New UAE visa; embassy in Israel: Key announcements in 2021's first Cabinet meeting

The UAE’s first Cabinet meeting of 2021 on Sunday saw the announcement of several landmark initiatives like a new residency scheme, an embassy in Israel and a federal media strategy.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, chaired the meeting and vowed that the “journey of recovery” from the Covid-19 pandemic “shall not stop”.

He expressed optimism that 2021 would be a “different and exceptional” year.

“The UAE is beginning a new decade while continuing its journey of prosperity and leadership, as well as looking forward to accomplishing greater achievements and reinforcing its economic, education, community and health sectors. Nothing will deter us from leading the race to the future,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

Here are the key announcements made on the day.

>> New residency scheme

The Cabinet approved a resolution to allow foreign university students to invite their family members to come to the UAE, as long as they can afford suitable housing. The resolution aims to achieve moral stability, which will support the country’s education sector and reinforce its position as a leading global destination for work and study.

“We have approved some amendments to our national residence and citizenship procedures by allowing foreign students to sponsor their families, providing they can afford it,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“We approved changes in the residency and nationality procedures in the country by enabling foreign students to bring their families whenever they have the financial means. The UAE has become a regional educational destination with more than 77 universities and tens of thousands of students annually.”

>> UAE Embassy in Israel

The Cabinet approved the establishment of an embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel.

>> UAE Media Strategy

It will be overseen by the UAE Government Media Office and comprises key initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s position and reputation both regionally and globally.

This is in light of the recent media attention the country has seen, when it came to its efforts to address the Covid-19 pandemic; the launch of the Hope Probe to Mars; the operation of the Barakah Peaceful Nuclear Power Plant; and the signing of the peace accord between the UAE and Israel.

“The year 2020 was a pivotal one, as the country received significant global attention, which required a different approach,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“The UAE is ranked 18th in soft power indexes and 11th in terms of influence and is among the most active countries in the global scene. We will handle the international media with confidence, boldness, credibility and transparency, and we need to have a clear approach to address the new media, which has become influential.”

The strategy will intensify the role of government communication within the federal authorities; reinforce the concept of partnership; cooperation and integration between national media authorities; establish partnerships with global media entities; and manage the country’s reputation and its achievements within local and international media coverage.

It will also create a digital media environment capable of keeping pace with rapid changes and interacting with the world.

>> Emirates Tourism Council

It would be chaired by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs, to strengthen the tourism portfolio. It will draft a tourism strategy in line with the nation’s aspirations and the UAE Centennial, and integrating all relevant local authorities and departments.