Can You Become a Dubai Citizen?

Dubai citizenship is something many dream of, but it's not as simple as applying for a visa or residency permit. Becoming a citizen of Dubai, or more precisely, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is one of the most difficult nationalities to obtain. The UAE is known for its wealth, luxury, and opportunities for expatriates, but when it comes to citizenship, the government takes a very restrictive approach. However, there are pathways, albeit limited, and the possibility exists under specific circumstances.

The Myth of Dubai Citizenship

Many people believe that if they live in Dubai long enough, they will be eligible for citizenship, just like in countries like the United States or Canada. This, however, is a myth. Dubai, being part of the UAE, does not offer citizenship to expatriates through time spent living in the country, no matter how long you've been there. The UAE reserves citizenship for Emirati nationals, who are usually born into it, and it is rarely granted to foreigners.

However, there are exceptions. In January 2021, a groundbreaking shift occurred when the UAE government announced that it would begin offering citizenship to select foreigners who met certain criteria, specifically individuals who bring exceptional value to the country.

Who Can Become a Citizen?

The UAE's citizenship program is not open to the general public. Instead, it targets people who can significantly contribute to the UAE's economic, scientific, and cultural development. These categories include:

• Investors: High-net-worth individuals who invest heavily in the UAE economy may be considered for citizenship.
• Doctors and Specialists: Medical professionals, especially those with expertise in fields that are in high demand, such as neurosurgery, virology, and oncology.
• Scientists: Those who have made significant contributions to their field and have a history of research, whether in the physical sciences, life sciences, or applied sciences.
• Inventors: Individuals who hold patents for inventions that are considered valuable to the UAE’s economy.
• Creative Individuals: Artists, authors, and other creatives who have achieved international acclaim.

What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Dubai Citizen?

While Dubai and the UAE provide many advantages for residents, being a citizen elevates one's status to a whole new level. Citizens have the following benefits:

• Free access to public services: This includes healthcare and education, which are otherwise costly for expatriates.
• Business and property ownership: While non-citizens can own property in certain areas, Emirati citizens face fewer restrictions.
• Government assistance: Emiratis benefit from various social welfare programs, including financial support for education and housing.
• Visa-free travel: UAE citizens can travel to many countries without a visa, providing greater ease and flexibility in international travel.

How Does One Apply for Citizenship?

Unlike traditional processes where you submit an application for citizenship, in the UAE, you don’t apply; you’re nominated. A member of the UAE’s royal family or a government official must recommend you for citizenship. Once this nomination is made, the candidate will undergo a stringent background check and vetting process.

The big takeaway? Becoming a UAE citizen is more about who you know and what you can offer the country, rather than your ability to submit an application.

The Naturalization Process

For those few who are selected for citizenship, the process still isn’t instant. Here’s an overview of the process:

• Step 1: Nomination: As mentioned earlier, you cannot simply apply. Someone in a high position, usually a member of the royal family or a top government official, needs to nominate you.
• Step 2: Vetting Process: If nominated, your background is meticulously examined. This process includes checking your contributions to your field, your reputation, and your financial standing.
• Step 3: Oath of Allegiance: Once the vetting process is cleared, the individual must take an oath of allegiance to the UAE.
• Step 4: Granting of Citizenship: After the oath, the individual is granted citizenship, but with certain conditions.

For instance, new citizens are expected to abide by UAE laws, respect Emirati traditions, and contribute positively to the country’s growth. It’s important to note that UAE citizenship doesn’t automatically grant you full rights. New citizens often don’t have the same political rights as natural-born Emiratis.

Dual Citizenship: Is It Allowed?

Interestingly, the 2021 law change allows for dual citizenship under certain circumstances. Prior to this, UAE citizenship required individuals to renounce their previous nationality. However, with the changes, individuals in specific categories (like investors, scientists, and creatives) can retain their original nationality, making it a highly attractive option for qualified individuals.

Paths to UAE Residency Leading to Potential Citizenship

While obtaining citizenship is highly selective, there are still ways to secure long-term residency in Dubai and the UAE. These pathways don’t automatically lead to citizenship, but they offer a stable living situation and access to many of the country’s benefits.

1. The Golden Visa Program

The UAE launched the Golden Visa program in 2019, offering long-term residency to investors, entrepreneurs, and specialized professionals. This visa is available in five- and ten-year options and is renewable. The categories include:

• Investors: If you invest at least AED 10 million (approximately USD 2.7 million) in the UAE, you can apply for a 10-year visa.
• Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs with a previous project worth AED 500,000 or approval from a UAE business incubator.
• Specialized Talent: Doctors, researchers, scientists, and creative individuals can also apply for the Golden Visa.

2. Property Investment

Foreigners who invest in property in the UAE can obtain a residency visa. Typically, the property must be worth at least AED 1 million (approximately USD 272,000) to qualify.

3. Work and Talent-Based Visas

Specialized professionals, especially in medicine, technology, and education, may qualify for long-term work visas. These do not automatically lead to citizenship, but they offer stable residency with the opportunity to renew.

Challenges and Criticisms of UAE Citizenship

While the UAE's decision to offer citizenship to a select group of foreigners was widely celebrated, it’s important to understand that becoming a citizen comes with certain expectations and limitations. The government has the discretion to revoke citizenship if individuals are found violating laws or failing to adhere to the terms set out when they were granted citizenship.

Additionally, the nomination-only system means that even highly qualified individuals might never be considered for citizenship. The exclusivity of the process has led to some criticism that it favors connections over merit.

Another key challenge is the cultural expectation placed on new citizens. While the UAE is a multicultural hub, there is still a strong emphasis on Emirati traditions, and new citizens are expected to integrate into this societal framework, respecting the country's Islamic traditions, dress codes, and national values.

A Future of Expanding Citizenship?

The 2021 law changes are seen as the first steps towards a more inclusive approach to citizenship in the UAE. Some analysts believe that as the country seeks to diversify its economy beyond oil, the need for foreign talent will continue to grow, potentially leading to more opportunities for expatriates to obtain long-term residency or even citizenship.

However, it remains unlikely that Dubai or the UAE will ever adopt a fully open citizenship policy akin to countries like Canada or the U.S. The Emirati population remains relatively small, and the government is keen to preserve the unique cultural and political makeup of the nation.

In conclusion, Dubai citizenship is reserved for the few, not the many. It’s a privilege that can only be obtained under specific conditions and with the endorsement of the UAE’s ruling class. For most, long-term residency remains the more attainable goal.