In a landmark move, the UAE has announced that Waqf (Islamic endowment) donors can now qualify for the Golden Visa under the category of “financial supporters of humanitarian work.” This step reflects the nation’s growing commitment to fostering social responsibility, charitable giving, and long-term community impact.
A Step Forward in Promoting Humanitarian Values
The agreement between the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai) and the Endowments and Minors Affairs Foundation (Awqaf Dubai) ensures that donors contributing to approved Waqf initiatives can now benefit from the UAE’s long-term residency program.
Under this initiative, Awqaf Dubai will nominate qualified endowers — both residents and non-residents — who meet the criteria set by Cabinet Resolution No. (65) of 2022. Once approved, GDRFA-Dubai will issue Golden Visas, recognizing their contributions as part of the UAE’s broader humanitarian and development agenda.
What This Means for Donors and Investors
This move adds a meaningful dimension to the Golden Visa program, which has already attracted entrepreneurs, investors, and exceptional talents from around the world. With Waqf donors now included, the UAE is highlighting that philanthropy is not just an act of giving — it’s an investment in humanity and the nation’s future.
For philanthropists, this opens the door to:
- Long-term residency in Dubai while supporting charitable causes.
- Recognition as humanitarian investors contributing to social and economic sustainability.
- Opportunities to align charitable donations with long-term impact projects supported by Awqaf Dubai.
Strengthening Dubai’s Vision as a Humanitarian Hub
This initiative aligns with Dubai’s long-term vision to become the world’s most sustainable and human-centered city. The collaboration between GDRFA-Dubai and Awqaf Dubai reinforces institutional integration — uniting the private, public, and charitable sectors to drive real impact.
In the words of GDRFA, this partnership is part of Dubai’s ongoing effort to “reinforce its position as a global center for tolerance and humanitarian giving”.
How to Get the Golden Visa as a Waqf Donor
The process for obtaining the UAE Golden Visa under the Waqf donor category follows a structured approval system:
- Nomination by Awqaf Dubai: Eligible donors — residents or non-residents — must be nominated by the Endowments and Minors Affairs Foundation (Awqaf Dubai). The nomination is based on the donor’s contributions that meet the criteria defined in Cabinet Resolution No. (65) of 2022 for financial supporters of humanitarian work.
- Review and Recommendation: Awqaf Dubai reviews the applications and submits recommendations to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai) for approval.
Expert Note: Our experts focus on pre-vetting all legal and financial documents at this stage to minimize potential delays during the government review phase.
- Issuance of the Golden Visa: Once approved, GDRFA-Dubai issues the residency permit under the Golden Visa program. The permit grants long-term residency benefits similar to other investor and humanitarian categories.
A joint committee between both entities will also monitor the program’s implementation to ensure it achieves its humanitarian and social objectives.
Why This Matters for Businesses and Donors
For entrepreneurs, investors, and family offices exploring corporate social responsibility (CSR) or Islamic endowment programs, this development offers both recognition and long-term incentives. It’s a strong signal that Dubai continues to reward those who contribute not just economically, but socially.
With the Golden Visa now extending to Waqf donors, philanthropy in the UAE becomes an even stronger bridge between purpose and prosperity.
“This announcement strengthens Dubai’s position as a global hub where business, innovation, and compassion coexist. Investors and donors can now contribute to sustainable projects while enjoying the stability and long-term residency benefits of the UAE Golden Visa,” says Essa Al Harthi, Managing Director of Best Solution Business Setup Services. Best Solution has successfully facilitated over 150 Golden Visa applications, including complex financial and investment categories.
Conclusion
The UAE’s decision to extend Golden Visa eligibility to Waqf donors is more than a policy update — it’s a visionary move blending generosity, sustainability, and opportunity.
If you’re a donor, investor, or philanthropist exploring ways to establish your roots in Dubai, now is the perfect time to discover how this new category could benefit you.
Reach out to Best Solution — our experts can guide you through the process of Golden Visa applications, Waqf donations, and UAE residency options tailored to your profile.
Disclaimer : This guide provides a general information . Regulations and costs may change time to time based on government rules, so consult the best solution’s professional Business Setup consultants for the latest updates. Refer to the glossary for definitions of key terms which is mentioned in this article. Refer to the glossary for definitions of key terms.
