VFS launches world's largest visa application centre in Dubai
VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure global mobility for governments and citizens, has launched its flagship Visa Application Centre in Dubai's Wafi City, marking the opening of the largest visa application facility in the world.
The centre was inaugurated by Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism; Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai; and Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global Group.
Helal Almarri 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. As we advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, strengthening seamless access to and from Dubai remains a priority. 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.'
Mohammed 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.'
Karkaria added: '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 preeminent global hub of business, thought leadership, technology development and innovation.
'In line with the rapid development of Dubai, today we are pleased to launch the world's largest Visa Application Centre, serving over 200 nationalities in this Year of Community. Working closely with Emirati Entrepreneurs and Emirati Artists, the centre captures and reflects the multicultural fabric of the country that we are proud to call our Global Headquarters.'
Designed to meet the surge in outbound travel and rising expectations for security, accessibility, and convenience, the state-of-the-art Dubai centre sets a new global benchmark — built not just for today, but for the travel demands of tomorrow. At nearly 150,000 square feet, the centre is equipped to handle up to 10,000 visa applications daily – a capacity that stands as the highest for any single location – and is supported by a skilled and diverse team of over 400 trained professionals from more than 25 nationalities.
Key features of the centre include:
• Tech-enabled self-service kiosks, secure lockers, photo booths, and photocopy stations for last-minute needs
• Touchscreen info 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
With rising outbound travel from the UAE, personalised services like the Premium Lounge have become the preferred choice for applicants seeking enhanced comfort and convenience. Of the 200+ submission counters at the centre, 79 are exclusively available as Premium Lounges. The centre is one of the few globally, and just two in the UAE, to offer the Platinum Lounge service, which includes a personalised experience with chauffeur service, end-to-end application support, and a calm, modern setting. – TradeArabia News Service
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Trade Arabia
9 hours ago
- Trade Arabia
Ritchie Bros. gears up for major auction in Dubai
Ritchie Bros., Europe's largest global asset management and disposition company, is preparing to host another major unreserved auction in Dubai from June 17 to 18. With over 1,500 items from trusted global brands across key sectors - including construction, transportation, and lifting - this event offers an unmatched opportunity for buyers around the world to secure quality equipment. Every item will be sold to the highest bidder, with no minimum bids or reserve prices, ensuring fair competition and full transparency for all participants. Bidding will take place exclusively online, said a statement from Ritchie Bros. This upcoming auction will feature a wide range of equipment to suit various needs and budgets. Key categories include: *Excavators: More than 100 units for sale *Backhoe Loaders: Over 45 units, 14 of which are unused *Cranes: Over 55 units, including truck cranes, crawler cranes and rough terrain cranes *Wheel Loaders: More than 40 units available The other highlighted equipments include 2020 CAT 980M Wheel Loader; 2020 Sany SYM5446THB 56M Concrete Pump Truck on Volvo FMX500 8x4 and 2020 Komatsu D155A-6 Crawler Tractor. Ritchie Bros. said the Dubai yard will be open for in-person inspections from June 12 to 16. "Visitors can view and test equipment on site. To ensure a comfortable experience despite the summer heat, shaded workstations and courtesy cars will be available throughout the yard," said company spokesman. The upcoming Dubai auction takes place against the backdrop of some market signals from Europe, where demand for specific equipment types - such as crawler excavators and articulated dump trucks - has risen significantly, according to Ritchie Bros.' latest European Used Equipment Market Trends Report for Q1 2025. As per the report, crawler excavators have recorded a 33% increase in buyer demand on Mascus compared to Q1 2024, indicating a more optimistic outlook for 2025.
Trade Arabia
9 hours ago
- Trade Arabia
Alef breaks ground on $299m landmark Sharjah development
Alef, a leading real estate developer in Sharjah, has officially broken ground on Al Mamsha Raseel, the third zone of its landmark 'Al Mamsha' development located in Muwaileh. Valued at AED 1.1 billion ($299.4 million), the project is expected to be completed by December 2028. Al Mamsha Raseel will offer 2,210 modern residential units, ranging from one- to three-bedroom apartments, each with private balconies. The development will also feature lush green spaces, water features and interactive fountains, all designed to deliver a fully integrated living experience that prioritises quality of life and aligns with Sharjah's progressive urban vision, it stated. The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Alef officials, representatives from CC7, the contracting company, as well as representatives from the design and engineering teams. The event reflected the company's ongoing commitment to excellence and quality across every stage of the development. Announcing the launch, Alef said the Al Mamsha Raseel project is a strategic step in its journey to redefine the concept of residential communities in Sharjah. The project focuses on developing an urban environment that prioritises human well-being and integrates quality of life, sustainability, and urban innovation, it stated. Al Mamsha is Sharjah's first fully walkable community, designed to offer a safe, pedestrian-friendly environment that adheres to the highest standards of sustainability and urban planning.
Trade Arabia
12 hours ago
- Trade Arabia
Ebara Elliott Energy starts work on new Abu Dhabi facility
Ebara Elliott Energy (EEE) has started construction on a new, state-of-the-art service center in Abu Dhabi, located in Kezad with operations to launch in Q3 2026. The facility is a key part of EEE's strategy to expand its regional presence and deliver faster, more localized support to customers across the Middle East. A solution provider in the energy industry, EEE designs, manufactures, and services technically advanced centrifugal and axial compressors, steam turbines, power recovery expanders, custom pumps, and cryogenic products used in the petrochemical and refining sector. With a global network of service centers, EEE is known for providing rapid response, clear communication, and precise execution across every service engagement. This investment reinforces the company's position as a trusted partner to energy operators in the region. "This facility represents more than just a new location—it's a major step toward bringing world-class service directly to our customers in the Middle East and surrounding region," said Nobu Miyaki, Chief Executive Officer, Ebara Elliott Energy. "By investing here, we're reinforcing our long-term commitment to the region and ensuring we're ready to support our clients when and where they need us most," he stated. The new service center will feature two fully air-conditioned production bays, cranes, and cutting-edge technologies including laser welding, the region's first spin pit for impeller repair, and the largest cylindrical grinding machine in the Middle East. The site covers a 14,391 sqm plot with a 6,658 sqm built-up area, said Miyaki.
