A Prestigious Honor for Educators
In a significant move to recognize and retain top talent in its education sector, Dubai has granted long-term Golden Visas to 223 outstanding educators. The initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, targets teachers, university faculty, and early childhood professionals who have made exceptional contributions to learning and society.
The awards come from a highly competitive pool of 435 applications in this first selection round, representing a 51% success rate. The visas provide recipients with a decade-long residency in the UAE, underscoring the value placed on educational excellence.
A Merit-Based Selection Process
The selection process was designed to focus purely on professional merit and impact. Evaluators assessed candidates based on their qualifications, achievements, and contributions to both education and the wider community. A key component of the assessment included gathering feedback from students and parents.
To ensure complete fairness, the evaluation committee intentionally excluded demographic factors such as nationality, gender, and years of experience. Special recognition was given to educators who had won national or international awards, published research, or demonstrated a significant positive impact within their communities.
Of the 223 recipients, 157 were from schools, 60 from universities, and six from early childhood centers. The honored educators held a range of positions, from senior leaders and teachers to social workers and librarians.
Investing in Dubai’s Educational Future
The Golden Visa initiative is a cornerstone of Dubai’s broader E33 Strategy, a long-term plan to empower teachers, attract global educational talent, and cement the emirate’s status as a world-class hub for learning.
“Teachers and educators light the way forward. They inspire, guide, and equip our children with the skills to succeed,” stated Sheikh Hamdan, affirming that supporting educators is one of the best investments in Dubai’s future.
Following the success of this first round, applications for a second phase will be accepted from October 15 to December 15, 2025, inviting a new wave of educators in Dubai’s private institutions to secure their long-term future in the emirate.
