Dubai has increasingly become a second home for Indian film celebrities, not just as a luxury getaway but as a long-term base for work and investment. Over the past few years, several Bollywood and South Indian stars have been granted the UAE’s prestigious Golden Visa, a long-term residency programme introduced to attract global talent. From superstars to filmmakers, these celebrities have been recognised for their contribution to cinema and cultural influence, further strengthening the deep ties between the Indian film industry and the Emirates
Updated On: 2026-03-01 01:32 PM IST
Compiled by : Athulya Nambiar
Farah Khan
Bollywood director/choreographer who received the Golden Visa for her creative contributions to Indian cinema. She was granted in 2021
Amala Paul
The Tamil and Malayalam film actress was honoured with the Golden Visa for her work and influence in cinema. She received it in 2021
Urvashi Rautela
Actress and model, noted for receiving the Golden Visa swiftly and becoming one of the youngest Indians to be honoured. She received it in 2021
Sunny Leone
The Bollywood actress, recognised for her popularity in the region, was awarded the Golden Visa. She received it in 2021
Kamal Haasan
Veteran South Indian actor with a six-decade career, granted the UAE Golden Visa for his contribution to cinema. He received it in July 2022
Mohanlal
The Malayalam cinema legend was granted the Golden Visa for his creative achievements and strong expatriate appeal. He received it in 2021
Prithviraj Sukumaran
Acclaimed Malayalam actor and filmmaker who received the Golden Visa as a recognition of his cinema success. He was awarded in 2021
Salman Khan
Leading Bollywood figure and frequent UAE visitor, he received the Golden Visa recognising his cinematic impact and strong regional fan base. He was awarded in June 2022 during IIFA Weekend in Abu Dhabi
Mammootty
Another Malayalam film icon awarded the Golden Visa, recognising his massive fan following in the Middle East.He received it in 2021
Varun Dhawan
Popular Bollywood star recognised for his film contributions and young-audience appeal. He received the UAE Golden Visa in 2022
Sonu Sood
Known for his humanitarian work and films, he received the Golden Visa recognising his contributions. He was awarded in April 2022
Kriti Sanon
National Award-winning actress recognised with the Golden Visa for her artistic achievements. He received it in early 2024
Ranveer Singh
Energetic Bollywood actor honoured for his dynamic career and influence on pop culture. He was awarded Golden Visa in 2022
Shah Rukh Khan
Iconic Bollywood superstar known as the “Badshah of Bollywood,” awarded the UAE Golden Visa acknowledging his global film influence and strong ties with Dubai. He received in the early years of the programme, first Indian actor to be honoured
