UAE Golden Visa for nurses: Dubai Health reveals eligibility for Sheikh Hamdan’s honour

Dubai: Long-serving nursing staff across Dubai Health facilities have expressed gratitude, pride, and joy after being honoured with the prestigious Golden Visa by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

Coinciding with International Nurses Day, observed on May 12, Sheikh Hamdan on Monday issued directives to grant the Golden Visa to nursing staff employed by Dubai Health who have served for more than 15 years.

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit that enables foreign professionals to live, work, or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits.

More than 1,400 nursing employees are eligible for this special recognition in appreciation of their enduring contributions to public health, Dubai Health confirmed to Gulf News.

That means nearly one-third of 4,400-strong nursing staff with hospitals and health centres under Dubai Health qualifies for the Golden Visa.

Dubai Health runs six hospitals, 26 health centres and 21 medical fitness centres, with a total workforce of 9,411 employees, according to its website.

Dubai Health also confirmed that long-serving midwives are included among those receiving the recognition.

Among the eligible nursing professionals is Suha Saleh Mustafa Trab, a Jordanian nurse and 2025 DAISY Award recipient at Al Twar Primary Health Centre.

“I’m so grateful to the leadership of Dubai for this recognition,” she said.
“It means a great deal to know that the work we do as nurses is recognised and valued. I’m proud to be part of a healthcare system that genuinely cares about the people who serve and the patients we care for,” she added.

Cyrus Vanz Galido, a Filipino nurse from Rashid Hospital and fellow 2025 DAISY Award winner, expressed similar appreciation.

“I am deeply grateful to the leadership of Dubai and Sheikh Hamdan for this incredibly meaningful recognition,” he said.
“My heartfelt thanks also go to the exceptional teams I’ve had the privilege of working alongside; this journey would not have been so fulfilling without their unwavering support.”
“It is an honour to care for others in a place that so clearly values and supports its nurses. I am truly overwhelmed and speechless by this opportunity, and it will only strengthen my commitment to putting our patients first.”

Vandana Vasudevan, an Indian midwife with 19 years of service at Latifa Hospital, is also among those recognised.

“I am truly humbled by the leadership of Dubai for granting me this Golden Visa,” she said.
“To have 19 years of service recognised in such a meaningful way is deeply moving. Working in Dubai has been more than just a job—it has been a journey of purpose, growth, and connection. I’ve had the privilege of caring for others in a place that values compassion, dedication, and excellence. I’m proud to be part of a healthcare system that feels like home.”

Coincidentally, also on Monday, the UAE, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), hosted the regional launch of the 2025 State of the World’s Nursing report. The report warns of a projected global shortfall of 4.1 million nurses by 2030, with 70% of the shortage expected in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Incentives like the Golden Visa, which also allows visa holders to sponsor their family members under the UAE’s 10-year residency scheme, can help retain the nursing workforce.

Also on the same day, hosting a ceremony Dubai Health honoured its 4,400-strong nursing team, including 12 recipients of the DAISY Award for clinical excellence and compassionate care. The event, held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai, welcomed more than 1,500 nurses from across Dubai Health’s hospitals and health centres.