Thai women awarded Dubai Golden Visa for sustainable agriculture and cultural heritage

Dubai: The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDIFA) in Dubai has awarded the Golden Visa to two women from Thailand, in recognition of their commitment to sustainable agriculture and cultural engagement with the UAE.

The women, who own over 5,000 fruit-bearing date palm trees in Thailand, were nominated during their participation in the 2025 Dubai Dates Festival, an annual celebration that promotes traditional Emirati agriculture and heritage. Their visit and subsequent involvement were seen as a symbol of cross-cultural exchange and environmental collaboration.

The decision reflects GDIFA’s commitment to honoring individuals who create lasting impact in fields aligned with the UAE’s national values and development goals.

The Golden Visa is a long-term residency program granted to investors, creators, researchers, and contributors who play a significant role in supporting the UAE’s vision across sectors such as innovation, heritage, and sustainability.

The Dubai Dates festival is returning from 25 July to 1 August. Taking place at Qalaat Al Remaal on Dubai-Al Ain Road and organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center, the meaningful festival celebrates the palm tree not only as a vital agricultural product, but as a powerful national and cultural symbol.