1,117 new Emiratis have their mothers to thank for

Abu Dhabi: A total of 1,117 individuals have been accorded UAE citizenship taking into account the fact that their mothers are Emiratis married to non-UAE nationals.

The committee charged with implementing directives of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan concerning the granting of citizenship to children of Emiratis has given the necessary approvals.

The names of the 1,117 individuals were approved after the committee reviewed the lists of names provided by the Ministry of Interior.

The beneficiaries were found to have met legal stipulations set by the committee. They stand to receive UAE citizenship after they reach the age of 18.

The committee approved the lists and submitted them to Shaikh Khalifa for issuance of decrees granting citizenship.

The committee had previously tasked the Ministry of Interior with collecting the names of people born to Emirati women married to non-UAE nationals and compiling final lists to be submitted to the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and then to Shaikh Khalifa.

During its previous meeting, the committee had ordered that children born to Emirati women be treated as UAE citizens to obtain benefits of education and health services, and be allowed all opportunities to participate in all sports activities.