Dubai has opened the world's largest visa application centre at Wafi City, a landmark move that reinforces the emirate's reputation as a global gateway for business, tourism, and international travel. The 150,000-square-foot facility, operated by VFS Global, can handle up to 10,000 visa applications every single day — the highest capacity of any visa centre on earth.
A Record-Breaking Facility at Wafi City
The VFS Global flagship Visa Application Centre in Wafi City is staffed by more than 400 trained experts drawn from over 25 nationalities. The centre serves upwards of 200 nationalities and processes applications on behalf of 37 client governments.
Visitors benefit from a suite of modern amenities: self-service kiosks, secure lockers, photo booths, photocopy stations, touch-screen information kiosks, and QR code-based check-ins that keep queues moving. Dedicated fast-track lanes are available for seniors, families, and people of determination, making the process as accessible as it is efficient.
Supporting Dubai's D33 Economic Agenda
The launch is directly tied to Dubai's D33 economic agenda, the emirate's strategic plan to double the size of its economy over the next decade. Visa facilitation is a cornerstone of that ambition — lower barriers to travel mean more talent, tourists, and investors flowing into Dubai.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Department of Economy and Tourism, said: "Reaching this major achievement increases global access, helps our guests and business sectors and enhances Dubai's links to the rest of the world."
Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, added that the centre reflects the UAE's commitment to smart, forward-looking government services.
VFS Global: Two Decades in Dubai
VFS Global founder and CEO Zubin Karkaria highlighted the company's deep roots in the city, noting that the firm has operated in Dubai since 2004. "We are proud to support Dubai's progress into a major global center for business, tourism and progress by launching the world's largest Visa Application Centre," he said.
What It Means for Residents and Visitors
The centre is expected to attract global talent, accelerate tourism growth, and make it significantly easier for residents, tourists, and business professionals to apply for visas to destinations around the world. With more than 200 submission counters and digital tools throughout the facility, the experience is designed to be fast, smooth, and stress-free.
The opening cements Dubai's standing as a city at the forefront of global mobility — backed by world-class infrastructure and a clear vision for seamless international connectivity.
