Dubai has eased requirements for its two-year property-linked residency visa, removing the minimum property value for sole owners while introducing a Dh400,000 minimum share per investor for jointly owned assets.

The update, issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) through its Cube platform, replaces the earlier Dh750,000 threshold for individual buyers with a more flexible ownership-based approach.

No minimum for sole ownership

Under the new rules, applicants who fully own a property can qualify for the two-year investor visa regardless of the asset’s value, provided ownership is clearly registered.

“If you are the sole owner of a property in Dubai, you can apply for the 2-year residence visa with no minimum property value requirement,” the DLD Cube website updated.

The shift opens the scheme to lower-budget investors and smaller property purchases that previously fell below the minimum requirement.

New joint ownership threshold

For jointly owned properties, authorities have set a Dh400,000 minimum stake per investor. The rule applies even in equal ownership splits, effectively requiring each partner’s share to meet the threshold independently.

“If the property is jointly owned, each owner must hold a minimum share of Dh400,000 to be eligible,” the DLD Cube website further detailed.

The change is expected to influence how investors structure joint property purchases, particularly where multiple buyers combine funds to meet residency criteria.

By setting a Dh400,000 minimum share per investor for jointly owned properties, each applicant must hold a stake above that level to qualify. Without such a floor, investors could divide ownership into smaller portions to meet residency requirements at lower individual cost. The threshold prevents that, ensuring each applicant maintains a minimum level of investment exposure.

Unified visa framework

The changes come as the UAE continues to streamline its property-linked residency framework under a unified digital platform managed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and the DLD.

• A 10-year Golden Visa requiring a minimum Dh2 million property investment, including off-plan and mortgaged assets, with no minimum stay requirement outside the UAE
• A two-year investor visa aimed at entry-level buyers, now updated to remove the minimum value for sole ownership
• A five-year retiree visa for individuals aged 55 and above, requiring Dh1 million in fully paid property or alternative financial criteria

As per federal policy circular issued in February 2026, authorities also removed the Dh1 million upfront payment requirement for Golden Visa eligibility, implemented by the DLD and the GDRFA. This allows investors to qualify based on total property value as recorded in title deeds or Oqood contracts.

Market implications

Dubai has steadily adjusted property visa rules to align with market conditions and attract a broader investor base, as competition among global real estate hubs intensifies.

The latest change reflects Dubai’s push to expand access while maintaining eligibility controls. It is expected to support demand in lower- and mid-tier property segments and influence how investors choose between sole ownership and joint structures under the new thresholds.

GN

 The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), has identified six categories within nursing and allied health professions that are exempt from the requirement of six months’ post-graduation experience to obtain a professional license. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of the healthcare licensing system and align it with labor market needs.

The Ministry clarified that the exempted categories include:

• Registered Nurse
• Assistant Nurse
• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Laboratory Technologist
• Respiratory Care Technician
• Healthcare Assistant

The Ministry stated that the objective of this decision is to accelerate the integration of qualified professionals into the labor market while maintaining performance quality and professional standards.

Graduates inside and outside the UAE

The Ministry confirmed that the exemption applies to all graduates, whether from within the UAE or abroad. It also noted that other specializations within allied health professions are under review by healthcare authorities, with the possibility of granting exemptions on a case-by-case basis, provided that this does not compromise the quality of healthcare services or patient safety.

This decision aims to comprehensively enhance regulatory procedures and expedite the integration of nursing and allied health graduates into the workforce, maximizing the benefit of human capital while maintaining high standards of performance.

Healthcare licensing system

Updating exemption and licensing mechanisms forms part of a broader vision to develop the national healthcare licensing system and strengthen compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory frameworks. This supports workforce sustainability and facilitates faster workforce entry for graduates without compromising quality standards.

Standardizing procedures across the UAE enhances trust in the healthcare system, reinforces transparency and professional fairness, and establishes a more efficient regulatory environment capable of meeting current demands and anticipating future needs.

The Ministry emphasized that updating healthcare licensing policies reflects a high level of flexibility and integration among relevant government entities, as well as a commitment to continuously improving the legislative environment of the labor market. It also ensures that processes and governance frameworks are comprehensive and integrated, maximizing benefits for all stakeholders and meeting workforce needs in the healthcare sector.

Exceptional importance of the healthcare sector

The Ministry highlighted its readiness to support government entities in advancing their operations, in line with its central role in regulating the labor market. It noted that advanced digital infrastructure facilitates seamless electronic integration among entities, accelerates updates, and supports government efforts in service excellence and sustained national leadership.

It also emphasized the exceptional importance of the healthcare sector as a key pillar directly linked to quality of life, public health, and the efficient delivery of healthcare services.

Enabling academic staff to practice

In a related development, the Ministry, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, announced the authorization of academic staff in universities and medical colleges—including physicians and other healthcare specialists—to practice within healthcare facilities.

This decision aims to strengthen the integration between education and practical application, reinforce governance, compliance, and unified licensing standards, and support the sustainability and readiness of the healthcare workforce to meet current and future challenges.

Professional licenses may be issued to academic staff upon meeting qualification, experience, and prior licensing requirements. Teaching hours may also be counted toward Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements in accordance with accredited medical education policies. This reflects a qualitative recognition of the academic role and promotes a culture of continuous learning within healthcare professions.

The decision represents an institutional approach that balances regulatory flexibility with adherence to governance standards. Enabling academic staff to practice professionally enriches the healthcare work environment with advanced expertise and contributes to improving system efficiency, while maintaining unified licensing requirements that ensure quality of care and patient safety. This ultimately supports the sustainability, flexibility, and effectiveness of the healthcare sector in achieving the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” vision.

GN

More than a million students have been allowed to return to all educational institutions in the UAE from today after weeks of distance learning due to geopolitical tensions that ensued the US-Israel-Iran war. Most of the school students are returning to campuses after a pause of around 50 days since March 2. The yellow buses ferrying the students have hit the roads again after a brief uncertainty over their operations over the past few days. Meanwhile, several students across nurseries, schools and universities are still continuing to follow remote learning till there is a permanent solution to the war. Gulf News reporters and photographers are out on the field to provide you with all the updates live.

10:37 AM, 20 April 2026

Joy returns to classrooms as students and teachers reunite

“You can really see the joy on the children’s faces, how happy and excited they are to be back in the classroom with their friends and teachers. It’s clearly visible in the way they’re laughing and interacting again,” said Andrew Hyland, Media Studies teacher at GEMS Metropole School.

“It’s the same for us as teachers too. We’re happier having the students back, and it feels good to return to our routines and the rhythm of school life.

At GEMS Metropole School, a parent survey conducted ahead of reopening showed that around 80 per cent of families were eager for students to return to campus.

According to Nav Iqbal – Principal, CEO, Brand Ambassador at Gems Metropole School, early indications suggest attendance may be higher than initially expected, with most students back in school.

“It’s a little too early to give final numbers, as we only confirm attendance at the end of the school day,” the principal said.

“We had anticipated around 80 per cent on campus and 20 per cent on distance learning, but it feels higher than that. We will publish the official figures later today on our social media channels, but it was great to see more students back across the school than before.

Parents who are unable to attend, whether due to travel or other reasons – have been informed that learning support will be provided. That group is generally less than 10 per cent.”

10:22 AM, 20 April 2026

‘Excited to bring the kids back,’ says parent

Reem Odeh, a mother of a FS2 student at GEMS Metropole School, said that while it was good to have the children at home, being back in school with friends and teachers is far more beneficial for them.

“We were very excited to bring the kids back. We prepared everything, and they woke up early this morning, really looking forward to returning to school.”

10:15 AM, 20 April 2026

‘Overjoyed to have children back in school,’ says parent

Karen Fathallah, a parent of two children in FS1 and Year 2 at Gems Metropole School said she is overjoyed to have them back in school and to see teachers and staff again.

~ Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai

Karen Fathallah, a parent of two children in FS1 and Year 2 at Gems Metropole School said she is overjoyed to have them back in school and to see teachers and staff again.

10:13 AM, 20 April 2026

Excitement as students reunite with friends and teachers

“School online is definitely not the same. I’m excited to be back in a proper routine, to have structure again, and to see my friends and teachers in person,” Neeti, Grade 11 student and prefect and Gems Metropole School.

10:07 AM, 20 April 2026

Some schools extend distance learning for one week

“As per the direction from APEA, the school has been granted approval to continue with distance learning for one week. During this time, we will be conducting comprehensive training for teachers, leaders, administrative staff, as well as transport teams including bus drivers and conductors. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that all safety protocols and operational measures are thoroughly understood and implemented. We remain committed to prioritising the well-being and safety of our entire school community, and we look forward to being fully prepared to resume on-site classes from Monday, April 27,” Shiny Davison, Principal, Woodlem Park school, Ajman, told Gulf News.

10:05 AM, 20 April 2026

Teachers focus on reflection and readjustment

Erin Nelson, Deputy Headteacher of Primary at GEMS Metropole School, said the focus on the first day back is to recognise students’ progress during online learning, give them space to reflect on the past seven weeks, and support a gradual return to normal school routines.

09:57 AM, 20 April 2026

Hallways come alive as students head to classes

Students at GEMS Metropole School in Motor City are seen moving through the hallways between classes as the school day gets underway.

09:55 AM, 20 April 2026

Safe zones and tighter protocols as Dubai schools reopen

Schools across Dubai are a little different as campuses reopen with enhanced safety measures in place, including designated safe zones and updated emergency procedures in line with guidance from the KHDA.

At GEMS Metropole School, staff say preparations have focused on both classroom safety and wider campus operations from emergency readiness to traffic flow and student movement.

Overseeing these measures is Nizar Mahmoud Mourad, Manager of School Operations at the school.

“Student safety remains our top priority, and we are fully aligned with the instructions issued by the relevant authorities. We have also introduced additional internal procedures to strengthen preparedness across the campus.

“This includes designated safe zones and shelter areas, along with comprehensive training for staff so students know exactly what to do before, during and after any emergency.”

– Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai

GN