Abu Dhabi launches campaign to attract talent to capital

Government invites students, researchers and key professionals to 'Thrive in Abu Dhabi'

The role that medical researchers and scientists play has also been thrust into the spotlight during the pandemic, while the countries with highly-developed R&D industries have also fared particularly well. Paul Faith / Paul Faith

Egyptian-American author Dina Elabd reads her latest children's book at the Dubai literature festival in 2019. Authors are also eligible for Emirati citizenship under the new rules. Leslie Pableo for The National

A doctor examines the results of a heart scan. The pandemic and the much-praised response from frontline workers has elevated an already esteemed medical profession. Getty

Engineering is already a highly regarded profession in the Middle East, where oil and gas, construction and technology form the backbone of economies. The latest news will enhance that further. AFP

In addition to skilled medical and science roles, the Emirates is also keen to attract the best talent in various fields across the arts. AFP

The UAE's capital will seek to attract more talented students and professionals in a new campaign.

Thrive in Abu Dhabi sets out long-term visa options, various incentives and highlights its living standards in a plan to develop the knowledge economy.

With the drive, the emirate is aiming at creative talent in arts and culture, PhD students and those promising scientific ability.

It also listed inventors and innovators as the capital plans to expand its research and development industry, and its healthcare sector.

Investors and entrepreneurs are invited to tap into opportunities in key growth sectors, including financial services, ICT, health services and biopharma, AgTech, and tourism – as well as real estate.

As part of Abu Dhabi's accelerator programme, Ghadan 21, the Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) launched academic research grants to award Dh40 million in competitive research funding to support research and development.

Last year, all AgTech firm investments by Abu Dhabi included significant R&D set-ups, the Abu Dhabi government media office said.

Long-term visa options that allow for flexibility in the job market can be applied for under various mechanisms, including the golden visa scheme, which can be applied for here.

Last month, the federal government said it would allow non-Emiratis to obtain Emirati citizenship for the first time.

Legal changes mean a person can retain their original nationality, allowing them to become a dual citizen. Citizenship is difficult to obtain in the Gulf and is not traditionally offered to foreigners.

The new rules do not provide people a path to apply for citizenship.

Instead, skilled professionals would be nominated by government or royal court officials.

Those eligible for nomination include investors, individuals with specialist professions, such as doctors or scientists, as well as artists and other talented or creative people.

The National's UAE salary guide