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UAE Launches Golden Visa for Waqf Philanthropists

The UAE adds yet another route for its Golden Visas, allowing philanthropists to qualify via Islamic endowments.

Ahmad Abbas

IMI
• Amman

The United Arab Emirates has extended its Golden Visa program to donors of Islamic endowments, offering ten-year residency to philanthropists who contribute to waqf projects under a new humanitarian category, according to multiple news outlets.

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai) and the Endowments and Minors Affairs Foundation (Awqaf Dubai) signed the cooperation agreement during GITEX GLOBAL 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre on October 17.

The partnership enables philanthropists to obtain residency under the category of “financial supporters of humanitarian work” as Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022 outlines.

Waqf, an Islamic charitable endowment, involves dedicating assets such as property, cash, or land for public benefit in perpetuity. Once donors make the endowment, they cannot sell or transfer the assets, which must generate revenue for community development projects, including education, healthcare, and religious institutions.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA-Dubai, described the partnership as one that “empowers endowers to play a vital role in community development” while promoting “the values of giving and sustainability within a seamless digital ecosystem.”

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Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri

Awqaf Dubai will nominate eligible endowers who meet the criteria, while GDRFA-Dubai will issue residency permits based on approved nominations. A joint committee comprising representatives from both organizations will oversee implementation and evaluate outcomes.

Ali Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary General of Awqaf Dubai, emphasized that the collaboration aligns with “Dubai’s vision of making endowment work a key driver of sustainable development” and recognizes the “vital role in fostering social solidarity and a culture of shared responsibility.”

According to The Times of India, applicants must donate a minimum of AED 2 million to a certified waqf or humanitarian project, hold at least a university degree, and receive a nomination from Awqaf Dubai or an authorized humanitarian institution.

The application process requires that applicants submit proof of contribution, identity documents, and supporting paperwork through GDRFA Smart Services or Amer Centres in Dubai. Gulf News and Khaleej Times did not specify these requirements in their reporting.

Irina Kush, Managing Partner for Globevisa in Dubai, expects the program will “operate on a case-by-case basis” with the Awqaf Foundation, which oversees humanitarian initiatives in Dubai, issuing nomination certificates for qualified donors and recognized philanthropists.

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She believes applicants “will first need to go through a vetting process in Awqaf to be nominated.”

On whether donations must precede applications, Kush notes that “the UAE is all about action” and that authorities “will almost certainly require a verified donation.”

She anticipates the AED2 million threshold, similar to the real estate investment threshold, will help “maintain the prestige of the Golden Visa.”

She believes the new category aims to recognize established philanthropists rather than compete with existing investment routes. She explains that “the main goal of this new category is to recognize established philanthropists and reinforce the UAE’s position as a hub for charitable work.”

She believes the initiative aims to show that the government values and rewards philanthropy through Golden Visa issuance.

The announcement follows the UAE’s recent Golden Visa expansion in 2025, which added content creators, teachers, nurses, e-sports professionals, and luxury yacht owners to the program.

The country also announced that Golden Visa holders are eligible for round-the-clock consular support.

IMI Pros who can help with UAE golden visas


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