UAE doctors call Emirati citizenship law a 'rewarding move'

"The announcement of the new citizenship law is a great news. It's an excellent initiative by the rulers of the nation and marks a milestone in the Arab world. This move will not only boost confidence but will go a long way in ensuring social stability for its residents, who proudly call the country home and will now have the opportunity to become its citizens."

He added that the new changes will certainly put UAE at par with many developed nations who recognise, award and appreciate people with special talents and ensure stability, security and a brighter future for them and their families.

“Although the UAE is the best place in the world to live, work and raise a family - offering people the best of education and healthcare and a safe and secure environment to live, we had been losing a lot of talent to the western world due to the citizenship criteria. However, with the new law in place, not only talented individuals but several others will also have the option of making the UAE their permanent abode.”

Dr Brajesh Mittal, deputy medical director & consultant interventional cardiologist, Medcare Hospital Al Safa, said: “Today's announcement to grant UAE citizenship to certain categories is a huge leap towards the success and growth of the nation. This special provision is very encouraging and reassuring to all those who are already considering the UAE as their second home. It will also help attract the new talent to contribute and add in the build-up to a society of motivated individuals. I would consider it the best new year gift by the government of the UAE to the huge expat population. I am sure it will also send signals to the world about grit and determination of the government to make the UAE a country of excellence.”

Dr Jamil Ahmed, managing director at Prime Healthcare Group, pointed out: “Healthcare professions of the UAE have proved their commitment and dedication to the country during the recent pandemic and already think of UAE as their home. This news will give them an opportunity to wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to the healthcare sector with new enthusiasm. This decision will attract the best talents in healthcare from around the world and greatly boost the sector as well as the entire economy."

Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, chairman and managing director of VPS Healthcare, said: “The landmark decision made by the government would attract talented professionals to the UAE. The announcement would pave the way in scripting another success story in the history of the country. The UAE is one of the ideal destinations in the world for investments. The ease-of-doing-business and the support of the leadership have helped many, like me, in realising their dreams. The government's decision to grant citizenship to highly qualified and talented professionals would see an influx of the world's brightest minds to the UAE.”

Dr Kirti Mohan Marya, specialist – orthopaedic surgery, Aster Specialist Centre for Orthopaedics & Physiotherapy, Al Qusais, Dubai, said: “For doctors, artists and other professionals who have contributed to the vibrant and thriving socio-economic progress that the UAE has seen over recent decades, no reward could have been more gratifying than being offered a citizenship of the UAE. This country has always been at the forefront of innovation and change, offering an amazing, safe and upscale lifestyle to its residents. The very thought of being able to be called 'nationals' of this amazing country will prove to be an inspiration for professionals to excel in their fields as well as add to the economy here by retaining their financial portfolios and investments in their ‘new home’. "

Dr Iajaz Ahmed, medical director and specialist internal medicine at NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain, said: “This excellent initiative taken by the country’s rulers will go down in the annals of history as one of the greatest steps undertaken to attract and retain the best of the talent that the world has to offer. It would be a matter of pride for any foreigner to receive the world's most respected passport as a reward and recognition to his hard work, talent and achievement."

Dr Nabil Debouni, group medical director, VPS Healthcare, said: “Granting citizenship to highly qualified professionals would serve to improve the quality of the workforce in the country. Also, it would encourage young and talented professionals to relocate to the UAE. The UAE has always been a land of excellence and great potential. As a medical professional, who has been in the UAE for 22 years, I consider this decision as an honour. I am grateful to the UAE government for this landmark decision.”

Dr. Bhushan Jayade, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, NMC Royal Hospital, DIP, Dubai, said: "This will certainly attract many highly skilled medical professionals to come to the UAE . It is a great initiative by the Rulers to get more and more talented individuals to this nation and help build it for a better, sustainable future.”

Dr. Santosh Kumar Sharma, Medical Director & Consultant Neurosurgeon, NMC Royal Hospital, DIP, Dubai, said: “This beautiful country has attracted extraordinary talent in various fields who have spent decades in the UAE, benefiting the society by their expertise.

"Recognising their contribution and honoring with citizenship is the ultimate reward for them. The medical community will be highly appreciative and obliged."