Abu Dhabi: An elite list of 19 scientists specialised in different disciplines have been granted the long-time Golden Residency in the United Arab Emirates.
The Federal Identity and Citizenship Authority (ICA) announced the measure in accordance with the directives of UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
UAE University Professor Dr Lahadh Ibrahim Al Ghazali (clinical genetics and paediatrics); Khalifa University Professor Dr Hassan Arafat (physics); UAE College of Medicine and Health Sciences Professor Andrea Valerio Makio; Khalifa University Professor Dr Fikri Mahmoud Abdulla Abu Zaidan (chemical engineering); Khalifa University Professor Ensa Main Al Nashef; UAE University Professor Lina Zoyo (nutrition science); UAE University Professor Afaf Kamaluddine (geology).
The Golden Residency holders also includes Abu Dhabi Science and Technology University Professor Alauddine Al Dahhan; Founding director of Khalifa University Centre for Robotics Professor Lodris Vega; Khalifa University Aeronautics Department Professor Lakmal Sinifiratni; Khalifa University Professor Wesley James (founder of cyber physics systems centre), Professor Ernesto Damyani (chemical engineering); Emirate University Professor Ghalib Adnan Al Husseini (physiology); Emirate University Professor Amro Abdulla Amine Fawzi (electrical and IT engineering); Emirate University Professor Ehab Fahmi Al Saadani (College of Medicine); Emirate University Professor Abdou Adem (College of Medicine); Khalifa University Professor Ernesti Aknivola (electrical and IT engineering) and Dr Hatem Hussein Zainuddine.
Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid met the scientists and their families during a ceremony held at Al Watan Palace in Abu Dhabi in the presence of Dubai Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and other senior UAE officials.
The UAE has so far granted the Golden Residency to 2,500 people with “exceptional competence”, including investors, entrepreneurs, scientific researchers and university students, according to Emarat Alyoum.