Guess how many Golden Visas Dubai issued since 2021?

On the occasion of International Family Day, which falls on May 15, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai confirmed the continuation of the development of an integrated service system that enhances the stability and quality of life of families, based on Dubai's vision to build a more cohesive and sustainable society, and to consolidate its position as the best city to live, work and stabilize globally.

This approach is in line with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum under the slogan "Family is the Basis of the Nation".

This aims to build happier, more connected and quality of life families, in addition to supporting the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to consolidate Dubai's position among the top three global cities by enhancing its attractiveness to talents, families and investors from around the world.

In this context, Dubai Residency continues to develop an integrated service system that aims to enhance family stability and facilitate the customer's journey, through a wide package of digital services related to families to enhance their quality of life and support their stability through visa services to visit relatives and friends, and residency issuance services for family members, in addition to passport and family data services, including the issuance and renewal of passports, the issuance of replacement of lost or damaged passports, the modification of family book data, the issuance of movement data and statements, and other services provided within a digital system Interconnected that contributes to accelerating procedures and enhancing the quality of life.

Dubai Residency continues to develop its services related to the Golden Visa, which is dedicated to the categories of investors, real estate investors, scientists and specialists, entrepreneurs, humanitarian entrepreneurs, outstanding people, and retirees, allowing their first-degree family members to benefit from the benefits of the Golden Visa, and reflects Dubai's approach to attracting competencies, minds and investments within a stable community environment that supports family balance and community sustainability.

Data released by Dubai Residency showed a continuous growth in family members' stays during the period from 2021 to the first quarter of 2026, reflecting Dubai's growing attractiveness as a preferred global destination for families, and the growing confidence in the emirate's community and service environment.

The number of residences issued to families exceeded 100,286, in addition to more than 70,247 residences for families of scholars and specialists, 37,022 residences for investors' families, and 3,259 residences for families of retirees, in addition to thousands of other residences for entrepreneurs, humanitarian entrepreneurs, and outstanding students, reflecting the diversity of the community environment that Dubai embraces Its ability to attract competencies, minds and capital within a development model that puts people and the family at the heart of its priorities. The total comes to 374,679. 

These indicators reflect the role of Dubai Residency in supporting social stability and quality of life, through a system of digital and proactive services based on innovation and institutional integration, while continuing to enhance the experience of families through integrated digital channels that allow the completion of services easily and quickly within a government model that employs technology and artificial intelligence to provide a smoother and more efficient experience, thus enhancing Dubai's position as a global destination that attracts families and talents.

H.E. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, stressed that the family is the foundation of stable and prosperous societies, and that the development of related services is a pivotal part of Dubai's future vision.

"Dubai continues to establish a global model that puts people and families at the heart of development, while we are working at Dubai Residency to develop a digital and flexible services system that enhances stability and quality of life, and consolidates families' sense of security and belonging within a government environment that looks forward to the future and keeps pace with the aspirations of society," said His Excellency.

"The continued growth in family and gold stays reflects the growing global confidence in Dubai as a destination to live and settle in, and confirms the emirate's success in building an advanced community environment that supports attracting talent and families from around the world."