The UAE launched the first phase of the blue visa, announcing the details of the 10-year residency permit at the World Governments Summit on Tuesday. This new initiative targets individuals who actively contribute to environmental protection—whether on land, at sea, or through advances in air quality and sustainable technologies. In the first phase alone, 20 pioneers in sustainability and environmental action will be awarded this long-term residency. The announcement underscores the UAE’s commitment to recognizing and supporting those who drive positive ecological impacts.
The blue visa is granted to champions of environmental causes, including leaders in international organizations, NGOs, and private-sector innovators. Applicants can either self-nominate through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) website or be recommended by a UAE authority. With a 10-year term, the visa matches the duration of other high-profile residency programs, such as the Golden Visa, but is specifically tailored to sustainability advocates.
Officials have termed this policy “groundbreaking,” as it aims to attract environmental specialists to the UAE and encourage groundbreaking research and solutions for global climate challenges. By prioritizing contributions to marine and land-based conservation, as well as efforts to improve air quality, the UAE seeks to foster an ecosystem where innovation flourishes. According to Dr Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, “This initiative aims to leverage their contributions to achieve ambitious national goals and build a sustainable future for the people of the UAE and the world.”
Cop28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber also emphasized that the program aligns with the legacy of the Cop28 summit, promoting a unified approach to environment-focused policies and breakthroughs in sustainable technology. The move signals the UAE’s broader objective to turn climate-related challenges into opportunities, using advanced technologies and AI-driven solutions.
The introduction of the blue visa complements an existing suite of UAE residency pathways:
The UAE has a track record of using residency programs to attract global expertise, from doctors to investors. With the blue visa, the scope now includes environmental stewards who can propel the nation’s sustainable development goals. Observers expect the number of available blue visas to grow in the coming years, broadening the UAE’s talent pool and reinforcing its ambition to be a leader in eco-innovation.
