Abu Dhabi is known as the cultural heartland of the UAE. It hosts an array of significant historic buildings, archaeological sites, desert safaris, landscapes, and Arabic poetry, to name a few. It is slightly more expensive than Dubai and is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the megacity of Dubai. Some of the key attractions include Marina Mall, Ferrari World, the World Heritage Site of Al Ain and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. With abundance of cultural values and monuments as well as contemporary malls and parks, Abu Dhabi is the perfect place where ancient and traditional values meet the modern zeal.

This makes it a creative hub where one can meet numerous artists trying to add more value to the city of Abu Dhabi. Moreover, entrepreneurs intend to launch their creative businesses in Abu Dhabi. They find the city extremely friendly and are provided with significant funding and other support required to grow any business venture.

 Abu Dhabi has a 5-year spending plan to drive and grow the economy by creating new jobs and attracting new talent. Abu Dhabi plans to invest 6 billion USD in the course of the next 5 years to act as a boost to the cultural and creative industries so as to reduce the economic reliance on oil. There have been heavy investments in the art and culture domain, such as the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2017.

Thus, multiple projects have been introduced to establish Abu Dhabi as a cultural hub. Projects like Saadiyat Cultural District, Yaas Creative Hub and various initiatives, including the Creative Visa, are all part of this vision.

As a result, the Abu Dhabi Creative Visa was launched by the Department of Culture & Tourism. It is a long-term visa for artists and people involved with the gaming industry along with eSports, media, and publishing. The aim of the visa is not only to support the individuals contributing to the cultural and creative industries but also to increase the employment rate and ensure adequate residency options.

 Requirements

This Creative Visa is offered to those professionals that the Department of Culture and Tourism endorses. Applicants should meet at least 5 conditions mentioned below under each criterion.

 Literary applicants: 

These include story and novel writers and poets.

 The career of the applicant has to be more than 10 years.

• They should have at least 6 publications in their field of expertise.
• They should be able to present literary production.
• They should have clear and tangible contributions at the local and global level within the last 3 years.
• Any media, government, critics, or private institutions should notice their literary works and activities within the last 3 years.

 Performing Arts:

This included dancers, theatrical performers and musicians.

 The applicant should have a career of up to 10 years.

• They should own a successful investment project worth AED 2 million.
• The applicant should have some global awards.
• They must have proven experience and other achievements.
• Their literary works and activities should be noticed by any media, government, critics or private institutions within the last 3 years.

 Fine Arts:

Applicants under this category include photographers, calligraphers, sculptors and people involved in handicrafts.

• The applicant must be involved in their field of specialization for at least the past 3 years.
• The applicant should have received awards or medals from credited bodies in the same field.
• They must possess advanced, innovative, and recognized technical abilities in their field.
• They should have produced and should be able to deliver tangible work in their field.
• They should have grants/scholarships or boost the creative economy through ownership or partnership needed to start their work.

 Procedure to apply

To apply for the Abu Dhabi Creative Visa, one must fill out the application form and the following essential documents, which are to be attached alongside the application.

• A copy of the passport and visa
• A copy of the Emirates ID
• Competent resume
• Contact number and email address

  This can be done online through the official website of DCT Abu Dhabi.

After applying, the applicant will receive a notification either via phone or email.

After the due process of scrutinizing the application, an applicant’s visa may or may not be issued. If the permit is issued, the applicant is expected to follow up with the concerned authorities to issue a long-term residence visa.

By Ilina Devadhar

Pic : Indiansingulf