DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – The United Arab Emirates announced plans on Saturday to grant a number of foreigners citizenship to this oil-rich country home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as part of its efforts to boost the economy amid of the coronavirus pandemic.
The UAE previously granted citizenship to Palestinians and others who contributed to the formation of the country’s government after its formation in 1971. Others have received it over time.
Saturday’s announcement by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai who also serves as prime minister and vice president of the autocratic nation, said the offer could extend to artists, authors, doctors, engineers and scientists, as well as their families.
Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Twitter that hereditary rulers in the country’s seven emirates and at the federal level would nominate them for citizenship. Those who were granted citizenship could also keep their original citizenship.
It was not immediately clear whether citizenship would also grant rights to the UAE’s social programs for their nationals.
More than 9 million people live in the UAE, of which only one-tenth are citizens. In November, the UAE announced plans to overhaul the country’s Islamic personal laws, allowing unmarried couples to cohabit, relax alcohol restrictions and criminalize so-called “honor killings”.