorentina v Lecce (11.45pm)

Sunday
Juventus v Sassuolo (3.30pm)
Inter Milan v SPAL (6pm)
Lazio v Udinese (6pm)
Parma v AC Milan (6pm)
Napoli v Bologna (9pm)
Verona v AS Roma (11.45pm)

Monday
Cagliari v Sampdoria (11.45pm)

Manchester United v Liverpool

Premier League, kick off 7.30pm (UAE)

IF YOU GO
 
The flights: FlyDubai offers direct flights to Catania Airport from Dubai International Terminal 2 daily with return fares starting from Dh1,895.
 
The details: Access to the 2,900-metre elevation point at Mount Etna by cable car and 4x4 transport vehicle cost around €57.50 (Dh248) per adult. Entry into Teatro Greco costs €10 (Dh43). For more go to www.visitsicily.info

 Where to stay: Hilton Giardini Naxos offers beachfront access and accessible to Taormina and Mount Etna. Rooms start from around €130 (Dh561) per night, including taxes.

The low down on MPS

What is myofascial pain syndrome?

Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (­connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).

What are trigger points?

Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft ­tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and ­sustained posture are the main culprits in developing ­trigger points.

What is myofascial or trigger-point release?

Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle ­sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in ­connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. ­Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.

While you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
On Women's Day
While you're here
EGYPT SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Ahmed El Shennawy, Mohamed El Shennawy, Mohamed Abou-Gabal, Mahmoud Abdel Rehem "Genesh"
Defenders: Ahmed Elmohamady, Ahmed Hegazi, Omar Gaber, Ali Gazal, Ayman Ahsraf, Mahmoud Hamdy, Baher Elmohamady, Ahmed Ayman Mansour, Mahmoud Alaa, Ahmed Abou-Elfotouh
Midfielders: Walid Soliman, Abdallah El Said, Mohamed Elneny, Tarek Hamed, Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan, Amr Warda, Nabil Emad
Forwards: Ahmed Ali, Mohamed Salah, Marwan Mohsen, Ahmed "Kouka" Hassan.

While you're here
While you're here
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi

Director: Kangana Ranaut, Krish Jagarlamudi

Producer: Zee Studios, Kamal Jain

Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Ankita Lokhande, Danny Denzongpa, Atul Kulkarni

Rating: 2.5/5

Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

While you're here
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%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EStorstockholms%20Lokaltrafik%20(SL)%20offers%20free%20guided%20tours%20of%20art%20in%20the%20metro%20and%20at%20the%20stations%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20tours%20are%20free%20of%20charge%3B%20all%20you%20need%20is%20a%20valid%20SL%20ticket%2C%20for%20which%20a%20single%20journey%20(valid%20for%2075%20minutes)%20costs%2039%20Swedish%20krone%20(%243.75)%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ETravel%20cards%20for%20unlimited%20journeys%20are%20priced%20at%20165%20Swedish%20krone%20for%2024%20hours%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EAvoid%20rush%20hour%20%E2%80%93%20between%209.30%20am%20and%204.30%20pm%20%E2%80%93%20to%20explore%20the%20artwork%20at%20leisure%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
NATIONAL%20SELECTIONS
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UAE