Dubai Honors Outstanding Educators with Prestigious Golden Visas Under Sheikh Hamdan’s Vision

Published on October 5, 2025

Dubai, UAE – Over 200 educators across the emirate have been awarded Golden Visas as part of an initiative by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. This initiative intends to appreciate the efforts of educators meritoriously contributing in the domain of education and the society as a whole.

Aimed at Supporting Exceptional Educators

This initiative, announced on World Teachers’ Day 2024, is a significant step towards highlighting the importance of educators in shaping the future. Sheikh Hamdan’s initiative underscores the pivotal role that teachers play in guiding, inspiring, and preparing the next generation of leaders. By awarding Golden Visas, the government seeks to encourage the values of knowledge, integrity, and service within educational institutions.

Selection Process and Award Breakdown

The evaluation process for the Golden Visas was rigorous. Over 435 applications were received, with 223 educators selected for this prestigious recognition. The criteria for selection focused on each applicant’s qualifications, achievements, contributions to education, and the positive feedback received from students and parents. Demographic factors, including nationality, gender, and years of experience, were excluded from the evaluation to ensure fairness and objectivity in the selection process.

Among the awardees, 157 educators hailed from schools, 60 from universities, and six from early childhood centers. The group of recipients consisted of senior leaders, teachers, social workers, librarians, and other dedicated educational professionals. Special recognition was given to those who had published research or made notable community impacts through their work.

Support for Dubai’s Education Strategy

The initiative aligns with the Education 33 (E33) Strategy, which is designed to enhance Dubai’s educational offerings. By recognizing and attracting top-tier educators, Dubai aims to solidify its position as a global hub for educational excellence. The E33 Strategy is geared towards empowering educators, ensuring that educational institutions in the city continue to thrive, and positioning Dubai as a key player in global education.

Second Round of Applications to Open

The success of the first round has encouraged the government to extend this opportunity to more educators. Applications for the second round of Golden Visas will open from 15 October to 15 December 2025. This round will be open to educators working in private early childhood centers, schools, and international higher education institutions in Dubai.

Implications for Dubai’s Education Sector

The Golden Visa initiative has far-reaching implications for the education sector in Dubai. By attracting exceptional talent from across the globe, Dubai is not only enhancing the quality of its educational services but also fostering an environment where educators can thrive professionally. The city’s commitment to supporting its educators is expected to create a ripple effect, inspiring future generations to pursue excellence in education.

What Educators Need to Know

For educators interested in applying for the second round, the application period will be open until mid-December. Applicants will need to demonstrate their contributions to education, alongside their qualifications and positive feedback from students and parents. This initiative provides an excellent opportunity for dedicated educators to gain recognition and contribute to shaping the future of Dubai’s education system.

Conclusion

The move by Dubai to offer Golden Visas to educators is not only a recognition of their merit, but also helps to cement the city’s educational ecosystem. Such an initiative will continue to support the Education 33 Strategy, which is crucial in positioning Dubai in the global education map. As the second round for applications is expected to be launched later in the year, a new wave of educators will have the opportunity to join this exclusive cohort, contributing to the educational framework of the emirate.