The Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ) has announced the launch of the ‘Talent Pass’ freelance licence to attract global professionals in the fields of technology, media, education, art, marketing and consultancy.
Launched under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, the initiative is expected to further vitalise the business environment in the free zone and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global destination for innovators and talent, according to DAFZ.
The ‘Talent Pass’ will enable its holders to obtain a residence visa for three years, in addition to renting office space through a wide range of modern office solutions provided by DAFZ. The office solutions feature efficient support and flexible operation costs, in addition to the option of obtaining services remotely.
License holders will have access to the vast network of DAFZ customers, ranging from international companies to SMEs and entrepreneurs. They will also have access to the free zone’s digital platform that allows them to contact customers for easier access to work, contracts, and services.
To facilitate the new initiative, DAFZ, part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), signed an MoU with Dubai Culture and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The MoU creates the framework for cooperation and coordination to process licenses, visas and other services that support innovators in establishing, operating and growing their business in the emirate.
The MoU is aligned with Dubai’s strategy for the creative economy launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
The strategy seeks to double the contribution of the creative sector to Dubai’s GDP and increase the emirate’s ability to attract creative individuals, investors, and entrepreneurs, as well as local, regional, and international investments, all of which will help bolster Dubai’s position as a global capital for the creative economy and a hub for talent.
As per the MoU, all parties will support efforts to attract global talent to Dubai and promote it as a centre for creativity and innovation. DAFZ will be committed to evaluate and process applications for the ‘Talent Pass’ and issue licenses that authorise holders to practice commercial activities within the free zone.
Dubai Culture will be committed to supporting the ‘Cultural Visa’ for holders of the applicable licence and working to encourage talent to join the free zone and tap regional and global markets through awareness and communication programmes.
The GDRFA will also promote DAFZ as a preferred destination for global businesses and the emirate of Dubai as a business-friendly environment.
DAFZ is home to more than 1,800 companies in more than 20 vital economic sectors, with multinationals making up more than 30 percent of those companies, 31 of them being Fortune 500 companies.
Last year, DAFZA also introduced the Scality programme to attract regional and global tech start-ups and enable them to establish and grow their businesses in the region.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman, DIEZ, said, “This MoU supports our strategic plans for supporting the national economy by enhancing the role of commercial, investment, and creative sectors in enhancing the emirate’s GDP, and enables us to contribute to reinforcing Dubai’s position as a creative hub and an incubator for talent. This licence comes as a response to changing market requirements and the evolving business environment in Dubai, especially in the post-pandemic period.”
He also noted that the initiative reflects DAFZ’s participation in realising strategic plans for accelerating Dubai’s economic growth. “We seek to bring creative individuals from around the world to the free zone, including specialised talent looking for opportunities in this market, and raise Dubai’s profile as a preferred destination for creative individuals and professionals with specialised skills.”
Al Zarooni also highlighted that the licence will contribute to enabling the business community in Dubai to benefit from the expertise of creatives, specialists and professionals from all over the world. “It gives them the flexibility to access diverse business services at competitive prices. This licence will also attract more innovators to Dubai and widen access to professionals with a range of competencies,” he said.
