UAE expands eligibility for 'golden' residency visa

All holders of doctorate degrees, medical doctors and also computer, electronics, programming, electrical and biotechnology engineers will be eligible under the new rules announced by Dubai's ruler on Sunday.

Also eligible are those with specialised degrees in artificial intelligence, big data and epidemiology, as well as high school students living in the UAE who rank top in the country and university students with a GPA of 3.8 or higher.

Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum had announced the beginning of so-called "Golden Card" project last year.

Sheikh Mohammed said the scheme that targets investors, entrepreneurs and professionals talents aims to attract greater foreign investment and stimulate the country's economy.

"Throughout history, the UAE opened its door to millions of people looking for to pursue their dreams and better their lives," Sheikh Mohammed said.

After first announcing a long-term visa plan in 2018, the UAE in 2019 started granting 5- and 10-year renewable visas to certain foreign investors, entrepreneurs, chief executives, scientists and outstanding students.