In a significant recognition of the vital role educators play in shaping the future, more than 200 outstanding teachers and academic professionals across Dubai have been awarded the UAE’s prestigious Golden Visa. The initiative was launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council. The announcement coincided with World Teachers’ Day, observed globally on 5 October, and reflects Dubai’s ongoing commitment to elevate the education profession and attract world-class talent.
Golden Visa Initiative First Announced On World Teachers’ Day 2024
The initiative was initially unveiled by His Highness on World Teachers’ Day last year. It aims to reward educators who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, innovation, and leadership within their institutions and communities. “Teachers and educators are the ones who light the way forward. They inspire, guide, and give our children the skills and confidence to succeed. On World Teachers’ Day, we recognise their dedication and affirm that supporting them is the best investment we can make in the future of Dubai. Their impact goes beyond classrooms, building the character of our society and strengthening Dubai’s global stature,” His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared.
“By awarding the Golden Visa to exceptional teachers, we are showing how much Dubai values knowledge, integrity, and service. Our schools will always be places where the future is nurtured and where the next generation can thrive,”
– His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Part of Dubai’s E33 Strategy to Transform Education
The Golden Visa initiative is aligned with the goals of the Education 33 (E33) Strategy, which aims to:
- Empower outstanding educators
- Attract top international teaching talent
- Position Dubai as a global education hub
From the 435 applications submitted in the first round, 223 educators (51% of total applicants) were selected. Candidates were evaluated based on professional qualifications, impact, contributions to education and society, and community feedback — excluding demographic factors like nationality, gender, or years of experience to ensure fairness.
Breakdown of Golden Visa Recipients
- 157 educators and staff from schools
- 60 educators from universities
- 6 from early childhood centres
Applicants came from diverse roles and academic disciplines, ranging from senior leadership to librarians and social workers. Additional recognition was granted to individuals who had:
- Received national or international teaching awards
- Published research in peer-reviewed journals
- Made exceptional contributions within their communities
KHDA Highlights Commitment to Supporting Educators
Her Excellency Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), praised the dedication and excellence of Dubai’s educators:
“Teachers are at the heart of every successful education system. The Golden Visa initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to celebrate and elevate the teaching profession. These results reflect the incredible talent, passion, and commitment of Dubai’s educators – individuals who are making a real difference in students’ lives and contributing to the future of our city.”
“As part of the E33 strategy, we are committed to empowering educators and positioning Dubai as a global hub for education excellence. We also want to make teaching a more attractive and rewarding career path for future generations.”
Second Round of Applications Now Open
Educators working in private early childhood centres, schools, and international higher education institutions in Dubai can apply for the second round of Golden Visas from 15 October to 15 December 2025. Full eligibility criteria and application details are available on the KHDA website.
