U.S. and UAE join forces to boost defense technology innovation
On May 19, 2025, the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the UAE’s Tawazun Council signed a deal to strengthen defense cooperation and develop new technologies.
Dubai has introduced the UAE’s 10-year Blue Residency visa, aiming to attract global experts in sustainability, climate change, and environmental protection. The initiative encourages long-term contributions to the UAE’s environmental, economic, and social development.
Dubai, UAE – The UAE government has officially opened applications for its 10-year Blue Residency visa, designed to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainability. Announced in May 2024, the visa seeks to attract global experts in climate change, sustainability, energy, and environmental protection to support the UAE’s growing green initiatives.
What is the Blue Residency Visa?
The Blue Residency visa is a long-term residency program introduced by the UAE government to honor individuals who have made impactful contributions in environmental fields. The visa aims to support environmental, economic, and social development by inviting professionals whose expertise aligns with the country’s sustainability and climate action goals. The Blue Visa is a recognition of efforts both within the UAE and globally, encouraging experts to continue their work in the region.
Who is Eligible for the Blue Residency Visa?
The Blue Visa is aimed at distinguished professionals in the environmental sector, including:
Distinguished members of international organizations dedicated to sustainability, climate change, and energy.
Researchers, scientists, and environmental specialists with significant contributions to climate science and sustainability.
Entrepreneurs, inventors, and specialists in energy and environmental solutions.
Financial supporters and investors in environmental initiatives.
Recipients of prestigious environmental awards, such as global or regional awards for sustainability and climate change.
Holders of master’s or doctoral degrees in environmental sciences, energy, sustainability, or related fields.
Requirements for the Blue Visa Application:
The application process varies depending on the applicant's category and expertise. However, all candidates must meet the following requirements:
Proof of work and achievements in environmental fields.
A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background.
Supporting documents to showcase contributions to environmental protection, sustainability, or climate change.
How to Apply for the Blue Residency Visa:
Applications for the Blue Residency visa can be submitted through the UAE’s official visa services platform, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). The process involves two key steps:
Apply for Nomination: Before applying for the visa, individuals must be nominated by a competent authority in the UAE. The nomination request serves as the initial approval for the visa application. There is a Dh350 fee for the nomination request.
Submit the Visa Application: After receiving the nomination approval, applicants can proceed with submitting their visa application. This includes providing personal details, including name, nationality, occupation, and passport information, as well as uploading the required documents. Visa fees and a completed application must be submitted as part of the process.
For Residents in the UAE: Applicants currently residing in the UAE must ensure their visa status is updated before applying for the Blue Visa.
For Applicants Outside the UAE: If you are outside the UAE, you will first need to apply for a six-month multiple-entry visa, allowing you to complete the necessary procedures for obtaining Blue Residency. The cost for issuing the entry permit is Dh1,250.
The UAE’s Commitment to Environmental Protection
The UAE’s Blue Residency visa is an important part of the country’s ongoing commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. By attracting global talent and experts in this field, the UAE hopes to make strides toward combating climate change and promoting sustainable development, both regionally and globally.
Applications for the Blue Residency visa are now open and can be submitted through the official ICP online portal: smartservices.icp.gov.ae.
Tensions flare in the India-France Rafale deal as France refuses to share the fighter jet’s source code, limiting India’s ability to integrate indigenous weapons and reducing its combat autonomy.
France has rejected India’s request to share source codes needed to integrate indigenous weapons into Rafale fighter jets. Despite repeated appeals, French manufacturer Dassault Aviation has refused to compromise on the issue
AnewZ and Kazakhstan’s Jibek Joly/Silk Way TV channel co-hosted a special AnewZ Talks in Astana at Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU), uniting global experts and young leaders at Silk Road Media Group’s journalism school to explore the growing intersection of media and diplomacy.
Anton Kobyakov, adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, claimed at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum that the USSR’s dissolution was legally invalid and that the Soviet Union still exists under constitutional law, framing the Ukraine war as an “internal process.”
The Tehran Dialogue Forum 2025, scheduled for May 18–19, will host 200 international guests, including 40 current and former European officials.
The 7th Ethnosport Culture Festival kicked off in Istanbul with Azerbaijan’s 100-member team and famed Karabakh horses drawing major attention.
Baku hosted the 6th plenary meeting of the UN’s GlobE Network, gathering anti-corruption officials from 92 countries to strengthen global cooperation and chart the network’s next steps.
The second meeting of customs leaders from Central Asia and China was held in Almaty, focusing on digitalization, AI integration, border crossing agreements, and expanding cooperation to strengthen regional trade and logistics.
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Islamic Development Bank Group, with the 2026 Annual Meeting set to take place in Azerbaijan.
During President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Slovenia, Uzbekistan and Slovenia signed several important agreements covering visa exemptions for diplomats, education, transport, smart cities, water management, and tourism to enhance bilateral cooperation.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment