DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates, home to financial hubs Abu Dhabi and Dubai, is loosening its residency laws and will grant long-term visas for up to 10 years to investors and highly-skilled professionals.
The 10-year residency visas will be granted to specialists in science, medicine and research, and to “exceptional students.” The state-run WAM news agency says the plan aims to attract global investment and innovators.
The UAE Cabinet approved the new rules on Sunday, saying plans are also on track to allow foreign investors 100 percent ownership of their UAE-based companies this year.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum affirmed that the UAE will remain a global incubator for exceptional talents and a permanent destination for international investors. “The UAE has been open, governed by tolerance and contributed to by all who live on its land.
“Our open environment, tolerant values, infrastructure and flexible legislation offer the best opportunities to attract international investment and exceptional talent in the UAE,” he said. “Our country is the land of opportunity, the best environment for realizing human dreams and unleashing their extraordinary potentials.”
The new regulations include raising the percentage of global investors’ ownership in companies to 100% by the end of the current year. He directed the Ministry of Economy in coordination with the concerned parties to implement the decision and follow up on its developments and submit a detailed study in the third quarter of this year.
The new regulations approved by the Council of Ministers and the authorities concerned have also set the procedures for implementing them to grant investors residence visas of up to ten years for them and all members of their families, as well as granting residency visas of up to ten years for specialized competencies in the medical, scientific, research and technical fields.
The new regulations also include visas for students studying in the country for five years and a 10-year residency for exceptional students.
Under current laws, foreign companies must have an Emirati owning 51 percent of the shares, unless the company operates in a free zone. Major brands Apple and Tesla are believed to be exceptions to the rule.
UAE to loosen visa rules for investors and innovators
UAE to loosen visa rules for investors and innovators
- UAE cabinet announces the launch of an integrated visa system to attract talent and talent in all vital sectors of the national economy
- The Council also announced changes in the system of foreign ownership of companies in the country, which allows the acquisition of 100% of the global investors by the end of the year
Saudi banking sector outlook stable on higher non-oil growth: Moody’s
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s banking sector outlook remains stable as stronger non-oil economic growth and solid capital buffers support lending and profitability, Moody’s Ratings said, forecasting continued expansion despite liquidity constraints.
In its latest report, credit rating agency Moody’s said the Kingdom’s non-oil gross domestic product is projected to expand by 4.2 percent this year, up from 3.7 percent recorded in 2025.
In January, S&P Global echoed a similar view, saying banks operating in Saudi Arabia are expected to sustain strong lending growth in 2026, driven by financing demand tied to Vision 2030 projects.
Fitch Ratings also underscored the healthy state of Saudi Arabia’s banking system last month, stating that credit growth and high net interest margins are supporting bank profitability in the Kingdom.
Commenting on the latest report, Ashraf Madani, vice president and senior credit officer at Moody’s Ratings, said: “We expect credit demand to remain robust, but tight liquidity conditions will continue to limit the sector’s lending capacity.”
Madani added that operating conditions in Saudi Arabia will continue to support banks’ strong asset quality and profitability.
“The operating environment for banks remains buoyant, underpinned by a forecast increase in non-oil GDP growth, robust solvency and continued progress toward the government’s economic diversification goals,” he added.
Moody’s said authorities in the Kingdom are introducing business-friendly reforms to bolster investment and private sector activity, while implementing key development projects and preparing for major global events.
Saudi Arabia continues to advance reforms including full foreign ownership rights, simplified capital market registration procedures and improved investor protections, which could accelerate credit growth to 8 percent this year.
Problem loans are expected to remain near historical lows at around 1.3 percent of total loans, supported by ongoing credit growth, favorable operating conditions and lower interest rates, which collectively strengthen borrowers’ repayment capacity.
Retail credit risk remains controlled in Saudi Arabia because most borrowers are government employees with stable income streams.
“Concentration of single borrowers and specific sectors remains high although the growing proportion of consumer loans — now nearing 50 percent of overall sector lending — continues to reduce aggregate concentration risk,” added Moody’s.
The report said profitability is expected to remain solid among Saudi banks, supported by sustained loan growth and fee income.
Margins are expected to remain stable despite lower asset yields as banks take advantage of credit demand to widen loan spreads on existing and new lending.
Moody’s expects net income to tangible assets to remain stable at 1.8 percent to 1.9 percent this year.
The report added that Saudi banks benefit from a very high likelihood of government support in the event of any failures.
“We assume a very high likelihood of government support in the event of a bank failure. This is based on the government’s track record of timely intervention,” Moody’s said.
It added that Saudi Arabia remains the only G-20 country that has not adopted a banking resolution framework. However, it is the only Gulf Cooperation Council member to have introduced a law for systemically important financial institutions.
