Dubai Culture to grant 10-year residency visas to 1,000 individuals in upcoming phase

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority said on Tuesday that it will grant cultural visas with a validity of 10 years to 1,000 creators and artists from across the world in the upcoming phase of the initiative which was first announced in 2019.

Since the announcement of the Cultural Visa, Dubai Culture has received 261 cultural visa applications from individuals from 46 countries. A total of 120 applicants have met the required and optional criteria. A majority of them have already been issued visas while the remaining are currently being processed.

Dubai Culture has previously signed an agreement with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to establish cooperation in issuing cultural visas for investors, entrepreneurs and those with specialised talent.

“Attracting intellectuals and creatives will contribute to the country’s economic growth and boost Dubai’s profile as a global destination,” said Major General Mohamed Ahmed Al Marri, director general of the GDRFA in Dubai.

.@DubaiCulture and Arts Authority to grant cultural visas to 1,000 creators and artists from across the world, with 120 cultural visa applicants having already met the eligibility criteria https://t.co/1LDLzsZO0G pic.twitter.com/rSLHwYe8lb

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 2, 2021

The long-term cultural visa are granted to accomplished creative talent in the fields of literature, culture, fine arts, performing arts, and design, as well as those in the heritage, history and knowledge-related sectors as well as intellectual and creative industries.

Applications are accepted if they meet terms and conditions and key criteria related to years of residency in the country, record of knowledge-related and creative achievements, and willingness to meet optional conditions and pledges for each category, including a pledge to contribute 36 hours of service to the community in the UAE in creative or artistic capacities, among others. This will allow the visa holders to automatically renew their visas without an Emirati sponsor.

“Dubai’s contributions have helped raise the UAE’s position in the global cultural landscape by attracting exceptional writers, artists and creators. Establishing Dubai as a hub for outstanding Arab and international creative talent is part of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s endeavour to develop the cultural economy and creative industries; attract, retain and empower talent; and give them opportunities to prosper and participate in the UAE’s development. It is also aligned with the goals and pillars of the 2020-2025 Dubai Culture Strategy,” said Hala Badri, director general of Dubai Culture.

Dubai boasts of 135 heritage houses, three historical neighbourhoods, six archaeological sites, five creative complexes, 21 traditional markets, and 20 museums, six of which belong to the Authority, and attracts over 1.6 million visitors annually.There are reportedly over 2,300 licensed cultural events held in the emirate every year.