Two Thai women made history in July 2025 when they became the first farmers to receive the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 Golden Visa. The UAE awarded this long-term residency to the owners of Orawan Farm in Thailand, who manage over 5,000 date palm trees. This move marks a major change in The Golden Visa program, which now recognizes farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs for their cultural and environmental contributions, not just financial investment.
The Golden Visa is a special residency permit that allows people to live and work in the UAE 🇦🇪 for five or ten years without needing a local sponsor. Until now, the visa mostly went to investors, scientists, business owners, and skilled professionals. By giving the Golden Visa to these two Thai women, the UAE 🇦🇪 is sending a strong message: farming, especially date palm cultivation, is important for both culture and the economy.
How Did the Thai Women Receive the Golden Visa?
Unlike most applicants, the two Thai women did not apply through the usual process. Instead, they were nominated by the Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) during the Dubai Dates Festival. At this event, they showcased their date palm products and promoted cultural exchange between Thailand and the UAE 🇦🇪. Lt Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA, personally recognized their work and nominated them for the Golden Visa.
This nomination is unique because most people must apply or invest a certain amount of money to qualify. The Thai women’s recognition came from their efforts in growing date palms and sharing their knowledge at an international festival. Their story shows that the UAE 🇦🇪 now values more than just money or business success when granting the Golden Visa.
Why Are Dates and Date Palms So Important?
Date palms are a key crop in the UAE 🇦🇪 and the wider Gulf region. They grow well in hot, dry climates and are a traditional food source. The UAE 🇦🇪 government has invested a lot in supporting date farming. For example, in 2025, Sheikh Hamdan gave a grant of AED 1 million to help date farmers. The date palm is also listed by UNESCO as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2022.
By awarding the Golden Visa to farmers who grow dates, the UAE 🇦🇪 is showing that it values its cultural roots and wants to protect them. This move also supports the country’s goal of promoting sustainable farming and food security. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this policy shift highlights the UAE’s commitment to recognizing the role of agriculture in its future.
New Golden Visa Rules for Agriculture
In 2025, the UAE 🇦🇪 updated its Golden Visa rules to include agriculture and agritech (agricultural technology) ventures. Now, people who run sustainable farms or use new technology in farming can qualify for the Golden Visa. This change is part of the UAE’s 🇦🇪 plan to improve food security and encourage innovation in farming.
Here’s what’s new:
- Who can apply? Farmers, agripreneurs (people who start businesses in farming), and those working in sustainable agriculture or agritech.
- What do you need to show? Evidence of sustainable farming practices, innovation, or a big contribution to the farming sector.
- How do you apply? The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has made the process easier. Applicants must submit documents showing their work and wait for approval from the right authorities.
For more details on the application process and eligibility, visit the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) official website.
What Does This Mean for Farmers and Agripreneurs?
This new policy opens doors for farmers around the world, not just in the UAE 🇦🇪. If you are involved in sustainable farming or help protect cultural heritage through agriculture, you may now qualify for the Golden Visa. This is especially important for people working with crops like the date palm, which has deep cultural meaning in the region.
The change also encourages more people to invest in agritech and sustainable farming. The UAE 🇦🇪 wants to attract experts who can help the country deal with climate change and food shortages. By welcoming farmers and innovators, the country is working to build a stronger, more diverse economy.
Cultural Diplomacy and Economic Growth
The UAE 🇦🇪 is using the Golden Visa program as a way to build friendships with other countries. By recognizing the work of the two Thai women, the UAE 🇦🇪 is showing respect for Thailand’s farming traditions and encouraging cultural exchange. This approach helps the country build soft power, which means influencing others through culture and values instead of just money or politics.
Including farmers in the Golden Visa program also helps the UAE 🇦🇪 grow its economy in new ways. The country is known for oil and business, but now it wants to be a leader in sustainable agriculture and food security. By supporting date palm farming and other crops, the UAE 🇦🇪 is preparing for a future where farming plays a bigger role.
What Happens Next?
The UAE 🇦🇪 government is expected to release more details about how farmers and agripreneurs can apply for the Golden Visa in the coming months. This will include clear rules about who qualifies and what documents are needed. For now, the story of the two Thai women serves as an example of what is possible.
Lt Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA, said that the UAE 🇦🇪 is committed to recognizing different types of value, not just financial investment. Agricultural experts agree that date palms are a symbol of resilience and cultural pride, making this policy a smart move for the country’s future.
Practical Tips for Interested Farmers
- Show your impact: Collect proof of your sustainable farming practices or cultural contributions.
- Stay updated: Check official UAE 🇦🇪 government websites for the latest rules and forms.
- Network: Attend international farming events like the Dubai Dates Festival to connect with UAE 🇦🇪 officials and showcase your work.
- Consult experts: If you’re unsure about the process, talk to immigration professionals or use official resources.
Conclusion
The UAE 🇦🇪 has taken a big step by awarding the Golden Visa to two Thai women date palm farmers. This change shows that the country values agriculture, culture, and sustainability. Farmers and agripreneurs worldwide now have a new path to long-term residency in the UAE 🇦🇪. As the government prepares to share more details, this story offers hope and inspiration for those working to make farming better for everyone.
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