The UAE has doubled the early renewal period for Emirates ID cards, allowing renewals up to 12 months before expiry under a new decision by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Effective July 14, the change applies to UAE nationals for now.

Renew passport and Emirates ID together

The extended renewal window means citizens whose passport and Emirates ID expire around the same time can now renew both documents in a single transaction, reducing paperwork and saving time.

ICP said the initiative forms part of its strategy to simplify government services, improve customer experience and provide greater flexibility through digital services.

Supporting zero government bureaucracy

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, said the decision reflects the UAE’s commitment to delivering proactive government services while giving citizens more flexibility to complete transactions at a time that suits them.

He added that the initiative supports the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme by reducing procedural steps, improving service integration and using advanced digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, to streamline the customer journey.

The authority said the new policy is part of its wider effort to deliver integrated, digital-first government services while strengthening the UAE’s position as a global leader in identity and public service innovation.

Dubai authorities have warned media organisations against publishing false or unverified reports after claims circulated that explosions had been heard in Downtown Dubai.

In a statement posted on X, the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) said the emirate would take the necessary legal measures against outlets that publish inaccurate information, in line with local and federal laws.

The warning came after a brief Reuters report cited witnesses claiming they had heard booms in Downtown Dubai on Thursday. The report did not identify the source of the sounds or confirm that any incident had taken place.

The Dubai Media Office rejected the claims, stating that no explosions had occurred in the Downtown area and describing the report as false.

Authorities also urged media organisations and the public to rely on official sources for information and avoid sharing rumours or unverified reports that could cause unnecessary confusion.

The statement reinforces Dubai’s long-standing approach to combating misinformation, particularly during fast-moving events, with authorities stressing the importance of accurate reporting and verification before publication.

Indian expats in the UAE waiting to renew their passports or access other consular services could face continued delays after the Why Indian passport renewals in the UAE could face longer delaysCourt ordered a fresh tender process for outsourced consular operations.

The ruling affects the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai, as well as Indian missions in Kuwait, Singapore and Australia.

The court cancelled the previously awarded contract and directed India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to issue fresh Requests for Proposal (RFPs) within one month.

Why did the court intervene?

The case was brought by two companies that were eliminated during the technical evaluation stage of the bidding process.

While they did not challenge the technical assessment itself, they argued that the evaluation lacked transparency.

The Delhi High Court agreed, ruling that the authorities had failed to disclose how technical marks were awarded, effectively invalidating the tender process.

What happens now?

The contract had been awarded to Alhind Tours & Travels, which was due to take over consular operations from July 1 after submitting the lowest financial bid.

The Kerala-based company had already prepared to operate 16 service centres across the UAE, including a large facility in Bur Dubai with more than 45 service counters.

However, following the court’s ruling, Alhind can no longer formally assume the contract until a fresh tender process is completed.

How are passport services operating now?

Since July 1, passport, visa and other consular services have been handled directly by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai, marking the first time in 17 years that the missions have managed these services in-house.

The missions currently process applications for:

• Passport renewals
• Visa services
• Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards
• Police Clearance Certificates (PCC)
• Surrender Certificates (SC)
• Global Entry Programme (GEP) verification
• Document attestation

Authorities have also warned applicants against unauthorised agents claiming to secure appointments, stressing that bookings through the official portal are free of charge.

Will services be disrupted?

The High Court said existing service providers may be allowed to continue temporarily to minimise disruption, but the final decision now rests with the Indian missions and the Ministry of External Affairs.

Until a new tender is completed and a service provider is officially appointed, applicants may continue to experience longer waiting times for appointments and document processing.