UAE announced new Golden Visa for Waqf donors at GITEX GLOBAL 2025/Representative Image
In a landmark initiative that underscores the UAE’s growing emphasis on humanitarianism and social sustainability, the country has announced that donors to Islamic endowments known as Waqf will now be eligible for the coveted UAE Golden Visa.The decision was unveiled following a strategic agreement signed between the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai) and the Endowments and Minors Affairs Foundation (Awqaf Dubai). The announcement came during GITEX GLOBAL 2025, one of the region’s largest technology and innovation exhibitions, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
UAE Waqf Visa rewards charity with long-term residency
The initiative enables both UAE residents and international donors to obtain a 10-year renewable Golden Visa under the category of “Financial Supporters of Humanitarian Work”, as laid out in Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022. The move is aimed at encouraging high-impact charitable giving, positioning Dubai as a hub of generosity, tolerance, and community-driven innovation.Officials say the Golden Visa will not just serve as a token of appreciation for philanthropists, but also as a strategic tool to attract global supporters of sustainable humanitarian work.“This agreement represents a pioneering model of government integration that empowers endowers to play a vital role in community development,” said Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA-Dubai.What is Waqf?Waqf, in Islamic tradition, refers to a perpetual charitable endowment. This could be in the form of land, buildings, cash, or other valuable assets set aside for public benefit—such as supporting education, healthcare, or religious institutions. The key feature of Waqf is that once donated, the asset cannot be sold or inherited. Instead, it is managed sustainably, with its revenue used for community development.In the UAE, Waqf is regulated and promoted by Awqaf Dubai, which ensures all endowments are Sharia-compliant, transparent, and channelled into meaningful causes.
UAE Waqf Golden Visa: Who is eligible and how to apply?
To qualify for the Golden Visa under this new category, donors must fulfil several conditions:
- Minimum donation of AED 2 million to a certified Waqf or humanitarian project
- Must hold at least a university degree
- Nomination must be made by Awqaf Dubai or an authorized humanitarian institution
- Applicants must provide proof of contribution, identity documents, and supporting paperwork
Step-by-step process for application:
- Make a qualifying Waqf donation to an approved project managed by Awqaf Dubai.
- Get nominated by Awqaf Dubai under the “financial supporters of humanitarian work” category.
- Submit your application through the GDRFA Smart Services portal or at Amer Centres in Dubai.
- Attach all relevant documents including donation certificates, ID, academic credentials, and photographs.
- Await review and clearance by the joint GDRFA-Awqaf committee.
- Upon approval, receive your 10-year Golden Visa – valid even if you stay outside the UAE for more than six months.
Benefits of the new visa:According to officials, the scheme is expected to boost charitable contributions while offering donors several tangible benefits:
- 10-year renewable residency without a local sponsor
- Freedom to live, work and study across the UAE
- Eligibility to sponsor spouse, children, and parents
- Flexibility to stay abroad for extended periods without cancellation
- Recognition as a valued humanitarian contributor
Awqaf Dubai Secretary-General Ali Mohammed Al Mutawa called the initiative a “natural extension of Dubai’s vision to position endowment work as a key partner in sustainable development.”
Waqf Golden Visa: The UAE eyeing for strategic significance
The Golden Visa scheme for Waqf donors is being seen as a forward-thinking policy that not only aligns with Islamic charitable values but also resonates with the UAE’s long-term vision of sustainable, human-centered growth.It also broadens the appeal of the Golden Visa, which is already available to investors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and outstanding professionals in fields like medicine and engineering.Officials believe the latest addition will attract global philanthropists, foster cross-border partnerships in social development, and further establish the UAE as a beacon of generosity and inclusive progress.
Looking ahead: How to get started
With this move, the UAE is reinforcing its commitment to becoming a global humanitarian capital. The partnership between GDRFA-Dubai and Awqaf Dubai is also expected to usher in a new era of digitally-enabled social initiatives, wherein charitable giving is not just encouraged but actively integrated into national development policy.Those interested can begin by visiting:
- Awqaf Dubai – for donation guidelines and nomination
- GDRFA Smart Services – for Golden Visa application
- Nearest Amer Centre in Dubai – for in-person support and document submission.