First 10-Year Visas Granted

The Cabinet decision to grant 10-year visa to specialists and experts in the medical, scientific, research and technical fields, as well as scientists and creative talents in culture and arts has been put into force by issuing visas to 20 scientists. The visa also extends the benefits to spouses and children. The Cabinet resolution was issued last year.

Out of the 20 scientists, two won the first and second edition of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence and the rest were shortlisted for the medal.

The visa was granted to the selected scientists during the second annual meeting of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Academy of Scientists in the presence of 150 scientists who were invited from across the globe.

The move aims to attract the best talent to the UAE.

The list of scientists, who have been granted the 10-year residency visas include:

1. Dr. Lihadh Al Gazali, Senior Consultant at the Clinical Genetics and Paediatrics at the UAE University who won the second edition of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence.
2. Dr Hassan Arafat, a professor at Khalifa University, who won the medal in its first edition in recognition of his contributions to scientific research and development of technology for water desalination and treatment based on renewable energy.
3. Dr. Omar Yaghi, Founding Director — Berkeley Global Science Institute, who received Lifetime Achievements Award for his scientific works.
4. Dr. Andrea Macchio. Associate Professor at the Physics Department and Head of the Physics Programme, New York University-Abu Dhabi.
5. Dr. Fikri Abu Zeedan, Professor and head the Incidents Research Group at the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University.
6. Dr. Enas Al Nashef, Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University.
7. Professor Linda Zou, Khalifa University
8. Dr. Afaf Kamal Al Deen, Professor at the Department of Food Science, UAE University
9. Dr. Ala’a Al Dahhan, Professor at the Department of Geology in the UAE University
10. Dr. Lourdes F. Vega, Honorary Professor at the Gas Research Centre, Khalifa University.
11. Dr Lakmal Seneviratne, director of Khalifa University Centre for Autonomous Robotic Systems at Khalifa University.
12. Professor Wesley Cantwell, Director of Aviation Innovation Research Centre (ARIC) and Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Khalifa University.
13. Dr. Ernesto Damiani, Founding Director of Khalifa University Centre of Physical Cyber Systems.
14. Dr. Galeb Al Hussaini, Professor of Chemical Engineering and Head of Chemical Engineering at Dana Gas.
15. Dr. Abdul Rahim Nimar, Professor of Physiology at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University.
16. Dr. Omar Amin, Professor of Biology at UAE University
17. Dr. Ehab Al Saadani, Professor of Chemical Engineering at Khalifa University.
18. Dr. Abdo Adam, Professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University.
19. Dr Ernest Adghati, Professor at the Department of Anatomy in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at UAE University.
20. Dr. Hatem Zeineldin, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Khalifa University