New UAE Citizenship Law a Milestone for the Gulf
BY
March 4, 2021
O
n January 30, the ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum announced a decision that will provide a select group of foreigners with a pathway to Emirati citizenship. Under a new amendment to the country’s citizenship law, foreigners whom the national authorities believe have made important contributions to the UAE’s development—such as investors, inventors, scientists, artists, intellectuals, and other professionals with specialized talents can become citizens of the UAE. This is the latest example of how the UAE is beginning to make significant changes in preparation for the eventual post-fossil fuel era.