Topic
GDRFA
Stories tagged GDRFA
UAE Work Visa Cancelled? How Long You Can Stay
If your UAE work visa is cancelled, you are allowed to remain in the country only for the grace period stated in your cancellation document. The exact duration depends on your visa category — ranging from 30 to 180 days. Here is what the law requires and how to stay compliant.
16 Feb 2026
Visiting Dubai in 2026: Cashless Payments Guide
Dubai aims to make 90% of all payments cashless by end of 2026 under the Dubai Cashless Strategy. For tourists, that means thinking ahead — from picking the right card to understanding how tipping and visa fees are changing.
8 Jan 2026
UAE Tourist Visa Extension 2026: Extend Without Exit
Tourists already inside the UAE can extend their visit or tourist visa twice — each for 30 days — without exiting the country. The fully online process covers 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day visa holders. Here is everything you need to know about eligibility, fees, required
29 Dec 2025
8 Major Dubai Visa Changes to Know in 2025
Dubai's 2025 visa reforms are the most sweeping in years — covering a new 10-year Blue Visa for environmentalists, a Schengen-style GCC tourist permit, Golden Visas for nurses and influencers, and an AI renewal platform. Here is what every expat and visitor needs to know.
21 Sep 2025
Dubai Airports' ZayedAndRashid Stamp Honors UAE Founders
Dubai Airports and the GDRFA are stamping passports with the #ZayedAndRashid logo, honoring UAE founding fathers Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum as part of UAE National Month 2024 celebrations through December 31.
23 Nov 2024
UAE e-Visa Now Required for GCC Residents
The UAE Digital Government now requires all foreign nationals residing in GCC countries to obtain an e-visa before entering the UAE. The 30-day permit is extendable once and costs AED 253. Applications go through GDRFA Dubai or the ICP smart platform.
25 Oct 2024
Dubai Airport Goes Passport-Free with AI and Biometrics
Dubai's new Travel Without Borders initiative will use AI-powered facial recognition to replace passport desks at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central, starting with first and business class passengers before expanding to all travellers.
21 Oct 2024
UAE: How to Suspend Dependants' Visas When Changing Jobs
Switching jobs in Dubai? You don't have to cancel your dependants' visas. If they're valid for at least three more months, you can suspend them for up to 60 days while your new employer processes your visa — saving time and money.
6 Oct 2024
UAE Visa Amnesty 2024: Three Key Changes for Overstayers
The UAE visa amnesty 2024 now includes three major updates: the exit permit window is extended to October 31, passport validity required has dropped from six months to one month, and Abu Dhabi has waived health insurance fines for qualifying overstayers who complete their
29 Sep 2024
Bangladesh Consulate Opens UAE Amnesty Help Desk at Al Awir
The Bangladesh Consulate General in Dubai has opened a dedicated help desk at the GDRFA's Al Awir immigration centre to support Bangladeshi nationals seeking amnesty under the UAE's two-month visa amnesty program that began September 1, 2024.
6 Sep 2024
UAE Amnesty: Get Exit Pass Before Booking Flights
UAE amnesty seekers and visa overstayers are advised to wait for their exit pass before purchasing flight tickets. The GDRFA warns the biometric process takes up to 48 hours, and arriving at Al Awir Centre with a pre-booked ticket could force costly rebooking.
3 Sep 2024
Dubai Airport Fake Passport Detection: 366 Caught in Q1 2024
Dubai airport fake passport detection systems caught 366 passengers with fraudulent travel documents in Q1 2024 — 37 more than the same period in 2023. GDRFA officers use Retro Check e-readers and a specialist Document Examination Centre at Terminal 1 to identify forgeries
4 Jun 2024