Abu Dhabi launches programme to attract expatriates

Abu Dhabi has introduced a programme to promote long-term visas and paths for expatriates to acquire the Emirati citizenship.

The ‘Thrive in Abu Dhabi’ initiative will enable foreigners and their families to settle down in the capital emirate, while contributing to economic growth.

Thrive #InAbuDhabi programme launches, promoting long-term visas and paths to citizenship to empower expats in key sectors and their families to set down roots & build their futures in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment while contributing to economic growth #InAbuDhabi. pic.twitter.com/dIhWY4FMfD

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) February 11, 2021

Creative individuals can either join the emirate’s media and entertainment industry or support the development of understanding the past. The creative visa builds on Abu Dhabi’s five-year Culture Sector Strategy, unveiled in November 2019 by the Department of Culture and Tourism. Meanwhile, innovators can access funding and incentives and be part of the R&D ecosystem.

The Creative Visa is open to a wide range of individuals within key creative and cultural fields, including heritage, performing arts, visual arts, design and crafts, gaming and e-sports, media, and publishing.

For more information, please visit https://t.co/TmdNBFtGC3

— Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (@dctabudhabi) February 11, 2021

More than 100 tech startups have set up base at Abu Dhabi’s tech ecosystem Hub71 since its launch in March 2019, raising Dhs185m in the process. The number of startups increased from 35 startups in January 2020 to 102 in January 2021, representing 191 per cent growth.

Read: Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 community passes 100 startups

According to the programme, talented students and PhD graduates can study at academic institutions, where they can learn the skills of the future such as AI and coding.

Creatives are encouraged to be part of a global arts and culture hub #InAbuDhabi, let their talent shine in a dynamic media and entertainment industry, or join fellow academics, conservators and archaeologists to develop our understanding of the past. pic.twitter.com/K7KGVmqXvq

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) February 11, 2021

Meanwhile, investors can expand their business in key areas including financial services, ICT, health services and biopharma, tourism and AgTech, while investing in the real estate properties where later they can retire.

Last month, the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance announced a Dhs6bn financing initiative to boost liquidity for SMEs.

Read more: Abu Dhabi announces Dhs6bn boost for SMEs