Dubai grants UAE Golden Visa to Waqf donors under humanitarian category
In a landmark initiative reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to humanitarian values, Waqf (Islamic endowment) donors are now eligible to receive the UAE Golden Visa under the category of “financial supporters of humanitarian work.”
The new eligibility follows the signing of a cooperation agreement between the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai) and the Endowments and Minors Affairs Foundation (Awqaf Dubai). The partnership enables Awqaf Dubai to nominate qualified endowers, both residents and non-residents, who meet the criteria set forth in Cabinet Resolution No. (65) of 2022, which governs Golden Visa eligibility for major contributors to humanitarian causes.
Under the agreement, GDRFA-Dubai will issue long-term residency permits based on Awqaf Dubai’s recommendations. A joint committee between the two entities will be established to monitor the implementation, assess outcomes, and ensure the initiative achieves its social and humanitarian objectives.
In a statement, GDRFA-Dubai emphasized that the partnership aligns with Dubai’s broader vision to strengthen its role as a global hub for tolerance, sustainability, and humanitarian giving, while promoting collaboration across government institutions to enhance community well-being.
“This partnership comes as part of our commitment to reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global center for tolerance and humanitarian giving, while promoting institutional integration in support of national efforts aimed at making Dubai the most sustainable and human-centered city in the world,” the GDRFA said.
Lt-Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA-Dubai, described the agreement as “an advanced model of governmental integration” that empowers endowers to actively contribute to community development through meaningful, sustainable initiatives.
Awqaf Dubai, which oversees the management and investment of endowments in line with Sharia principles, channels revenue from these assets into sustainable social, educational, and humanitarian projects across the UAE.
Ali Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary-General of Awqaf Dubai, said that including Waqf donors among recipients of the Golden Visa reflects Dubai’s vision to recognize and empower philanthropic efforts.
“This step highlights Dubai’s vision of positioning endowment work as an active partner in sustainable development, recognizing its role in fostering solidarity, social responsibility, and long-term community resilience,” Al Mutawa noted.
The initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to embedding humanitarianism and philanthropy within its governance model — ensuring that contributors to charitable and social welfare causes are recognized as key partners in the emirate’s sustainable development journey.
