The UAE announced Sunday that the country will be providing doctors residing in the country with a ten-year residency permit in light of the coronavirus crisis that has left health systems crippled around the world.

The government has also announced its intention to grant "golden residency" to experts in the field of artificial intelligence and computer science and outstanding students in schools and universities at a time when the UAE seeks to attract talent to work within its accelerated scientific programs, from space to nuclear energy.

UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said in his Twitter account, "Today we approved granting golden residency to residents for a period of 10 years (...) for all holders of doctorate degrees, all doctors, engineers in the fields of computer engineering, electronics, programming, electricity and biotechnology."

The decision also includes "the top performers of accredited universities in the country with a rate of 3.8 and more (...) and those with specialized degrees in artificial intelligence, big data, or epidemiology and viruses, in addition to high school students in the country with their families."

Last year, the UAE granted "golden residency," which can be renewed every ten years, to a large number of wealthy investors in an effort to pump money into one of the region's most diversified economies.

About ten million people live in the UAE, 90 percent of them foreigners. 

Gulf states apply the sponsorship system and grant foreigners limited-term residency.

The UAE has been seeking for years to consolidate its image as one of the most attractive countries in the Arab world for talent and minds, while its cities, especially Dubai, are presenting itself as one of the smart cities in which technological innovations are accelerating.

"We want the minds and talents to stay and continue with us in the march of development and achievements," Sheikh Mohammed said.

At the beginning of this year, the UAE adopted a five-year tourist visa system with multiple entry, with the aim of attracting more tourists. Before that, it had allowed the granting of a long-term visa to retired residents over the age of fifty-five under certain conditions.

In June 2019, Saudi Arabia launched a residency system aimed at attracting wealthy businessmen and multinational companies.

The system is based on granting an "unlimited period" residency after paying a one-time fee of 800,000 Saudi riyals ($213,000 dollars), and 100,000 Saudi riyals ($27,000 dollars) for each year of renewal.

Gas-rich Qatar this month opened its real estate market to foreigners, granting those who buy homes or stores temporary or permanent residency.