GDRFA Dubai issued 139,000 passports with 24/7 airport renewal service since 2008

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai announced that it has issued 139,000 passports since 2008 under its passport renewal service available at Dubai International Airport. The service operates daily, 24 hours a day, using advanced technological systems and mechanisms that enable citizens to renew their passports quickly and easily. The service at Dubai International Airport is designated for urgent cases, such as when a citizen discovers their passport has expired just before traveling, aiming to facilitate travel procedures without delays.

Al Marri affirmed that the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has positioned Dubai as a global leader in providing innovative government services, enhancing its regional and international standing, and supporting its efforts to bring happiness to citizens and simplify their lives.

Al Marri explained that the passport renewal service is available around the clock at the Airport Services Center of the Directorate and is intended for emergency cases, such as discovering an expired passport immediately before travel. Its purpose is to facilitate citizens’ travel procedures without disruption.

He noted that the Directorate continues to innovate unique programs and initiatives that serve citizens and residents, in line with government directions and the state’s strategy to achieve the highest levels of happiness and satisfaction, while delivering the service according to the best international standards and practices.

During the radio interview, Al Marri shared the story of launching the passport renewal service at Dubai Airport in 2008: “We asked ourselves back then why the passport renewal service for citizens should be limited to the Directorate building, without being available elsewhere. So, we decided to offer it in a location close to travelers, and the ideal choice was Dubai Airports. The service began in a small space of just a few square meters, but the outcome was significant—travelers received their passports instantly, leaving a positive impression on the public.”

Al Marri emphasized that “Dubai Residency” adopts a proactive approach in meeting customer needs, not waiting for complaints but treating any feedback or complaint as a suggestion to improve services.

He also highlighted the remarkable development of the UAE passport, which evolved from a simple paper document to an electronic and biometric passport equipped with an embedded chip that securely stores personal and biometric data—making it highly secure and extremely difficult to forge or damage.

Al Marri urged all citizens to check the validity of their passports and those of their family members before making travel plans, especially during peak seasons, and to renew them in advance. He stressed that many countries require a minimum passport validity of six months for entry. He also advised travelers to ensure their passports are valid to avoid any surprises at the airport and warned against the risk of loss or damage to the passport just before travel.

As part of preparations for the travel season and the return of passengers, Al Marri stated that “Dubai Residency” teams are fully ready to handle incoming passenger traffic. He noted that the smart corridor for arrivals will begin operating on August 20, enabling travelers to complete entry procedures within seconds using facial and iris recognition technology—without the need to present a passport or Emirates ID.

He added that during the summer, the Directorate organized work teams to ensure smooth service delivery, affirming that these efforts are in line with the UAE’s vision for innovation in government services and achieving the highest levels of comfort and speed for customers.

Citizens may also contact the “Amer” service at 8005111 (within the UAE) or +97143139999 (from outside the UAE).