If you’re planning to renew your Indian passport in the UAE, you may have noticed longer waiting times over the past few weeks. That’s because passport and consular services have moved to a new outsourcing partner, and the Indian Consulate in Dubai says it’s now working to clear the backlog as quickly as possible.

The new Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs), operated by Alhind Tours and Travels, have replaced the previous service provider and are now handling passport renewals and other consular services across the UAE.

Why are there delays?

According to the Consulate General of India in Dubai, the transition between service providers created a temporary backlog, leading to heavy demand at ICAC centres across the country.

Newly appointed Consul General Dr E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy said some initial ‘teething problems’ were expected but added that clearing pending applications, particularly Tatkal (fast-track) requests, is now a top priority.

The Consulate and the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi together provide consular services to nearly four million Indians living in the UAE.

Who can walk in without an appointment?

To help those with urgent travel needs, the new centres are accepting walk-in applications for genuine emergency cases.

These include:

• Tatkal passport applications with proof of urgent travel
• Newborn passport applications
• Senior citizens
• Emergency Certificate applications

Applicants must carry documents supporting their request, such as a confirmed flight ticket for travel within the next two or three days.

Beware of fake appointment agents

The Consulate has also warned applicants not to use unofficial agents offering paid appointment bookings.

Officials said appointments should only be made through the official portal, adding that Alhind’s Dh19 service fee already includes services such as form filling and photography. Applicants should not be paying additional charges for these services.

The Consulate says it is working closely with the new operator to reduce waiting times and improve the overall experience. More digital services are also being introduced to simplify the application process and reduce the need for intermediaries.

Dubai is giving one of its oldest landmarks a spectacular new look after sunset.

Work has begun on the Dh80 million Dubai Creek Lights project, which will transform eight kilometres of the historic waterfront into an immersive nighttime attraction using more than 5,000 architectural lights.

Launched under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the project will illuminate six iconic locations: Creek Quay, Gold Souq Promenade, Infinity Bridge entrance, Al Shindagha Historic District, Bur Dubai Souq and Al Seef Marina.

Rather than simply lighting the area, each location will feature a bespoke design that celebrates Dubai Creek’s heritage while enhancing its architecture and public spaces.

Dubai Municipality said the project has been designed with sustainability in mind, with lighting systems that minimise impact on marine life while improving walkways, waterfronts and visitor safety.

Expected to be completed in early 2027, the project supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and aims to make Dubai Creek one of the city’s must-visit evening destinations, blending history, culture and cutting-edge design in one unforgettable waterfront experience.

Dubai’s upcoming Etihad Rail passenger station will officially be known as Dubai Al Yalayis Station, with signage now installed at the site ahead of its opening on September 30.

The station, located near Jumeirah Golf Estates along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, will open alongside Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah as the next phase of the UAE’s expanding passenger rail network.

One of the biggest advantages for commuters will be its direct connection to the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on Dubai Metro’s Red Line. A dedicated pedestrian bridge is currently under construction, allowing passengers to move easily between the Metro and Etihad Rail platforms.

The station is expected to serve nearby communities including Al Furjan, Dubai Investment Park, Green Community, Dubai Production City and Expo City Dubai, while also offering convenient access to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Dubai South.

The announcement comes as Etihad Rail’s passenger service continues to gain momentum. The operator recently revealed it has sold more than 70,000 tickets for the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route since its launch, with travellers booking trips nearly two weeks in advance on average.

Dubai Al Yalayis Station forms part of Etihad Rail’s 900km national passenger network, which will eventually connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE. More stations are scheduled to open later this year in Liwa and Madinat Zayed, while another station in Sharjah University City is expected to open in March 2027.