This 10-year visa will be granted to individuals who have made exceptional contributions and efforts in protecting the environment, both within the UAE and internationally. The goal of this program is to recognize and incentivize sustainability initiatives and environmental advocacy.

The UAE has introduced a new “Blue Residency” program that will grant 10-year visas to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to protecting the environment.

This includes members of international environmental organizations, global award winners, and distinguished environmental activists and researchers.

Eligible individuals can apply directly or be nominated by relevant authorities for this long-term residency.

“The sustainability of our economy has become linked to the sustainability of our environment,” Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoumas said in a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

This new program is part of a broader set of initiatives that the UAE has launched to mark 2024 as the “Year of Sustainability”.

This sustainability push builds on momentum from the previous year when the country invited residents to participate in collective efforts to adopt more environmentally friendly practices.

In 2019, the country announced a special 10-year “Golden Visa” residency scheme. This extended-term visa was made available to investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, as well as humanitarian pioneers.

In 2022, the UAE introduced another longer-term residency option - the 5-year “Green Visa”.

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