Pictures: Unveiling UAE's Projects of the 50

In a press conference on Sunday, UAE ministers kicked off a series of announcements linked to the Year of the 50th celebrations this year. 50 projects are set to be announced during the month of September, and Sunday's conference marked the official start of these announcements. Kicking off the series of announcements, Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs started the conference with a ten-principle charter.

Dignitaries at the launching of projects of the 50 at Emirates Towers in Dubai.

Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, during the launching of projects of the 50 at Emirates Towers in Dubai. Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi announced that the UAE would be issuing two new kinds of visas - Green Visa and Freelancer Visa.

Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications said: "Digital economy is the future and the UAE is going to be a big player in exporting digital talent. 100,000 golden visas for technology talent is going to be a game changer in attracting talent."

Abdulla bin Touq, Minister of Economy said, "The UAE will launch a global investment summit early next year to attract Dh550 billion [in investments] within nine years." He also said that the UAE is launching a global economic agreement in 8 global markets, with a value of Dh40 billion.

Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology “The applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution will form a cornerstone of the nation’s economic success and international competitiveness over the next 50 years. The Fourth Industrial Revolution Network seeks to advance future sectors in line with the UAE’s vision to enhance competitiveness across multiple sectors, create new job opportunities and attract talents to be part of its future.”

Ranging across sectors such as tech, residency, and business, the UAE government aims to attract and retain top talent from across the globe, while also promoting and focusing on Emirati projects.

Alia Al Hammadi, during the launching of projects of the 50 at Emirates Towers in Dubai.

Saeed Al Eter, Chairman of the UAE Government Media Office addressing during the event at the Emirates towers hotel.

“In Green visas, the person [holding the visa] is going to be self-dependent and he is not going to be attached to companies and he can sponsor parents and children up to 25 years instead of 18 years,” Dr Al Zeyoudi later told reporters.

Freelance visas will be granted to owners of independent businesses, or self-employed individuals. “Freelancers will have special dedicated visas…This is to attract experts, retirees and specialised people to niche sectors,” explained Dr Al Zeyoudi.