UAE awards first long-term visas to winners of Mohammed bin Rashid science prize

Science minister says move is part of attracting the brightest and best specialist talent

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - May 8th, 2018: Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri Minister of State for Advanced Sciences with Mina Al Oraibi, Editor in Chief of The National (L) at The National's Future Forum. Tuesday, May 8th, 2018 at Cleveland Clinic, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
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The UAE government has granted the first batch of long-term visas to the winners and finalists of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Distinction, following the decision by the Cabinet to attract more specialist talent.

The announcement came following the second annual meeting of the Mohammed bin Rashid Academy of Scientists, which saw over 150 scientists attend from around the world, news agency Wam reported.

"We look forward to continuing our efforts towards attaining the UAE's goal of becoming a global scientific hub, and providing an environment conducive to scientific advancement while building an integrated scientific community capable of meeting all future development needs," said Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences.

In November 2018, the UAE Cabinet issued a decision to adopt a new system of entry visas for investors and professional talents by providing them with long-term residence permits for up to 10 years.

The system will grant investors and talents up to 10-year residency visas for specialists in medical, scientific, research and technical fields, as well as for all scientists and innovators, as well as five-year residency visas for students studying in the UAE, and 10-year visas for exceptional students.

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