Dubai: Getting your government paperwork done does not have to be an overwhelming experience — as a one-stop shop can fix all your worries.
Residents across Dubai have opted to visit Dubai Municipality’s Al Manara Centre, located along Shaikh Zayed Road near the Noor Islamic Bank Metro station, instead of compromising their work schedule, as more than eight local and federal government institutions can be found under one roof.
“I’ve visited the centre several times and have always received good quality service. The main reason why I tend to come here, is because there are so many government departments in one place, and it saves the hassle of trying to get paperwork done before they close at 2pm. And since my office is located on Shaikh Zayed Road, I don’t have to worry about taking time off from work,” said Adel Al Himri, from Jordan, who has been living in Dubai for 15 years.
The Al Manara Centre was initially established in April 2011 to render the services of Dubai Municipality, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
Impressed
Since then, the number of services has expanded to include the Ministry of Labour, the Roads and Transport Authority and a number of typing services and ATMs.
“This is my first time here and I am impressed. I was actually recommended to visit the Al Manara Centre by officials from Dewa, as they were overloaded and unable to finish my paperwork. I am currently moving from Jebel Ali to Dubai city, and it is very convenient to know that my family and I can get all our immigration work and labour fees done in the same place, without having to drive to different government buildings and waste time,” said Avil Cutinho, an Indian father-of-one.
A senior management official said that over the past two years, the centre has exponentially grown to cater to the expanding community in new Dubai and in Jebel Ali.
“We receive as many as 1,500 people a day from 7.30am to 8pm, and that has significantly increased from 1,000 people per day in 2012,” said Ameenah Ahmad Al Arif, Head of Al Manara Centre.
Aminah said she expected more government services to join their centre, such as the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing as well as the Department of Economic Development. In addition, the centre also provides Emirates ID typing and issuance services, eye tests and various logistical support services.
“We realised that there was a large demand for government services from residents in the Al Sufouh area, Jebel Ali, and the residential areas from new Dubai such as Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lake Towers. To cater to the growing demand, we aim to increase the number of services within the year,” she said.
In a bid to protect the environment, the centre is also using solar energy panels that are used in its toilets, and also uses LED (light-emitting diode) lights to conserve electricity.
By early 2014, the centre intends to enforce the concept of green buildings by setting up a rooftop garden where visitors can bask in the sunlight while sipping a coffee.
