Golden Opportunity For Cultural Talents : Dubai Cultural Visa

Dubai is an international hub for culture, art, and innovation. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, has adopted a new system that will allow the world’s first cultural visa. Writers, artists, creators, and talents from all around the world would benefit greatly from this project. The offer is part of the city’s Dubai Culture & Arts Authority effort, which aims to “emphasise Dubai’s role as a global centre for culture, a creative incubator, and a talent hub.” The Dubai culture visa can link the world’s artistic talents and an opulent platform for recognition and success. This programme will help energise the cultural economy by attracting and empowering talent from all around the world. 

 Benefits of having the Cultural Visa

 Long-term residency in the United Arab Emirates (5 or 10 years)

• Security of future in the country
• Live, work and study in the UAE
• 100% ownership of enterprises on the mainland of the UAE
• No need to find a national sponsor.

 Who all can apply for the Cultural Visa?

 Creatives, professionals, artists, and performers belonging to the below-mentioned sectors are eligible to apply for Dubai’s Cultural Visa:

• Heritage
• Art and Design
• Performing Arts
• Culture

Who all are eligible for the Cultural Visa?

 Anyone to be eligible for the cultural visa must meet at least five of the following standards.

 1. Creative Profile

The applicant’s creative profile must depict their artistic journey, which should last at least five years. Their credentials must be included in the creative profile and their academic contributions or participation in creative activities. Following aspects must be included in a creative profile-

• Name, speciality, and Country of Origin.
• Experience in the field
• Participation in various artistic projects

 2. Recognition and Awards

Applicants should also include dates and details for any regional and worldwide honours, prizes, certificates, and recognitions received from reputable organisations.

3. Contribution towards the society 

Applicants must offer documentation demonstrating their participation in community-based artistic or cultural programmes. A full summary of the program’s goals or agendas and the type of creative work done to support them must be included with the materials. A brief description of the applicant’s community activities, including volunteer work, the field of work, number of volunteered hours, and impact of the work, should also be included.

4. Academic Credentials

Applicants for a Dubai Cultural Visa must provide the following information:

• Educational certificates attested.
• Accreditations (if any obtained).
• Proof of the most recent degree in the specialisation field.
• A list of training certificates or courses in the technical subject in question

5. Affiliation and Membership

Applicants must disclose all non-profit organisation (NGO) memberships and any other local or worldwide creative and/or cultural organisations.

6. Employment Time

Applicants must also specify whether they work as a freelancer or full-time employees. They must also list the companies with which they have partnered or supported.

 7. Financial Stability

A one-year bank statement confirming the applicant’s minimum annual income of AED 120K is also required.

How to Apply for the Cultural Visa?

 The first step would be to apply for the ‘Creative and Talented Accreditation’ service through the Email ID info@dubaiculture.ae or the Dubai Culture app available on App Store and Google Play Store with the following required documents.

• Copy of the passport and visa
• Copy of the Emirates ID
• Applicant’s resume
• Contact number and email address

The next step would be to wait for the notification via email or phone, followed by the Permit issuance. Then the applicant can follow up with the concerned authority to issue the Long-Term Residence Visa Service delivery channels. If the application is approved, the applicant will get a certificate of accreditation for receiving a long-term cultural visa issued by GDRFA in Dubai.

By Sania Kaushik