UAE offers 10-year Golden Visa for Waqf donors

Awqaf Dubai will nominate eligible donors, GDRFA-Dubai to issue Golden Visas based on nominations

The United Arab Emirates has introduced a new category of its coveted 10-year Golden Visa for individuals who donate at least AED 2 million to Islamic Waqf endowments — a move that intertwines philanthropy with long-term residency.

According to a Gulf News report, the initiative follows the signing of a cooperation agreement between the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai) and the Endowments and Minors Affairs Foundation (Awqaf Dubai).

The accord enables both resident and non-resident donors to qualify for the Golden Visa under the category of “financial supporters of humanitarian work.” Signed during GITEX GLOBAL 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the agreement marks a major step in integrating Dubai’s residency framework with its humanitarian vision.

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The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both entities, including Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA-Dubai, and Ali Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary General of Awqaf Dubai.

Lieutenant General Al Marri hailed the partnership as a model of inter-agency collaboration that reinforces Dubai’s social development goals.

“This agreement represents a pioneering model of government integration that empowers endowers to play a vital role in community development,” said Al Marri. “Through this initiative, we seek to promote the values of giving and sustainability within a seamless digital ecosystem that truly embodies our GITEX theme: ‘Digital Services... for an Easier Life.’”

Echoing his remarks, Al Mutawa emphasized that the initiative promotes a sustainable culture of charitable giving.

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“This partnership aligns with Dubai’s vision of making endowment work a key driver of sustainable development,” he said. “By enabling endowers to obtain the Golden Visa, we recognize their vital role in fostering social solidarity and a culture of shared responsibility.”

Under the agreement, Awqaf Dubai will nominate eligible donors in accordance with Cabinet Resolution No. (65) of 2022, while GDRFA-Dubai will issue the Golden Visas based on those nominations.

A joint committee has been formed to monitor implementation and assess the program’s social and humanitarian outcomes, ensuring it fulfills its goals of inclusive growth and shared prosperity.