Travelling abroad: Applying for visas made easier in Dubai with expanded facility

Dubai: Applying for visas to travel abroad has become easier in Dubai with the launching of the world’s largest visa application centre.

Dubai has now officially become home to the world’s largest ‘Visa Application Centre’, reinforcing its role as a global pioneer in innovation, connectivity, and service excellence.

Located in Wafi City, the new facility was launched by VFS Global, visa and consular services provider. It is poised to redefine the visa application experience for millions of travellers.

Inaugurated by Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai; and Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global Group, the launch marks a significant milestone for Dubai’s smart service infrastructure.

Seamless global mobility

In a statement on the occasion, Helal Saeed Al Marri said: “This milestone is more than an infrastructure achievement. It reflects the strategic direction Dubai is taking to enhance global mobility, unlock access to opportunity, and accelerate growth across our visitor and business economy. Visa facilitation is a key enabler of talent attraction, tourism development, and international partnerships — all essential levers of our strategy to position Dubai as the world’s most connected and future-ready city.”

Redefines innovation

Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri said: “Today, we witnessed the inauguration of a new milestone in the journey of excellence pursued by the UAE in general and Dubai in particular, with the opening of the world’s largest Visa Application Centre, located in the heart of Dubai, a city that continuously redefines innovation. This achievement embodies a true reflection of the directives of our wise leadership towards strengthening the nation’s position as a global hub for smart services and establishing a unique model for delivering government services with high efficiency and quality. We believe that continuous development is not an option, but rather a commitment to a more prosperous future.”

Zubin Karkaria commented: “Operating in the UAE since 2004, our journey has been defined by our unwavering commitment and a deep-rooted connection with this dynamic nation and its visionary leadership. In these two decades we have witnessed the spectacular growth and development of the UAE to become a pre-eminent global hub of business, thought leadership, technology development and innovation.

A mega centre

Spread across nearly 150,000 square feet, the centre is equipped to process up to 10,000 visa applications per day, the highest capacity for any single location globally. It houses over 200 submission counters, serving visa needs for 37 governments, and employs more than 400 staff from over 25 nationalities.

The centre is not only a logistical marvel but also a cultural and technological showcase. Created in collaboration with Emirati entrepreneurs and artists, the space reflects the UAE’s multicultural ethos and forward-looking spirit.

Key features

• • Tech-enabled self-service kiosks, secure lockers, photo booths, and photocopy stations for last-minute needs

• • Touchscreen information kiosks, QR code-based check-ins with automated feedback at each visa desk

• • More than 400 on-site staff equipped with tablets to assist applicants, supported by trained volunteers for form and kiosk help

• • Intuitive, airport-style navigation with clear signage, spacious waiting areas, and a buggy service for easy movement

• • Dedicated prayer rooms, kids’ play areas, and various convenience zones ensuring a truly customer-centric experience

• • ESG-compliant design with energy-efficient systems and fast-track lanes for seniors, families, and persons with disabilities

AI and innovation

At the heart of the centre lies a powerful AI Innovation Hub. From real-time document validation to next-gen biometric verification, the centre ensures fast, secure, and seamless processing. Supporting this is a Digitization Centre for paper-to-digital conversion and a Global Resilience Center (GRC) for uninterrupted 24/7 operations.

With its global headquarters in Dubai since 2013 and a trusted relationship with the UAE since 2002, VFS Global reaffirms its commitment to secure, smart, and connected mobility for all.