Dubai has taken another big leap forward in boosting its international tourism and business travel. The city has just opened the world’s largest visa centre, designed to handle a massive number of visa applications — up to 10,000 per day. This new facility is set to make travel to Dubai easier and faster for people around the globe.
The Dubai visa centre was launched by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in partnership with BLS International, a global provider of visa and consular services. Located in Dubai’s Al Barsha area, the new centre offers advanced technology and streamlined services that will reduce waiting times and improve the overall visa application experience.
Why This Centre Is a Game-Changer
The centre is more than just big — it’s innovative and efficient. Officials say it has over 100 counters and advanced biometric systems. It also includes VIP services, self-service kiosks, and premium lounges to enhance comfort and speed.
Major General Mohammed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA-Dubai, called the opening a “historic milestone.” He said the aim is to make Dubai’s visa process a model for the world.
“This centre is a symbol of Dubai’s commitment to welcoming the world with open arms,” said Al Marri during the launch event. “It’s not just about processing visas; it’s about delivering exceptional service and supporting the country’s broader vision of becoming a top global destination.”
What the Centre Offers: Key Services
The new Dubai visa centre will offer a wide range of services, including:
- Tourist visa processing
- Business visa and long-term stay permits
- Family and dependent visa services
- Biometric enrollment
- Visa stamping
- Renewal services
It also includes assistance for medical visa applications and services for foreign nationals working or studying in Dubai.
User-Friendly Services Designed for Speed
One of the biggest goals of the new visa centre is to reduce the time it takes to get a visa. With digital systems and a large team of trained staff, most applications can now be handled in less than 30 minutes.
There are also dedicated service areas for people with disabilities, elderly applicants, and families with children. For business travellers, the centre has express lanes and premium counters to ensure a smooth and fast process.
Additionally, people who don’t have time to visit the centre can use a doorstep service, where trained agents come to your home or office to complete the visa process. This makes it much more convenient for busy professionals and large families.
Supporting Dubai’s Vision for Growth
The new Dubai visa centre supports Dubai’s larger plan to grow its tourism and business sectors. The city aims to attract 40 million visitors annually by 2031, and smooth visa services are a key part of reaching that goal.
In 2023, Dubai welcomed over 17 million international visitors, and the demand for visas has been rising steadily. Officials say that by speeding up visa processes, more people can visit Dubai for tourism, investment, and long-term relocation.
This centre is also in line with the UAE’s move to offer more long-term visa options, such as the 10-year Golden Visa and 5-year Green Visa, which attract global talent and entrepreneurs.
Partnership with BLS International
The centre is operated by BLS International, which already runs visa centres in over 60 countries. The company has worked with governments around the world and has processed more than 220 million applications.
Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International, said the company is proud to be part of Dubai’s mission.
“Our job is to support Dubai’s promise of efficiency, trust, and hospitality. This new centre is built to serve people from all walks of life, from tourists to business leaders,” he said.
BLS is also working on integrating artificial intelligence and facial recognition technologies to make the process even smoother in the near future.
Boost to the Local Economy and Job Market
Aside from helping tourists and residents, the centre will also create hundreds of new jobs in Dubai. Trained staff, security personnel, and customer service representatives are being hired from across the UAE to support this mega facility.
Moreover, the presence of such a large and advanced centre is expected to attract more international events, conferences, and business projects to Dubai. Easier visa access will likely lead to a rise in international trade and investment.
Visitors React Positively
Many people who visited the centre during its first few days praised the clean, modern layout and friendly service. A Nigerian businessman applying for a business visa said, “It was very fast. I walked in, showed my documents, gave my fingerprints, and I was done in under 20 minutes. Dubai has really raised the bar.”
An Indian family applying for a tourist visa also shared that the staff were helpful, and the process was much easier than they expected.
Future Plans and Expansion
Officials have confirmed that this is just the beginning. More visa centres may be opened in other Emirates based on the success of this model.
In addition, plans are in motion to connect the centre with airlines, hotels, and travel agencies so that tourists can book flights and apply for visas in one step.
The GDRFA is also exploring digital visa stamps and blockchain-based systems to enhance security and reduce paperwork.
What This Means for Travellers
If you are planning to visit Dubai — whether for a short holiday or a long stay — this new centre will make your life a lot easier. Faster processing times, high-quality services, and helpful staff mean you can now get your visa with less hassle and more confidence.
Dubai continues to position itself as a smart, welcoming, and globally connected city, and the world’s largest visa centre is proof of that ambition.
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