Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ) has introduced a “Talent Pass” freelance license category to attract global talents and professionals in the fields of media, education, technology, art, marketing, and consultancy to the emirate.
The initiative, which was launched under the directives of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, is expected to further vitalize the business environment in the free zone and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global destination for innovators and talents.
The Dubai Airport Freezone, part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), signed an MoU with Dubai Culture and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) at a ceremony held at DAFZ to facilitate the new initiative.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration and coordination in the processing of licenses, visas, and other services that assist innovators in starting, operating, and expanding their businesses in the emirate.
Further, the MoU is aligned with Dubai’s strategy for the creative economy launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ said, “This MoU supports our strategic plans for supporting the national economy by enhancing the role of commercial, investment, and creative sectors in enhancing the emirate’s GDP, and enables us to contribute to reinforcing Dubai’s position as a creative hub and an incubator for talent. This license comes as a response to changing market requirements and the evolving business environment in Dubai, especially in the post-pandemic period. The initiative reflects DAFZ’s participation in realizing strategic plans for accelerating Dubai’s economic growth.”
Dubai Culture will be committed to supporting the ‘Cultural Visa’ for holders of the applicable license and working to encourage talent to join the free zone and tap regional and global markets through awareness and communication programs.
Hala Badri Director General Dubai Culture
“Cooperation with public and private entities has always been a key priority within our strategy to promote cultural mobility and develop the emirate’s creative and knowledge-based sectors. Our strategy aims to enhance talent, motivate creators, provide the appropriate climate for creativity to flourish, and raise Dubai’s profile on the cultural map as a center of excellence, an incubator for creativity, a hub for talent, and the capital of the global creative economy. We welcome the cooperation with DAFZ to accelerate the creative sector in Dubai, enhance its competitiveness and attract talent from all over the world. We also deeply appreciate the support extended by GDRFA-Dubai in achieving these objectives.”
As per the statement, the ‘Talent Pass’ qualifies its holder to obtain a residence visa for three years, in addition to renting office space through a wide range of modern office solutions provided by DAFZ. The office solutions feature efficient support and flexible operation costs, in addition to the option of obtaining services remotely.
“The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the ‘Talent-Pass’ comes in line with the directives of the GDRFA and its strategies for enhancing the business environment, and encouraging creativity and innovation in the fields of media, education, technology, art, marketing, and consultancy. This supports Dubai’s plan to create an incubator ecosystem that provides opportunities for creative talent to develop themselves and expand their business,” commented Major General Mohamed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.
