The United Arab Emirates has taken a significant step in strengthening the support system for its long-term residents. At the 2025 GITEX Global 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), announced a comprehensive “consular services package” designed exclusively for Golden Visa holders and their dependents.

This is the first time such services — previously reserved for UAE nationals — are being extended to long-term resident visa holders. It underscores the UAE’s ambition to not only attract global talent and investment, but to retain and protect them.

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What’s Included in the New Services

Here are the key features of the package:

• Electronic return document: If a Golden Visa holder loses or damages their passport abroad, they can now apply for a return document to re-enter the UAE. This document is reportedly issued within about 30 minutes.

• 24/7 dedicated hotline & support: A dedicated number is available to Golden Visa holders traveling abroad, allowing direct access to consular assistance, emergency response, evacuation plans, and crisis coordination.

• Inclusion in emergency/crisis evacuation plans: Golden Visa holders are now included in the UAE’s official emergency and evacuation support framework (in cases of natural disasters, conflict zones, health emergencies abroad).

• Repatriation & burial support: In tragic circumstances where a Golden Visa holder passes away abroad, the services cover repatriation of remains to the UAE, coordination with local and UAE missions, and support for bereaved families.

• Family member coverage: The services extend to registered dependents of the Golden Visa holder (spouse, children) as long as they hold valid residence permits under the Golden Visa scheme.

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Why This Matters

• Increased Assurance & Security: For residents holding the Golden Visa, these services provide a sense of trust and protection — especially for those who travel frequently or live abroad part of the year.

• Global Competitiveness: By offering consular support similar to that offered to citizens, the UAE strengthens its positioning as a global destination for investors, professionals, and families.

• Encourages Long-Term Residency: The Golden Visa is designed to attract people who will live, invest and participate in the UAE’s economy. Enhanced support mechanisms make the commitment more attractive.

• Positive Signal for Investors: For real estate investors (many of whom secure Golden Visas through property investment), these services add an extra layer of confidence when buying property and living part-time abroad.

• Strengthening Community Theme: The launch aligns with the UAE’s 2025 national theme of the “Year of Community – Hand in Hand”, reflecting the leadership’s focus on belonging, support, and social cohesion.

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Important Things to Know & Consider

• Eligibility: Services apply to valid Golden Visa holders and their registered dependents. Ensure your visa and residence permit are active.

• Scope: The return document is for direct travel back to UAE (usually one-entry, short validity) and may not cover transit via third countries.

• Cost: Most of the new services (like the return document) are noted to be issued quickly and at no extra cost beyond standard procedures.

• Documentation & Process: If you need to access these services, you’ll likely need to use UAE Pass or official app/website of MoFA/ICP, submit required details, and await confirmation.

• For Families: If you’re an investor or property purchaser who holds a Golden Visa, it’s good to register dependents and understand their covered status under these consular services.

• Travel & Residence Strategy: If you travel frequently or maintain investment abroad, knowing you have this support means you can consider more flexible lifestyles without compromising on support.

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Conclusion

The introduction of dedicated consular services for Golden Visa holders is a landmark update in the UAE’s residency landscape. It sends a powerful message: the UAE is not just granting long-term residency, it is caring for and protecting those who choose to call the country home — even when they are abroad.

For investors, professionals, and families holding or considering the Golden Visa, this initiative offers added peace of mind and further strengthens the UAE’s appeal as a base for global talent and capital.

If you’d like guidance on how to align your property investment or residency strategy with the Golden Visa — feel free to ask!

Sobha Realty, a name synonymous with luxury, precision craftsmanship, and architectural excellence, has unveiled its latest masterpiece: Sobha SkyParks. Situated on Sheikh Zayed Road, this iconic new tower marks a new high-water mark for the developer — literally — as its tallest project to date. Here’s what makes SkyParks stand out, and why it’s generating buzz among investors, end-users, and the luxury real estate world alike.

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Project Overview & Key Stats

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Unique Features & Luxury Amenities

Sobha SkyParks isn’t just about height — it’s about how this development redefines vertical living:

• Four themed SkyParks (each spanning six floors) giving residents different lifestyle zones: Adventure Zone (play areas & padel courts), Active Life Zone (fitness circuits & wellness terraces), Lush Life Zone (zen gardens, glass pavilions etc.), and the Luxe Life Zone high around 350 m featuring a sky-pool/infinity pool terrace with floating beds. sobharealty.com+2Khaleej Times+2

• Panoramic Views of Sheikh Zayed Road, Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf. Private balconies, high floors with uninterrupted vistas. sobharealty.com+2The National+2

• Connectivity & Location: On Sheikh Zayed Road, one of Dubai’s most prominent corridors. Very close to Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, DIFC, Dubai Design District etc. Seamless access to major arteries. skyparksdubai.com+3sobharealty.com+3Miva Real Estate+3

• Wellness, recreation & lifestyle offerings: Expect sky gardens, fitness amenities, infinity pool, perhaps cinema, BBQ zones, padel courts, etc. Business Today+2sobharealty.com+2

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Investment Appeal

Sobha SkyParks checks many boxes for those looking for premium investment or luxurious living:

• As Sobha’s tallest and most ambitious residential project, it has “landmark” status — which often translates to greater prestige and value retention. Gulf Business+1

• Strong demand for luxury apartments in prime locations along Sheikh Zayed Road and Business Bay means high potential rental yields and capital appreciation.

• The variety in apartment types (1-3 bedroom) allows for different investor segments — from individuals/families to high-end buyers.

• The inclusion of spectacular amenities, vertical gardens / SkyParks, and wellness-oriented features raises the appeal for those wanting more than just four walls.

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Considerations & Potential Challenges

To make a well-informed decision, here are some things to watch:

• Completion time / handover schedule: Big towers take longer. Investors should check delivery timelines. Delays can impact returns.

• Price premium: Given the luxury status, finishes, etc., units may carry a high premium. Buyers need to ensure value matches cost.

• Competition: Dubai has many ultra-luxury residential towers. SkyParks will compete with other iconic developments in terms of views, amenities, sustainability, and smart features.

• Market conditions: Global & local interest rates, economic conditions, supply dynamics can influence demand and pricing, especially for high-end real estate.

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What Buyers Should Check

Before committing, potential buyers / investors should look into:

1. Confirm the payment plan (booking amount, during construction, on handover).

2. Check RERA / DLD approvals and regulatory compliance.

3. Visit the show apartments / model units (if available).

4. Understand the service charges / maintenance costs for such a high-amenity building with extensive common areas.

5. Seek perspectives on resale potential and expected rental yields for similar towers in Sheikh Zayed Road / Business Bay.

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Conclusion

Sobha SkyParks is not just another tall tower; it’s Sobha’s statement of ambition, architectural excellence, and luxury redefined. For those seeking an address that blends vertical prestige, full lifestyle offerings, and prime location, SkyParks is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated developments of 2025-26. Whether you’re buying to live in, rent out, or invest, this tower is poised to deliver both lifestyle and value.

Dubai continues to blaze trails in innovation and real estate, and the latest development by DMCC together with REIT Development is no exception. The “Crypto Tower” in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) is set to be the world’s first commercial tower dedicated entirely to Web3, crypto, blockchain, and digital asset companies — and the appointment of the National Engineering Bureau (NEB) as its design & supervision consultant marks a major milestone.

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Project Background

• Name: Crypto Tower

• Partners: DMCC + REIT Development AGBI+3DMCC+3DMCC+3

• Purpose: Provide purpose-built office & innovation space tailored for Web3, blockchain, AI firms, and digital asset companies. DMCC+2DMCC+2

• Location: Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Dubai Finance Middle East+2DMCC+2

• Size & Structure:

  • 17 storeys with over 150,000 sq ft of leasable space DMCC+2AGBI+2

  • 9 floors for offices (startups + established firms), 3 floors for incubators / VCs / investment companies, 1 dedicated floor for AI innovation, plus other tech-centric facilities. DMCC+2Finance Middle East+2

• Supporting Ecosystem: DMCC’s Crypto Centre, which already houses 700+ crypto / blockchain & Web3 companies; DMCC overall tech ecosystem has more than 3,400 tech firms. DMCC+1

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NEB’s Role & Significance

• Consultant: National Engineering Bureau (NEB) has been appointed as design and supervision consultant for Crypto Tower. DMCC+2Gulf Business+2

• Scope: NEB will be responsible for architectural design, engineering, obtaining approvals, and on-site supervision through construction. DMCC+1

• Experience: NEB brings over 40 years of experience in designing and supervising complex developments in Dubai and the wider UAE, including notable projects in JLT. Gulf Business+1

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What Makes Crypto Tower Unique

1. Tailored Infrastructure for Web3 Firms
   The building is being designed with crypto / blockchain / decentralised finance firms in mind — things like secure vaults, cold-wallet storage, specialized incubation floors, etc. Finance Middle East+1

2. Use of Technology in Building Ops
   Smart contracts, on-chain voting mechanisms, transparency in tenant interactions, likely streamlined processes using blockchain tech. DMCC+1

3. Strategic Business District Positioning
   JLT is already a popular hub; this tower will further boost JLT + Uptown Dubai as centers for innovation and digital economy activity. DMCC+1

4. Built for the Future
   With growing demand for Web3 infrastructure, the tower is timed well. It not only meets current demand but anticipates future growth, anchoring DMCC’s position as a global hub for Web3, fintech, and digital assets. DMCC+1

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Timelines & Expectations

• The project is expected to be completed by Q1 2027. Finance Middle East+2Provident Estate+2

• Once operational, it will serve both as a workspace and a specialized platform for crypto / blockchain firms to collaborate, network, innovate.

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Implications & Investment Considerations

• For Businesses / Web3 Startups: A chance to be part of a building built from the ground up for their needs. Better infrastructure, built-in trust, transparency, regulatory support.

• For Investors & Real Estate Developers: This tower can become a high-profile asset. Given its uniqueness and location, capital appreciation and rental yield potential are strong.

• For Dubai’s Positioning: Crypto Tower reinforces Dubai’s goal to be a global Web3 hub. It signals serious downstream investment in digital economy infrastructure.

• Challenges to Watch: Regulatory risk (crypto regulations can shift), ensuring sustained demand over time, tech security (especially for digital asset storage, vaults), and delivery of quality + sustainability.

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Conclusion

The appointment of NEB as the design & supervision consultant for Crypto Tower signals that DMCC & REIT Development are not just building space — they are shaping a new frontier. This is more than just commercial real estate: it’s infrastructure for the future of tech, finance, and digital business. For Web3 firms, innovators, and investors, Crypto Tower offers a rare opportunity to anchor in a purpose-built environment at the heart of Dubai’s digital transformation.