In a significant move that highlights the value of healthcare workers in the UAE, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has approved golden visas for a number of nursing professionals working at Dubai Health. This initiative reflects the growing importance of medical staff and the strategic steps being taken by the government to retain and empower talent in the healthcare sector.
The announcement, made in early May 2025, was welcomed with gratitude by Dubai’s medical community. Golden visas are long-term residency permits that allow foreign professionals to live and work in the UAE for up to 10 years, offering greater stability and a clear pathway for professional and personal growth.
Why the Move Matters: Golden Visas for Nurses Dubai
The focus on granting golden visas to nurses is a notable extension of the UAE’s long-term residency strategy, which has previously included investors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals. Now, frontline healthcare workers—many of whom were instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic—are being officially recognised and rewarded for their critical contributions.
According to Dubai Health, more than 200 nursing professionals have already qualified for the visa under this scheme. These nurses serve in various departments, from emergency and intensive care to pediatric and geriatric wards, forming the backbone of the emirate’s medical services.
What the Golden Visa Offers to Nurses
For the nurses working at Dubai Health, receiving a golden visa brings more than just status—it provides security and opens doors for a better quality of life. Here’s what it includes:
- Residency for up to 10 years, renewable
- No need for a local sponsor
- Ability to sponsor family members
- More freedom to invest, travel, and pursue opportunities within the UAE
These benefits significantly ease the personal and professional lives of healthcare workers, allowing them to focus more on patient care and skill development rather than visa renewals and employment constraints.
Dubai Health CEO Applauds the Initiative
Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), praised the Crown Prince’s decision, stating it reflects Dubai’s forward-thinking approach to healthcare sustainability. “Granting golden visas to our nursing staff is more than a gesture—it is a declaration of how deeply we value their dedication, particularly in times of crisis,” Al Ketbi said.
He emphasized that this move not only boosts the morale of current staff but will also serve as an attractive factor for future healthcare professionals considering relocating to Dubai.
Supporting UAE’s Vision for World-Class Healthcare
The golden visa initiative aligns with the UAE’s wider vision of becoming a global hub for healthcare innovation, research, and excellence. Nurses are at the heart of this transformation.
By retaining top-tier nursing talent, the country ensures continuity in patient care, institutional memory, and operational efficiency—all essential ingredients for a thriving health system. Dubai’s health institutions have been expanding rapidly, with new hospitals, research centres, and digital health services requiring skilled professionals to maintain high standards.
Voices from the Frontline: Nurses Share Their Joy
Several nurses from Rashid Hospital, Latifa Hospital, and Dubai Hospital expressed heartfelt appreciation after receiving their golden visa approvals.
“This means so much more than a residency stamp,” said Christine D’Souza, a senior ICU nurse at Dubai Hospital. “It feels like a validation of the years I’ve spent serving in Dubai. Now I can plan long-term without worrying about renewing my visa every couple of years.”
Another recipient, Arjun Mehta, who has worked in Dubai for 14 years as a pediatric nurse, called the golden visa “life-changing.”
“I’ve always felt at home here, but now I truly belong. I can finally bring my wife and children without the stress of renewing visas or job instability,” Mehta said.
Golden Visas for Nurses Dubai: How the Process Works
Nurses eligible for the golden visa are identified based on their qualifications, years of service, and performance evaluations. Dubai Health collaborates with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to streamline the application process.
Criteria typically include:
- Minimum number of years working in Dubai’s healthcare system
- Clean professional record
- Demonstrated contributions during public health crises
- Relevant academic and practical credentials
Once the applications are reviewed and approved, recipients are issued their 10-year residency permit within weeks.
Broader Impact on the UAE’s Healthcare System
This decision is likely to have ripple effects across the UAE. Other emirates may adopt similar strategies, especially as the demand for skilled healthcare workers grows due to population increases and medical tourism. Hospitals and clinics across the country are already seeing a rise in demand for bilingual nurses, digital health specialists, and emergency care professionals.
Retaining trained and experienced nurses can reduce costs associated with hiring and training new staff, while improving patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes.
How the Golden Visa Enhances National Resilience
During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses were on the frontlines, often working double shifts under extreme conditions. Their service during those years highlighted how vital they are to the UAE’s emergency response and national health strategy.
Golden visas not only thank these workers but also strengthen the nation’s resilience by ensuring that experienced professionals remain within the healthcare system during future crises.
A Global Model for Healthcare Workforce Support
The UAE now joins a small group of nations, such as Canada and Australia, that offer long-term residency pathways to skilled healthcare professionals. The golden visa program enhances Dubai’s image as a global city that prioritizes both innovation and compassion.
By focusing on people as much as infrastructure, the emirate is shaping a healthcare system that is robust, inclusive, and future-ready.
What’s Next for Dubai’s Healthcare Workforce?
The golden visa initiative is expected to expand further in the coming months. Sources inside Dubai Health indicate that more categories of medical professionals, such as therapists, technicians, and midwives, may be considered in future phases.
Additionally, with Dubai’s increasing investment in AI-powered healthcare, digital diagnostics, and personalised medicine, there’s a growing need for continuous upskilling and talent retention. The golden visa offers a strong incentive for professionals to stay, learn, and grow within the system.
Final Thoughts: A Milestone for Healthcare and Humanity
The decision to grant golden visas to nurses in Dubai is a significant milestone, not just for those who received it but for the entire healthcare system. It represents a broader cultural shift toward valuing compassion, care, and consistency in public service.
By recognizing nurses with long-term residency, Dubai isn’t just securing its healthcare future—it’s setting a global example of how nations can honour those who dedicate their lives to healing others.
This is not just policy. It’s personal. It’s powerful. And it’s a promise that the UAE is keeping—to care for those who care the most.
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