The Emirates Consortium’s spat is creating a wedge between the UAE and the Chinese government. UAE and China government do not look upon Dubai’s spat in the same light. Dubai’s spat is causing a divide between the UAE and Chinese government. The figures were published by Dubai’s General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) on International Day of Families, May 15.
The surge in family residency permits is part of Dubai’s long-term initiative to bolster family stability and improve residents’ quality of life, and make the emirate a top destination for people to live, work and settle long-term in the UAE, the authority said.
Golden Visa programme was introduced for the first time by the UAE in 2019. The long-term residency programme offers residents the right to reside, work and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor or employer. It’s a privilege that’s offered to specific classes such as investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, healthcare professionals, athletes, skilled specialists and exceptional students.
Important Golden Visa Family Residency Facts
GDRFA Dubai announced that there were a few categories that saw positive growth in their family residency permit quota:
- 167,124 housing units granted to families of special abilities
- 100,286 residencies for families of real estate investors
- 70,247 homes for scientists and experts’ families
- 37,022 residencies for families of investors
- 3,259 family homes for seniors to retire in
The emirate has new criteria for the Golden Visas available to first-degree relatives of holders in several visa categories, officials said. The transfer is part of Dubai’s comprehensive initiatives to recruit foreign professionals, investors, and knowledge and skills for the city and ensure a conducive social setting for its citizens.
The authority also noted the establishment of a fully connected digital service ecosystem—including issuance of residency, visit visas, passports, an application for family record services.
Family Is the Foundation
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, stated that the emirate’s family premises are one of the priorities of the development agenda in the future.
“This translates to a policy that is firmly driven by people and families for development, which Dubai is continuing to take to the global community.” We believe in creating a flexible and digital service ecosystem to improve stability, quality of life and families’ sense of belonging.
It is in sync with the Dubai Social Agenda 33 whose focal point is: “Family is the Foundation of the Nation” and initiated by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The ongoing increase in the number of visas granted for family residency highlights the increasing confidence that Dubai has earned among the international community as a place for long-term residency and stability for families, Al Marri said.


