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New opportunity for residency offenders: UAE grants penalty-free grace period

Published

2 years ago

August 1, 2024

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The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has announced a grace period of two months for residency offenders to rectify their status starting from 1 September 2024.

The financial penalties incurred will be cancelled so as to be able to rectify their status or leave the country, ICP added.

Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security announces 2-month grace period starting September 1 ,2024, for residents in violation of the residency system. During this period, violators can regularise their status or leave the country without incurring… pic.twitter.com/C7HxBYSH4c
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) August 1, 2024

This decision offers the residency offenders a new opportunity to amend their status in accordance with the law. This is to be done with consideration of their circumstances and based on the values of mercy and tolerance on which the UAE was founded, ICP said.

Recently, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has identified 14 types of administrative violations related to the Emirates ID card and residency services, adding that the financial fines related to these violations range between Dhs20 per day, amounting to Dhs20,000 for one violation, depending on its type.

The administrative fines related to the ID card are imposed in case of committing two violations: delaying registration to obtain the ID card, and delaying its renewal after 30 days from its expiration date, ICP pointed out, adding that the fine in this case is Dhs20 per day of delay, with a maximum of Dhs1,000.

Regarding fines for violations related to residency and foreigners’ affairs, ICP said these include 6 fines of Dhs500 each, which are imposed in these cases: if the company’s representative submits transactions to the passport employee which do not belong to the company, entering data not belonging to the company via the e-Dirham, the expiration of the representative’s card, not carrying the card when submitting transactions, and violating the work system in service centres.

ICP also indicated that there are 3 fines of Dhs5,000 for these violations: misuse of the system, obstructing the work of the ICP’s employees or not cooperating with them, or failure of system users to pay the financial fees needed to get the service, according to the specified value.

Regarding the violation of inaccurate typing of applications, the fine is Dhs100, while the fine for the violation of providing incorrect data is Dhs3,000 and the violation of issuing visas or entry permits to an establishment which has no activity is Dhs20,000.

Citizens and GCC nationals and UAE residents who could not get or renew their ID cards or the ID cards of their sponsors, on the specified date, can apply for exemption from fines, provided they meet the conditions decided.

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Salik’s next move: Smart parking coming to Dubai Silicon Oasis, DAFZ and Dubai CommerCity

Published

7 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Salik is taking another step beyond toll collection, announcing plans to introduce smart parking and vehicle access systems across three of Dubai’s major economic zones.

Under a new agreement with the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), the company will explore parking optimisation and access control solutions covering more than 21,000 parking spaces at Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity.

The proposed systems are designed to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, prevent misuse of parking spaces and make it easier for businesses, employees and visitors to move around the free zones.

The partnership marks the launch of a new business vertical for Salik as it continues expanding beyond its traditional road toll operations into wider mobility and digital transport services.

What will change?

The companies plan to integrate their technology platforms to create a connected parking and vehicle access system across the three zones.

Planned features include:

Smart parking management
Automated vehicle access control
Improved traffic flow within free zones
Better use of available parking spaces
Unified operating standards across all three locations

Which areas are covered?

The project will span:

Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ)
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai CommerCity

Together, the three locations offer more than 21,000 parking spaces serving businesses, residents, investors and visitors.

No timeline has yet been announced for when the new systems will be rolled out.

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New UAE rule: Emirates ID renewal now allowed one year before expiry

Published

7 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Michael Gomes

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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.

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Dubai warns media against publishing false news after Downtown explosion claim

Published

8 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Michael Gomes

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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.