UAE Golden Visa Opens for Charitable Donors

Golden Visa for Charity: New Opportunity for Waqf Donors in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates has once again opened new horizons in long-term residency opportunities by announcing that in the future, Waqf (Islamic endowment or charitable trust) donors will also be eligible to acquire the Golden Visa. This decision not only emphasizes the importance of social responsibility but also strengthens Dubai's global humanitarian role.

What is Waqf and why is this decision important?

Waqf is a form of charity rooted in Islamic tradition, where believers donate wealth—such as money, real estate, or other assets—for community, religious, or social purposes. Income from this endowment is typically used for sustainable and Sharia-compliant initiatives, whether in education, healthcare, or other societal needs.

This type of charity plays a particularly important role in the Islamic world, and now the UAE state has acknowledged its significance by providing Waqf donors the opportunity to obtain the Golden Visa. This is a 10-year residency permit that provides stability and a long-term presence in the country.

Details of the Agreement

The recently announced initiative is based on a cooperation agreement between the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai) and the Endowments and Minors Affairs Foundation (Awqaf Dubai). Under this framework, Awqaf Dubai will nominate individuals—whether local residents or foreigners—who meet the conditions set by the federal government decision of 2022, number 65, which created a new category for the Golden Visa for "people who financially support humanitarian work."

Following the selection of candidates, the GDRFA issues the residency permits. As part of the agreement, a joint committee will also be established to oversee the implementation of the process, monitor the results, and ensure the achievement of the expected social objectives.

Dubai's Role in Charity and Sustainability

Dubai has previously made it clear that its goal is not only economic growth but also strengthening social responsibility and global humanitarian involvement. The city's leadership has repeatedly emphasized its desire to make Dubai the world's most human-centered and sustainable city.

This initiative is an excellent example of how to elevate cooperation between state and religious institutions to a higher level. The goal is not merely administrative but value-based: people who have demonstrably contributed to the common good—particularly in humanitarian and charitable fields—are given long-term residency opportunities.

The Role of GDRFA and Awqaf Dubai

The GDRFA is one of Dubai's most important government bodies, regulating immigration and residency matters. Awqaf Dubai is the institution responsible for supervising, managing, and investing Waqf funds and ensuring these incomes are utilized on a societal level, particularly in sustainable, religious, and community projects.

The current cooperation between the two institutions signifies a new level of strategic integration. Awqaf is not merely a passive steward of wealth but an active partner in community-building, social responsibility, and now in the evaluation process related to the Golden Visa.

Why Take This Seriously?

The initiative is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it recognizes and provides long-term settlement opportunities for people who have operated as "invisible heroes" in the background, supporting educational, healthcare, or religious goals. Secondly, the program may encourage other donors—whether local or foreign—to participate more actively in charitable and community projects.

The Golden Visa is not merely a residency permit but also a symbol of recognition. Being named under the category of "people who financially support humanitarian work" indicates that the individual has not only contributed from a business or economic standpoint to the UAE's development but also directly served the betterment of society.

Future Impacts and Consequences

In the future, the number of people donating through the Waqf system is expected to increase, as the Golden Visa can serve as a new incentive. This not only increases the resources of humanitarian projects but can also enhance the UAE's and Dubai's image as places where social responsibility is genuinely recognized.

Furthermore, the new regulation could set a precedent for other countries: showing how public visa programs can be linked to community value creation and support for charitable initiatives.

Summary

The UAE and particularly Dubai take a pioneering role in ensuring that the Golden Visa program is not only linked to business or academic merits but also acknowledges social responsibility and humanitarian activities. Including Waqf donors in the Golden Visa system sends a strong message: Dubai is not just an economic center but a society where work for the common good results in long-term appreciation. This step is not just an administrative decision but a value-based message—Dubai's future is one of a human-centered, sustainable, and solidaristic city.

(Source of the article: Press release from the Endowments and Minors Affairs Foundation (Awqaf Dubai).)