A golden visa is a form of grant provided to incredibly wealthy people across the globe who want to put in substantial investment in the United Arab Emirates. In 2019, the UAE administration had introduced the Golden Visa to recognise residents who have been there for the long term and their contribution to the country’s development.
The UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 56 of Organisation of Residence Permits grants investors, entrepreneurs, working professionals, and people specialised in science and knowledge a minimum of dirham 10 million and apply for the Golden visa.
Now the coveted visa is not limited to the only potential businessman. The scope has been widened, which includes bright students as well.
Here are three Indian Celebrities whom the UAE government has offered the Golden Visa.
Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan, the king of Bollywood, is the first Indian celebrity who was given the Golden visa in November 2020. He is a frequent visitor of this country and owns a luxurious villa at Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. As Shah Rukh had been promoting UAE tourism, he was named brand ambassador of Dubai in 2016.
Sanjay Dutt
Sanjay Dutt is the second celebrity from India who was granted the coveted visa this year in May. Taking to Twitter, he wrote, “Honoured to have received a golden visa for the UAE in the presence of Major General Mohammed Al Marri, Director General of @GDRFADUBAI. Thanking him along with the @uaegov for the honour. Also, grateful to Mr Hamad Obaidalla, COO of @flydubai for his support.”
The 61-year-old actor is a frequent visitor to the country, like many other Indians. He also spent most of this year’s Ramadan in the UAE with his wife and children.
Sania Mirza
After Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Dutt, an Indian tennis player, Sania Mirza and her husband, on July 16, received a much-coveted Golden visa from the UAE administration. She has been granted the visa based on her sports-related offerings to Dubai.
Sania is one of them who considers Dubai is her second home. Thanking the authority, she said that Dubai is extremely close to her and her family as it is her second home. “We are looking forward to spending more time here,” she added. Being one of the few selected citizens from India brings an absolute honour to us.”
With the UAE’s Golden Visa, Sania and Shoaib aim to bring a sports academy offering tennis and cricket coaching to Dubai soon.
