Dubai: The UAE Cabinet has announced a new 10-year Blue Residency visa, specifically for individuals recognized for their "exceptional contributions" towards environmental protection. The announcement came from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Dubai's Prime Minister and Ruler, following a Cabinet session at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.
"The sustainability of our economy has become linked to the sustainability of our environment, and our national directions in this area are clear and consistent," said Sheikh Mohammed on X. The visa targets those excelling in marine or land environmental protection, air quality improvements and sustainable technology advancements.
The Cabinet also ratified the National Youth Agenda through to 2031. This strategy aims to promote the economic empowerment of the youth, the development of their scientific skills, the strengthening of national identity, the enhancement of social contributions and the promotion of their role in national representation.
A new ranking system for higher education institutions was introduced, focusing on quality, future employability of students, scientific research robustness and international prestige.
Aligning with technological advancement goals, a role for a chief executive for AI was created for all major federal entities to facilitate the swift adoption of cutting-edge technologies across governmental operations.
The session also touched upon a 14% increase in spending within the UAE’s space sector, emphasizing continued investment in high-potential fields.
"We will continue to push our youth into advanced and promising sectors," Sheikh Mohammed affirmed.
These initiatives were discussed in a meeting between Sheikh Mohammed and President Sheikh Mohamed at Abu Dhabi’s Qasr Al Bahr Majlis, where they explored strategies for advancing the nation's sustainable growth, as reported by the state news agency Wam.