UAE's first golden card visa holders - in pictures

We look at the first of the 6,800 selected investors and residents who are now the beneficiaries of the golden card permanent residency scheme

Rizwan Sajan, founder and chairman of property developer Danube, was given a golden visa in 2019. At the time, he also welcomed the decision to allow mid-level managers earning Dh30,000 ($8,000) per month to apply for long-term visas. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dr Azad Moopen, chairman and founder of Aster DM Healthcare, was also granted a 10-year residency visa. Randi Sokoloff / The National

Fragrance tycoon Mohammed Rahman (C) receives his golden card visa at Dubai's immigration service, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. The businessman, who runs Al Haramain Group, was the first Bangladeshi to receive the visa. Photo: GDRFA

Firoz Merchant, founder of Pure Gold Jewellers, said it was 'a huge honour' to be granted long-term residency in 2019. Photo: Firoz Merchant

MA Yusuff Ali, chairman and managing director of supermarket chain Lulu Group, pictured with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, was the first recipient of a golden card. The National

Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and chairman of VPS Healthcare, receives UAE permanent residency in summer 2019. Photo: Dr Shamsheer Vayalil

Indian-Arab businessman Balvinder Sahni, owner of RSG International, which builds hotels and residential towers, was an early recipient of long-term visa. Reem Mohammed / The National

Sharjah’s first golden card recipient was Lalu Samuel, chairman and managing director of Kingston Holdings and Chairman of Sharjah Industry Business Group. Photo: Kingston Holdings

Siddique Pallolathil, head of hypermarket chain Nesto Group, was the first recipient in Ajman to received long-term residency. Photo: Siddique Pallolathil

Thousands of foreign investors and residents have been identified as beneficiaries of the golden card permanent residency scheme in the UAE.

The new permanent visa will generate foreign investment, encourage entrepreneurship, and attract top engineers, scientists and students. Permanent residency will also be extended to the spouse and children of the cardholder.

We take a look at some of the 6,800 selected investors and residents who have received their cards above.

Learn more about their contributions to the UAE in our stories below.

UAE's first Golden Card holders

Lulu Group chairman Yusuff Ali receives UAE's first residency golden card

Pure gold: Indian tycoon Firoz Merchant granted permanent residency

Dr Shamsheer Vayalil granted UAE permanent residency under Golden Card scheme

Danube Group chairman says his long-term residency is a 'great moment' for him

'This is an unbelievable dream': NMC Healthcare founder BR Shetty