Latest news with #AliAlShamsi
The National
4 days ago
- Business
- The National
Emiratis can renew UAE passports up to a year before they expire in travel rule update
Emiratis will be able to renew their passports up to a year before they expire from Monday. The extended period – up from the previous six months – was announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Most countries require visitors to have at least six months left on their passports to be allowed to travel. There are some exceptions, with New Zealand, Iceland, Sweden and Albania requiring three months. 'The move aims to improve citizens' quality of life by enabling them to plan overseas travel in advance, complete necessary procedures seamlessly and expand the use of digital official documents,' said ICP director Ali Al Shamsi. 'It is also part of the authority's strategy to provide proactive and innovative government services.' The UAE passport continues to rank among the world's most powerful and trusted travel documents, he added. It moved into the top 10 of the Henley Passport Index for the first time in 2024. The country was ranked ninth with visa-free access to 185 countries, an increase of 152 countries since the index began in 2006. 'The new order will further strengthen the UAE passport's global standing and set a benchmark for passport issuance and renewal systems worldwide,' he said. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai renewed 7,425 UAE passports during the first half of 2025. The centre has issued 139,000 passports for Emiratis since its inauguration in 2008.
The National
5 days ago
- Business
- The National
Emiratis can renew UAE passports up to a year before they expire
Emiratis will be able to renew their passports up to a year before they expire from Monday. The extended period – up from the previous six months – was announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Most countries require visitors to have at least six months left on their passports to be allowed to travel. There are some exceptions, with New Zealand, Iceland, Sweden and Albania requiring three months. 'The move aims to improve citizens' quality of life by enabling them to plan overseas travel in advance, complete necessary procedures seamlessly and expand the use of digital official documents,' said ICP director Ali Al Shamsi. 'It is also part of the authority's strategy to provide proactive and innovative government services.' The UAE passport continues to rank among the world's most powerful and trusted travel documents, he added. It moved into the top 10 of the Henley Passport Index for the first time in 2024. The country was ranked ninth with visa-free access to 185 countries, an increase of 152 countries since the index began in 2006. 'The new order will further strengthen the UAE passport's global standing and set a benchmark for passport issuance and renewal systems worldwide,' he said. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai renewed 7,425 UAE passports during the first half of 2025. The centre has issued 139,000 passports for Emiratis since its inauguration in 2008.
The National
21-03-2025
- The National
Dubai Police make 127 arrests and seize Dh50,000 in Ramadan begging crackdown
Dubai Police made 127 arrests in the first two weeks of an annual anti-begging crackdown launched at the start of Ramadan. The force said those apprehended were found in possession of more than Dh50,000. Incidents of begging typically surge during the holy month, as offenders seek to exploit the generous spirit on show during the period. Police have targeted begging hotspots across the city in an effort to protect the public from begging, which they say is often linked to criminal activity. Begging is illegal in the UAE and is punishable by up to three months in jail and fines of Dh5,000. 'Many beggars exploit people's generosity with deceptive tactics such as using children or people of determination to elicit sympathy. It's a crime forbidden by the law,' said Brigadier Ali Al Shamsi, director of the antisocial crimes department at Dubai Police following the start of this year's drive. Brig Al Shamsi explained that police officers are stationed across the emirate, particularly near mosques and markets, to enforce the campaign throughout the holy month. 'There is a traditional way of begging which is near mosques, residential and market areas, and there is the digital begging, including online scams for fake medical emergencies and fraudulent charity projects such as donations to build a mosque outside the country,' he said. 'Criminals seek to take advantage of the generosity of UAE residents during Ramadan.' Brig Al Shamsi said the force arrested 384 beggars last year compared with 499 beggars in 2023. About 2,085 beggars have been arrested over the past five years in Dubai, according to official figures. 'The anti-begging campaign reduced the number of beggars over the years,' he said. The campaign is a joint operation between police and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and Al Ameen service. Dubai Police urge the public to report any suspicious activity related to begging by calling the 901 hotline, the Police Eye service on the Dubai Police app, or the E-crime platform for online scams.
