An IMGlobalWealth.news Report
Dubai issued 66,000 Golden Visas in the first half of 2026, according to figures released by its residency authority, underscoring the scale of a programme that now attracts skilled professionals as well as wealthy investors.
The emirate also issued 1.05 million new residence permits and renewed more than 910,000 in the six months to June.
Introduced in 2019, the UAE’s Golden Visa offers eligible applicants long-term, renewable residence independent of an employer.
“Dubai approved AED 1 billion (US$272 million) in economic support measures in March, including streamlined residency processing”
Property investors can qualify through real estate worth at least AED 2 million (US$545,000). Other categories cover entrepreneurs, researchers, senior professionals and exceptional talent.
Requirements vary: one route for specialised employees stipulates a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000.
In Dubai, the approach is particularly visible in education and healthcare. Authorities awarded 223 Golden Visas from 435 educator applications in 2025.
On 5 October, they announced another round of awards and reported that applications had exceeded 835 since the teachers’ initiative began in 2024.
Separately, a 2025 directive extended Golden Visa eligibility to more than 1,400 Dubai Health nurses and midwives with at least 15 years’ service. Neither initiative makes every teacher or nurse automatically eligible.
Technology is another priority. Dubai counted 495 gaming companies in August 2026, up from more than 368 in 2024. Its gaming strategy seeks to generate 30,000 jobs and add approximately US$1 billion to economic output by 2033.
Gaming professionals can also seek ten-year residency, subject to eligibility.
The strategy nevertheless faces a geopolitical test. Iranian attacks earlier this year shook Dubai’s reputation as a safe haven.
Population figures cited by The National showed a decline of approximately 61,000 residents in March, to 4.65 million, followed by a recovery to 4.74 million by the end of June.
Dominic Volek, an executive at Henley & Partners, told Fortune on 18 October that enquiries about UAE residency had slowed amid geopolitical uncertainty. He characterised the change as “a moderation in demand rather than a fundamental shift” in the country’s appeal.
Dubai approved AED 1 billion (US$272 million) in economic support measures in March, including streamlined residency processing. UAE authorities also helped approximately 500 stranded Golden Visa holders and other residents return following flight disruptions.
The existing residency framework therefore remains an instrument for attracting and retaining both international investment and specialised talent.
