The United Arab Emirates said that it has approved amendments that would allow it to grant citizenship to investors and other professionals, including scientists, doctors, and their families.
The UAE cabinet, local Emiri courts, and executive councils will nominate those eligible for citizenship under clear criteria set for each category.
The law allows receivers of the UAE passport to keep their existing citizenship.
The government said that the amendment to the citizenship law "aims at appreciating the talents and competencies present in the UAE and attracting more bright minds to the Emirati community".
It remains unclear if those eligible for the new citizenship path would benefit from the public welfare system. Wealthy Gulf states have long reserved their generous welfare system to their citizens, rarely allowing naturalization for foreigners.
The UAE’s passport has been ranked as the most powerful in the world.
UAE passport holders can enter 167 countries without obtaining a visa prior to arrival.
Foreigners in the UAE usually have renewable visas valid for only a few years and tied to employment. The government has previously made its visa policy more flexible, offering longer residencies for certain types of investors, students, and professionals.
Last year, the government extended its "golden" visa system, which grants 10-year residency in the Gulf state, to certain professionals, specialized degree-holders, and others.
