The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced that Emirati nationality will now be attainable for foreigners, in a major first for the Gulf region, CNBC reported.

The move is a significant change in direction for a country whose economy relies heavily on expatriates, for whom residency is typically contingent on their employment visas.

The UAE passport, which is ranked as one of the best in the world for mobility, will be offered to select foreigners and professionals including “investors, doctors, specialists, inventors, scientists, talents, intellectuals, artists and their families,” according to the announcement.

“The United Arab Emirates has approved amendments ... allowing investors, professionals, special talents and their families to acquire the Emirati nationality and passport under certain conditions,” the UAE government news agency WAM said in a release Saturday.

“The step aims at appreciating the talents and competencies present in the UAE and attracting more bright minds to the Emirati community in a way that contributes to the development and prosperity of the country.”

Foreigners cannot apply for citizenship, however; they must be nominated by UAE royals or officials, and the country’s Cabinet would get the final say.

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/01/the-uae-is-offering-citizenship-to-foreigners-sees-economic-potential.html