Every UAE resident needs to verify their visa status immediately. AI-powered inspection cars that automatically detect visa and residency violations are rolling out across Dubai in early 2026, before expanding nationwide.

The technology

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) has unveiled electric smart cars equipped with six cameras providing 360-degree coverage. These vehicles capture facial images of everyone within a 10-meter radius, instantly cross-referencing faces against immigration databases.

The AI system flags overstays, expired visas, illegal employment, and unauthorised residency status in real-time. When violations are detected, officers immediately verify documents and initiate legal proceedings.

Why you must act now

In the first half of 2025 alone, ICP identified over 32,000 visa violations using traditional methods. The AI cars will dramatically increase detection rates and speed.

Unlike manual inspections, you might avoid, these patrol vehicles operate continuously and unpredictably across public spaces, residential areas, and commercial zones. The moment you’re within 10 meters, facial recognition runs automatically.

Who’s at risk

High-risk categories must verify status immediately:

• Visit visa holders who’ve overstayed
• Workers on tourist visas (unauthorised employment)
• Residents with expired visas
• Dependent visa holders working without permits
• Anyone between jobs whose grace period has lapsed

Even technical violations from administrative errors or processing delays will be flagged.

Consequences of violations

Detection leads to immediate consequences:

• Heavy fines proportional to the overstay duration
• Deportation with associated costs
• Entry bans (sometimes permanent)
• Criminal records affecting future travel
• Employer penalties for illegal workers

“I didn’t know” provides no protection. Detection is automatic, enforcement is immediate.

What to do immediately

Verify your status: Check Emirates ID and visa expiry dates, confirm grace period calculations, and ensure renewals are processed.

Address irregularities now: If overstaying, exit or regularise immediately. If working illegally, obtain a proper employment visa. If expired, renew before 2026.

Maintain documentation: Keep Emirates ID and visa documents accessible always.

Understand grace periods: Tourist visa (10 days), employment visa (30 days after cancellation), visit visa (no grace period). Confirm YOUR specific situation.

The bottom line

By early 2026, walking down a Dubai street means potentially being scanned and flagged within seconds from 10 meters away. The UAE’s position is clear: visa compliance is mandatory, and AI will enforce what manual systems couldn’t.

You have enough time to regularise your status. Once the AI cars deploy, it’s too late. Don’t wait for facial recognition to find you.

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a decree law establishing the Federal Authority for Ambulance and Civil Defence, marking a major step in strengthening the nation’s emergency response framework.

Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, has been appointed Chairman of the new authority, which will operate under the UAE Cabinet with full legal, financial, and administrative independence.

The new entity will oversee ambulance and civil defence operations, taking over responsibilities from the Civil Defence Authority and the National Guard Command in relation to the National Ambulance Company.

Its core mandates include developing national strategies, managing emergency response plans, and coordinating efforts between federal and local entities to enhance public safety and building standards.

The Authority will also focus on disaster preparedness, public alert systems, pollution monitoring, and evacuation planning, ensuring better protection across vital sectors such as oil, aviation, and infrastructure.

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has urged all residents of the emirate to participate in the Sharjah Census 2025, which will run from October 15 to December 31.

The Ruler emphasised that the census is far more than a data collection exercise; it is a direct way for residents to communicate their needs and aspirations to the leadership. The information gathered will help guide Sharjah’s future development, ensuring that every neighbourhood and family benefits from accurate planning and tailored services.

“Every person in Sharjah who submits their data is communicating with me directly,” said Sheikh Dr Sultan during his address on the Direct Line programme on Sharjah Radio and Television. 

“This census allows me to understand even the smallest details about our residents, enabling me to provide meaningful assistance.”

Why participation matters

Census data helps shape decisions on housing, healthcare, education, and employment — all vital aspects that impact the quality of life across the emirate. Previous census findings have helped Sharjah raise the minimum standard of living for families to Dh17,500, expand residential communities, and create new job opportunities.

Residents’ cooperation also ensures that government support reaches those who need it most. “If someone refuses or delays in providing their information, their area’s file may close and they may lose their right to benefit,” Sheikh Dr Sultan explained.

Data privacy assured

Reassuring the public, the Sharjah Ruler stressed that all census data is treated with complete confidentiality and is never shared publicly. “This census is not for publication. No one will see the data unless it is needed for a specific purpose that serves the people,” he said.

A shared responsibility

Sheikh Dr Sultan urged all families to view the census as a civic duty that contributes to the well-being of future generations. “We want every family to think about their future and the interests of their children. God willing, this census will be for the good of all the people,” he said.