Latest news with #AliMohammedAlShamsi
Gulf Business
4 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
UAE introduces new passport rule: read details
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes Emirati citizens will soon be allowed to renew their passports up to 12 months before expiry, according to an announcement on Thursday by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Previously, the window for passport renewal opened just six months before the passport's expiration. The new policy will take effect on Monday, August 18, and will be accessible through ICP's smart services platform. The UAE passport is rated among the most 'strongest' in the world ICP chairman Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi said the change will improve citizens' quality of life by enabling better planning for international travel, smoother completion of official transactions, and wider use of secure digital documents. He also noted that the UAE passport — already among of the world's The reform aligns with the UAE's broader 'Zero Government Bureaucracy' initiative, aimed at reducing red tape and serving as a model for digital public services in the region and beyond. View this post on Instagram
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
UAE citizens can now renew passports up to one year before expiry, ICP announces
The UAE passport now grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 countries, ranking it 8th strongest worldwide in 2025/ Representative image Starting August 18, 2025, UAE citizens will be allowed to renew their passports up to one year before the expiry date, a change from the earlier six-month window. The new rule, issued by the ICP, is part of a broader initiative to enhance travel flexibility, streamline official procedures, and strengthen the UAE passport's global standing. New timeline for passport renewals The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has revised the policy governing passport renewals for UAE citizens. As per the latest decision by Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi, Chairman of the ICP, Emiratis will now be permitted to renew their passports once the remaining validity is one year or less. This is a shift from the previous rule that allowed renewals only when six months or fewer were left before expiration. The change will be effective Monday, August 18, 2025, and is applicable to all UAE nationals with eligible passports. The aim is to allow for better advance planning, especially for international travel, while reducing disruptions in official transactions and providing extended use of digital documentation. ICP noted that the new timeline will also support seamless transitions for UAE citizens who travel frequently or are involved in long-term visa procedures abroad. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Digital-first, accessible renewal process The ICP has confirmed that the renewal process will remain efficient and widely accessible, continuing to focus on digital services to facilitate ease of access. Citizens can complete the entire renewal process online through the ICP smart services platform, accessible via both the official website and mobile application. The online process allows applicants to: Fill out the application form Upload necessary documentation Make payments digitally For those who prefer or require in-person assistance, customer happiness centers within the UAE will remain available. Additionally, UAE nationals living abroad can submit their applications through UAE embassies and consulates, and they also have the option to initiate the process online and collect the renewed passport from a diplomatic mission. UAE passport strength and global ranking This update comes at a time when the UAE passport continues to see a significant rise in its global ranking and travel privileges. As of 2025, the UAE passport: Is ranked 8th globally according to the Henley Passport Index Grants holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 countries This is a marked improvement over previous years: 2022 & 2023: Ranked 15th 2024: Advanced to 11th 2025: Entered the Top 10, securing 8th place Since the Henley Passport Index's inception in 2006, the UAE passport has added 152 countries to its visa-free or visa-on-arrival list, reflecting the UAE's growing diplomatic ties and international mobility for its citizens. Chairman Al Shamsi highlighted that the UAE passport continues to rank as the world's most powerful, trusted, and widely recognised travel document. The new decision, he added, is a strong boost to its global standing and further establishes the UAE's passport issuance and renewal system as a leading model for the region and beyond. In terms of operations, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai has processed 7,425 passport renewals during the first half of 2025 alone. Since the opening of its center in 2008, over 139,000 passports have been issued to Emiratis through that facility.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
UAE permits passport renewal up to one year before expiry
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has announced that UAE citizens may now renew their passports up to one year before the expiry date, replacing the previous six-month limit. The decision, issued by Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi, Chairman of the ICP, allows UAE citizens to renew their passports if the remaining validity is one year or less. The service will be available starting Monday, August 18, 2025, through the Authority's smart services platform. Al Shamsi stated that the decision will improve citizens' quality of life by enabling them to plan international travel well in advance, complete official transactions seamlessly, and expand the use of secure digital documents. It also reflects the Authority's commitment to delivering proactive, world-class institutional services. He stated that the UAE passport continues to rank as the world's most powerful, trusted, and widely recognised travel document. The new decision, he added, is a strong boost to its global standing and further establishes the UAE's passport issuance and renewal system as a leading model for the region and beyond.
What's On
5 days ago
- Business
- What's On
Emiratis can now renew their UAE passport up to one year before expiry
Starting August 18, 2025, Emiratis can renew their UAE passport up to one year before the expiry date. Previously, the limit was just six months. How it works The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) says the new rule applies to any passport with 12 months or less left. Renewals can be done easily through the ICP smart services platform, without visiting a service centre in person. The digital process makes it faster and more convenient for everyone. Why this change? Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi, chairman of the authority, says the move is all about making life easier for citizens. With the new rule, people can plan trips well in advance, avoid last-minute passport problems, and complete official paperwork more efficiently. It also encourages the wider use of digital identity services. Al Shamsi adds that this step strengthens the UAE's reputation for efficient government services and sets a benchmark for the region. UAE passport power The UAE passport is ranked one of the 10 strongest in the world in 2025, reflecting the country's growing influence on the global stage. It allows Emirati citizens to travel to 184 countries without a visa or with a visa-on-arrival, making international travel faster and more convenient. This is a significant improvement from previous years and highlights the passport's increasing strength and value. Here's the recent progress in global rankings: 2022 and 2023: Ranked 15th 2024: Ranked 11th 2025: Ranked 8th The steady rise in ranking shows how the UAE has invested heavily in improving mobility for its citizens, making it easier for them to travel for business, education, or leisure. It also reflects the country's strong diplomatic relations worldwide, which continue to open doors for Emiratis across the globe. Experts say this trend is likely to continue, further solidifying the UAE passport as a symbol of national pride and global connectivity. This move makes UAE passport renewal easier, quicker, and more efficient, while also highlighting the country's commitment to high-quality government services and improving citizens' everyday lives. Image: What's On Archive > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Arabian Business
5 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE announces major new passport rule
UAE citizens will now be able to renew their passports up to one year before the expiry date, following a new decision by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP). Previously, the renewal period was limited to six months before expiry. The updated rule — announced by ICP Chairman Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi — comes into effect Monday, August 18, 2025, and will be available via the Authority's smart services platform. UAE passport renewal Al Shamsi said the move will improve citizens' quality of life by allowing them to plan international travel further in advance, complete official transactions without delays, and increase the use of secure digital documents. He also highlighted the UAE passport's position as the world's most powerful and trusted travel document, saying the decision will enhance its global standing and reinforce the country's leadership in passport issuance and renewal systems.
