Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is set to grant a UAE Golden Visa to football legend Andres Iniesta. The Spanish midfielder, who recently joined Emirates Football Club in Ras Al Khaimah, will be eligible to live, work, and study in the UAE indefinitely.

The announcement was made during Iniesta's visit to RAKEZ's Compass Coworking Centre. The economic zone also announced that it would be sponsoring the training of Emirates Football Club's Team 1, which Iniesta will represent.

RAKEZ CEO Ramy Jallad said: "It was an honour to host football superstar Andres Iniesta at RAKEZ and extend the esteemed UAE Golden Visa as a token of recognition and our commitment to nurturing global talent. Iniesta embodies the spirit of perseverance and innovation, mirroring RAKEZ's vision to foster a thriving global business community."

Iniesta said he was "impressed by the welcoming environment of Ras Al Khaimah" and "admired RAKEZ's vision, opportunities and support for global entrepreneurs."

RAKEZ is a leading economic zone in the UAE, offering a wide range of services and incentives to businesses. The zone is home to a number of multinational companies, including Siemens, ABB, and Johnson Controls.

The awarding of the UAE Golden Visa to Iniesta is a further sign of RAKEZ's commitment to attracting global talent and investment. The visa is one of the most sought-after residency permits in the world, and it offers a number of benefits, including visa-free travel to over 180 countries.

Iniesta's move to Ras Al Khaimah is a coup for the emirate, and it is sure to boost its profile as a destination for football and business. The midfielder is a global icon, and his presence in the UAE will help to attract more tourists and investors to the country.