For decades, the Gulf region welcomed workers and investors but did not allow permanent residence. In 2019, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia introduced new long-term residency programs to change this. The UAE Golden Visa and Saudi Premium Residency are designed to attract skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs to settle long term. The UAE started focusing on retaining talent rather than just investment. The Golden Visa now covers over 12 categories, including doctors, creatives, digital professionals, and volunteers. It offers 5 or 10-year validity, no local sponsor, and no minimum stay requirement. Renewal depends on maintaining eligibility. There is even a path to citizenship after 30 years under certain conditions. Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency aims for permanence. It has two types: permanent residency with a one-time fee of SAR 800,000 (about USD 213,000) and annual residency for SAR 100,000 per year. The program covers seven specific categories like exceptional competence and investors. It also allows property and full business ownership without a local sponsor. Regarding taxes, both offer 0% personal income tax. The UAE charges 9% corporate tax beyond certain profits with many tax-free zones, while Saudi Arabia applies corporate taxes and a higher VAT rate of 15%. The UAE appeals to those wanting mobility, global connections, and multiple easy routes to residency. Saudi Arabia suits those seeking lifetime security and local investment opportunities. By 2025, over 200,000 UAE Golden Visas and more than 8,000 Saudi Premium Residencies have been issued. The UAE visa attracts a diverse group, while Saudi Arabia’s is popular among senior professionals looking to settle permanently. Both programs mark a shift in Gulf states from short-term contracts to stable, long-term populations to boost economic diversification.