Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ) has announced the launch of the ‘Talent Pass’ licence for freelance work (self-employment). 

 

The new licence will be available for people with special skills and expertise from around the world, aims to attract global talent and professionals in the fields of media, education, technology, art, marketing and consultancy, reported Wam.

 

The ‘Talent Pass’ qualifies its holder 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. 

 

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, thereby providing them the opportunity to expand their customer prospects, 

 

Home to more than 1,800 companies in more than 20 vital economic sectors, DAFZ boasts multinationals who making up more than 30 percent of those companies, 31 of them being Fortune 500 companies.

 

The office solutions feature efficient support and flexible operation costs, in addition to the option of obtaining services remotely.

 

The Dubai Airport Freezone, part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), had signed an MoU with Dubai Culture and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) at to facilitate the new initiative.

 

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, said the Wam report. 

 

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.

 

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, said the report.

 

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 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, it added.