Ali and Cochrane Comparative Migration Studies (2024) 12:16 to Law No.1 of 2019 to attract more foreign investment, such as laws that allow foreign ownership in most economic sectors and regulate foreign real estate investment and ownership. There are also organizations that offer incentives to foreign investors, such as tax breaks and investment funds for small- and medium-sized businesses, with expectations of continued government spending creating economic opportunities (Department of State, 2023). The recent decision by Qatar to allow foreigners to own real estate properties is expected to boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), specifically within the rapidly developing real estate market (for residence or investment purposes). Legal provisions that enabled ownership opportunities, and thereby residency pathways, for noncitizens outlines the limited geographic areas and terms of these opportunities. These initiatives are being supported by governmental agencies, such as the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Interior (Gulf Times, 2020). Modified naturalization and residency pathways are likely to have implications for the future of Qatar, however the pathways remain restricted. For those married to noncitizens, the route to citizenship remains lengthy and expatriate invest largely revolves around investment (via property for foreign direct investment in business), effectively attracting residents with wealth and/or access to capital. Given the small population and geography of Qatar, there may be challenges associated with integrating expatriates into Qatari society and ensuring that they are able to fully contribute to the country’s development. Additionally, there may be concerns about the potential impact of foreign investment on Qatar’s culture and traditions. Overall, the future implications of these changes will depend on how effectively the government is able to manage the challenges and opportunities associated with them. UAE Demographics and economy The UAE is a federation of seven emirates, with a population of approximately 10 million people, and has become one of the Middle East’s most important economic centers (BBC, 2023). The demographics of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been shaped by a rapid increase in population driven by a high number of expatriates. The majority of the population (~ 80%) are expatriates, and include a diversity of nationalities and socio-religious backgrounds (Alexander & Mazzucco, 2021) and reside in the country with varied legal conditions (Jamal, 2015). The majority of non-nationals, around 59.4%, come from South Asian countries such as India (38.2%), Pakistan (9.5%), and Bangladesh (2.3%) (CIA, 2023). Emirati citizens are a small minority group in the country (11.6% of the population), but they hold a significant role in the UAE’s governance and economic development (Heard-Bey, 2005). The UAE’s economy is highly diversified, with significant contributions from the oil and gas sector, which accounted for approximately 30% of GDP (International Trade Administration, 2022). The UAE has taken steps to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil and gas by investing in other sectors such as tourism, finance, and technology. Within the Middle East and North Africa, the UAE attracts the largest FDI flows (31% of the total FDI to the region, or $66.6 billion; MOEC, 2023). Entrepreneurs and investors are attracted to the UAE in part due to its ease of doing business, with registration being processed quickly and free zones providing supportive services (Sagar, Page 10 of 17