The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) have jointly dismissed recent reports claiming that the UAE grants golden visas to investors in digital currencies.

The statement comes amid growing misinformation circulating on various websites and social media platforms, a WAM report said.

Read: New golden visa alert: Sheikh Hamdan’s big move for Dubai Health staff

Golden visa eligibility clarified

The ICP emphasised that golden visas are issued based on official frameworks and criteria that do not include digital currency investors.

Eligible recipients typically fall into categories such as real estate investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and specialists, top students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline workers.

The ICP advised the public to consult official government channels for accurate information regarding golden visa requirements.

SCA and VARA reinforce regulatory standards

The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) reiterated its commitment to internationally recognised standards in regulating the UAE’s financial sector. It affirmed that its regulatory procedures focus on transparency, credibility, and strengthening investor confidence in line with the country’s strategic objectives of attracting quality capital and fostering a sustainable investment environment.

The SCA clarified that digital currency investments are subject to separate regulations and are not linked to golden visa eligibility. Investors were urged to rely on official sources to avoid misinformation and potential fraud.

Similarly, the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) denied claims that virtual asset investors in Dubai receive golden visas. VARA underscored the importance of dealing exclusively with fully licensed and regulated companies when engaging in virtual asset investments and services.

VARA confirmed its collaboration with SCA and law enforcement agencies to ensure consumer protection and a secure operating environment. It also highlighted that companies licensed by VARA must comply with visa procedures set by Dubai and federal authorities.

Notably, VARA stated that the company TON is neither licensed nor regulated by the authority.

Public advised to use official channels

The three authorities collectively warned the public and investors to exercise caution and verify information through official government websites and approved communication platforms. They cautioned against engaging with unverified advertisements or online offers related to golden visas and digital currency investments.

For more detailed information on golden visa eligibility and application processes, the public is directed to visit the ICP’s official website.

UAE’s golden visa: Long-term residency programme

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a ‘golden visa’—a long-term residence permit designed to attract foreign investors, talented professionals, entrepreneurs, and outstanding students by providing exclusive benefits and stability for up to 10 years.

The golden visa enables holders to live, work, or study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor, while enjoying privileges such as the ability to sponsor family members, stay outside the country for extended periods without losing residency, and more.

Key benefits of the golden visa

• Entry visa valid for six months with multiple entries, allowing holders to complete residency formalities.

• Long-term, renewable residence visa for either 5 or 10 years.

• No requirement for a local sponsor.

• Ability to stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing residency status.

• Rights to sponsor family members, including spouses and children regardless of age.

• Permission to sponsor unlimited domestic helpers.

• Family members may remain in the UAE until the end of their visa if the primary golden visa holder passes away.

Eligibility and requirements

The requirements for the golden visa vary according to the category of applicant—whether investor, entrepreneur, specialised talent, student, or humanitarian.

Investors in public funds

Investors who place capital in accredited investment funds may be eligible for a 10-year golden visa, provided they meet the following conditions:

• Submit a letter from an accredited UAE investment fund confirming a deposit of at least Dhs2m; or

• Provide a valid commercial or industrial license and memorandum of association proving capital of no less than Dhs2m; and

• Submit a letter from the Federal Tax Authority confirming annual government tax payments of at least Dhs250,000.

Additional conditions include:

• Full ownership of invested capital (no loans permitted).

• Proof of medical insurance for the investor and family members.

Real estate investors

Property owners may qualify for a renewable 5-year golden visa if they meet criteria including:

• A letter from the land department of the relevant emirate confirming ownership of property or properties valued at AED 2 million or more.

• The property may have been purchased with a loan from specific local banks approved by regulatory authorities.

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs behind innovative economic projects of a technical or future-oriented nature may be eligible for a 5-year golden visa upon providing:

• An auditor’s report confirming the project is valued at Dhs500,000 or more.

• Approval from emirate authorities certifying the project’s technical or innovative nature.

• Support from an accredited UAE business incubator to establish the venture locally.

Outstanding specialised talents

The Golden visa targets outstanding specialised talents across various sectors, including:

• Doctors and scientists.

• Creatives in culture and arts.

• Inventors.

• Corporate executives.

• Specialists in scientific and engineering fields.

• Athletes.

• Doctoral degree holders.

Fields of expertise eligible under engineering and science include epidemiology, artificial intelligence, big data, computer engineering, electronics, software, electrical engineering, genetics, and biotechnology.

To qualify for a 10-year Golden visa in these categories, applicants must submit relevant approvals and certifications such as:

• Ministry of Health approval for doctors.

• Recommendation letters from Emirates Council of Scientists or Mohammed bin Rashid Medal Secretariat for scientists.

• Ministry of Economy endorsements for inventors’ patents.

• Cultural and arts department approval for creatives.

• Proof of academic qualifications and work experience for executives.

• Letters from sports authorities for athletes.

• Educational degrees and contracts for engineering and science specialists.

Outstanding students

The UAE also supports high-achieving students through Golden visa eligibility:

• High school students: Those topping national exams with a minimum grade of 95 per cent may receive a 5-year golden visa with Ministry of Education recommendation.

• University students: Outstanding university graduates from A or B rated institutions may obtain a 10-year visa, subject to GPA requirements (3.5 minimum for A-class, 3.8 for B-class universities) and having graduated within the last two years.

• Foreign university graduates: Students from top 100 global universities recognized by the Ministry of Education with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and graduation within two years may also qualify.

Visa durations may be extended depending on the length of academic programs.

Pioneers of humanitarian work

Individuals with distinguished records in humanitarian efforts can qualify for a 10-year golden visa. Eligible categories include:

• Members or key employees of international/regional organisations with at least five years of service.

• Civil association or public interest institution workers with a minimum of five years’ experience.

• Recipients of awards from organisations focusing on humanitarian causes.

• Financial supporters contributing at least Dhs2m to humanitarian work.

Frontline heroes

Healthcare and essential workers who have shown exceptional dedication during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic may be granted the Golden visa. Eligible roles include nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacologists, and other approved professionals recognized by the Frontline Heroes Office.

Conclusion

The UAE’s golden visa represents a strategic initiative to attract global talent, investment, and innovation by providing long-term stability and exclusive privileges. Its broad eligibility criteria cover a diverse spectrum—from investors and entrepreneurs to students and frontline workers—reflecting the UAE’s ambition to cultivate a knowledge-driven and prosperous society.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the launch of a new strategic planning cycle for the UAE Federal Government, with artificial intelligence (AI) at its core.

As reported by the Dubai Media Office, the initiative places AI front and center in transforming government planning, streamlining processes, optimising resources, and enhancing financial efficiency, aligning with the broader objectives of the We the UAE 2031 vision.

His Highness affirmed, “We have launched the new strategic planning cycle for the Federal Government for 2031. This plan prioritises artificial intelligence in government planning, process simplification, resource optimisation, and enhanced financial efficiency.”

Related news: Sheikh Mohammed announces launch of ‘We The UAE 2031’

“While in the past government success was measured by regulatory strength and comprehensive procedures, today it hinges on regulatory agility, streamlined processes, and intelligent resource management, a significantly more complex undertaking. Tools and priorities change, but the unwavering commitment to serve the people of the UAE remains constant,” he added.

Smarter, shorter, and AI-powered

Marking a significant shift in how government strategies are conceived and executed, the planning cycle has been shortened from five years to three. The goal is to keep pace with rapid technological change and global shifts, ensuring greater flexibility and responsiveness.

Key federal bodies, including 38 entities, will align their strategies using proactive, AI-driven methodologies. The initiative mandates integration of strategic intelligence, smart forecasting, and big data analysis, allowing decision-makers to anticipate future challenges and act preemptively.

During a strategic workshop led by the Prime Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, directors of strategy and finance from various federal entities explored how AI and advanced analytics can drive better decision-making. The updated cycle emphasises automation, predictive modelling, and integrated performance indicators tailored to real-world, real-time scenarios.

Strategic collaboration for smarter governance

The workshop reinforced the importance of collective intelligence and inter-agency coordination, fostering innovation and alignment with the national agenda. Participants examined how AI and digital tools can enhance performance, reduce red tape, and shift focus toward strategic projects rather than day-to-day administrative functions.

Her Excellency Huda Al Hashimi, Head of Strategy and Government Innovation for the UAE Government, stressed the importance of these technological shifts. She outlined the critical role federal entities play in transforming the 2031 Vision into impactful national initiatives. “The previous cycle saw the launch of major strategies like the National Cybersecurity Strategy and the National Investment Strategy,” she noted.

As part of the government’s digital transformation journey, the new model reflects the UAE’s aspiration to serve as a global benchmark for governance powered by AI, agility, and innovation.

Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, on Sunday hiked August prices for Asian and European buyers by more than $1 a barrel as domestic crude demand is expected to rise, reducing exports, and consumption from China is likely to increase.

State energy firm Saudi Aramco raised the official selling price for its flagship Arab light crude to Asia loading in August to $2.20 a barrel above the Oman/Dubai average, the highest in four month and $1 up from July. The price hike exceeded expectations of 50-80 cents a barrel in a Reuters survey early last week.

Read-Oil prices rise on strong demand signals ahead of OPEC+ decision

The Gulf country also increased the prices for all crude grades it sells to refiners in Northwest Europe and the Mediterranean by $1.40 a barrel from the previous month.

Aramco’s price hikes came a day after eight OPEC+ members agreed to raise production by 548,000 barrels per day (bpd) in August, higher than the 411,000 bpd expected by the market, further accelerating output increases.

The prices reflect higher crude demand in Saudi Arabia to meet peak summer power demand while buying appetite from Chinese refineries is strong as some of them lifted less volumes in previous months, two refining sources in Asia said.

Analysts are expecting Saudi to burn more crude oil this summer for power generation, limiting exports.

The OSPs for Asian supplies were expected to rise for August as the premium of benchmark cash Dubai to swaps averaged $1.88 a barrel in June, up 61 cents from the May average.

The tensions between Iran and Israel last month boosted Middle East crude prices on fears of supply disruptions, increasing volatility in the market.

Cash Dubai’s premium to swaps jumped to a near four-month peak of $3.34 on June 19 before closing the month at $2.73.

The tables below show free-on-board prices for August in US dollars.

Finesse, a global provider of AI solutions & leading digital system integrators, has successfully collaborated with ME Solaris Commodities, one of the largest grain traders operating in the Middle East, to centralise their payment processes via Kyriba Treasury Management System (TMS).

This partnership has enabled ME Solaris Commodities to overcome significant challenges in payment decentralisation, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.

The comprehensive solution encompasses bank and cash management, delivering real-time insight into global cash positions, along with streamlining payment capabilities and enhanced fraud protection. This implementation has optimised ME Solaris’s payment processes, ensuring secure transactions and providing real-time visibility.

“We are delighted to partner with Finesse to achieve full global visibility and control of our finances through Kyriba” – Khalid Mammadov, Chief Accountant. “This has been a game-changer, allowing the treasury team to focus on strategic growth instead of operational issues”, said Andrey Ivanov, Group Head of Treasury.

“We are proud to have partnered with ME Solaris on their Kyriba implementation. Special thanks to Mr. Andrey Ivanov for his innovative ideas and steadfast support, which were instrumental in the success of this project. It was a pleasure collaborating with such a forward-thinking team” said Manoj Panicker VP – Sales Finesse.

“We’re delighted to have supported ME Solaris Commodities in unlocking greater treasury efficiencies with Kyriba. Special thanks to Mr. Andrey Ivanov for championing innovation and steering this project to success” said Dhwani Sejpal, VP – Treasury Transformations at Finesse. Adding to this Dheeraj Khanna Pendum, AVP – Kyriba Projects commented “We value the trust ME Solaris Commodities placed in us for this strategic implementation. Working alongside this team, whose vision and commitment inspired us throughout, has been truly rewarding.”

ME Solaris Commodities is now better equipped to handle complexities, using real-time data and analytics for strategic decisions. The implementation has provided benefits such as real-time cash visibility across currencies and regions, streamlined payments, and improved financial control. Finesse thanks ME Solaris Commodities for trusting us with this initiative. Their cooperation and commitment were key to the project’s success. We look forward to supporting ME Solaris’s ongoing growth.

Commodities have long served as a barometer of global economic health. Today, they are sending a mixed and somewhat cautious message. Some prices have rebounded, while others remain subdued. The question is whether this signals resilience or reflects deeper uncertainty in the global economy.

The backdrop is important. Recent efforts to cool trade tensions between the US and other economies have brought some optimism to financial markets. But that optimism is tempered by the reality that tariffs remain higher than before.

The US’ more aggressive stance on trade policy is prompting concern about its potential impact on global growth.

While equity markets have largely recovered from earlier declines, commodity markets have not fully followed suit.

Rise and fall: What commodities show us

Different types of commodities are telling different stories. Gold, for example, has been rising strongly, which suggests that investors are still seeking safety. This may reflect ongoing worries about global debt levels and geopolitical uncertainty.

Energy commodities like oil have lagged behind. Prices were impacted by an increase in production from oil-producing countries around the time of key trade policy announcements. Despite hopes of stronger demand, oil prices remain well below their recent highs, although they could remain sensitive to any increase in tensions in the Middle East. Industrial metals, including copper, have recovered slightly, but remain vulnerable to any slowdown in global growth. Agricultural commodities have also seen modest losses, which could be linked to shifting demand patterns and supply dynamics.

These trends echo what we have seen in previous periods of economic stress. During past US recessions, gold tended to perform well, while commodities like copper and oil struggled. That pattern appears to be emerging again. Although not all signs point to a recession, the behaviour of these assets suggests that markets are still weighing the risks carefully.

It is worth noting that commodity prices do not always move in lockstep with economic indicators. Their performance can be influenced by a variety of factors, including supply chain disruptions, policy decisions, and investor sentiment. In this cycle, the aftermath of the pandemic and shifting geopolitical alliances have only added complexity.

Still, the year-to-date divergence among commodity returns reflects one thing clearly: uncertainty. Gold’s strength may be linked to fears about geopolitics or debt. The weakness in oil and copper may reflect doubts about whether global growth can gain momentum.

Even agricultural goods are behaving cautiously, lacking any strong upward pressure.

Commodities should not be overlooked in investment portfolios

In this context, the role of commodities in investment portfolios should not be overlooked. While gold may continue to offer diversification, other commodities could remain sensitive to changes in growth expectations. A sharper slowdown could weigh heavily on cyclical assets like energy and metals, especially if trade disruptions persist.

Ultimately, commodities are not just passive indicators. They are active participants in how investors interpret the world. Right now, they seem to be flashing a yellow light — not full alarm, but a warning to remain attentive. As trade policy continues to evolve and global uncertainties persist, commodity markets may be a crucial piece in the mosaic of where we truly stand.

The writer is a multi-asset strategist at Invesco.

Read: GCC, tariffs and the new world trade order