Abu Dhabi has named two relatives that foreign residents can sponsor for residence visas: a mother and a son. The announcement came through official Abu Dhabi government channels, and it confirms who is eligible for family sponsorship under the emirate's residence rules.

Practitioners should read this as a clarification rather than a brand-new scheme. Family sponsorship already exists in the UAE federal framework, and Abu Dhabi's statement specifies which family members a resident expatriate can bring under their own residence file. The named relatives are the resident's mother and the resident's son.

Who can use this sponsorship route?

The route applies to foreign nationals holding Abu Dhabi residence status. The sponsor must be a resident themselves. The sponsored relatives are added under the sponsor's residence file, as is standard practice in UAE family reunification procedures.

In practical terms, the process follows the familiar federal pattern:

• The sponsor applies through the official identification and residency channels (ICP / relevant Abu Dhabi government platforms).
• The sponsor must meet the standard eligibility conditions attached to family sponsorship, including valid residence status and income requirements.
• Each sponsored relative receives their own residence visa tied to the sponsor.

What changes for applicants?

The key operational point is certainty. Applicants in Abu Dhabi now have a publicly confirmed list naming the mother and the son as relatives who can be sponsored. Applicants who previously doubted whether these relatives qualified can proceed with an application on a clearer footing, and advisors can file with more confidence about the family members covered.

Applicants should verify the exact documentary requirements — such as proof of relationship, salary evidence and medical insurance — directly with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the official Abu Dhabi government services portal before filing. Requirements and thresholds are set by the authorities and can be updated, so the official channels remain the definitive reference.

Takeaway: Abu Dhabi has confirmed the mother and the son as sponsorable relatives, giving residents a clear basis for family visa applications.

What should practitioners watch next?

Watch for follow-up detail on age limits, income thresholds and validity periods attached to each sponsored relative. These operational parameters determine who actually clears the eligibility bar in individual cases. No legal or individual advice can be given here; readers should anchor every application to the current rules published by the ICP and Abu Dhabi government services.