Indian nationals in the UAE will have to pay more for passport and related consular services from July 1, following a revision in fees announced by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

The new charges apply to passport applications submitted through the embassy, consulate and the new Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the UAE.

Why are the fees increasing?

The revised charges follow updated passport rules introduced by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on June 20. The new fee structure applies to Indian passport services worldwide, including in the UAE.

What are the new passport fees?

The revised fees are as follows:

• 36-page passport (new or renewal): Dh450
• 60-page passport (new or renewal): Dh630
• 36-page Tatkal passport: Dh900
• 60-page Tatkal passport: Dh1,080
• Replacement of a lost or damaged 36-page passport: Dh900
• Tatkal replacement of a lost or damaged 36-page passport: Dh1,350
• Replacement of a lost or damaged 60-page passport: Dh1,080
• Tatkal replacement of a lost or damaged 60-page passport: Dh1,530

Who will be affected?

The revised fees apply to all eligible passport applications submitted from July 1, including:

• New passport applications.
• Passport renewals.
• Tatkal (urgent) applications.
• Replacement of lost or damaged passports.

What should applicants do?

If you’re planning to apply for or renew your Indian passport in the UAE, check the revised fees before booking your appointment.

The updated charges will apply at:

• Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi.
• Consulate General of India, Dubai.
• Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the UAE.

With around 4.5 million Indians living in the UAE, the revised fee structure will affect one of the country’s largest overseas communities.

The UAE is entering the Jamrat Al Qayd season, the second phase of summer known for intense heat, dry conditions and hot winds.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), temperatures are expected to reach 47°C in inland areas over the coming days, while stronger winds from the weekend could trigger blowing dust in exposed areas.

Why is it getting hotter?

Jamrat Al Qayd, which begins in early July, marks one of the hottest periods of the year in the UAE. The season is characterised by:

• Temperatures reaching up to 47°C inland
• Hot, dry weather with low humidity away from the coast
• Warm winds that can reduce visibility by lifting dust and sand
• Very limited chances of rainfall

What is the forecast for the next few days?

Thursday

• Generally fair weather.
• Low clouds over the east coast.
• Light to moderate southwesterly to northwesterly winds, reaching 35 km/h.
• Inland temperatures between 41°C and 47°C.
• Coastal temperatures ranging from 37°C to 42°C.

Friday and Saturday

• Mostly sunny conditions continue.
• Temperatures rise further, especially inland.
• Winds shift between northwesterly and southeasterly, reaching 30 km/h.

Sunday and Monday

• Winds strengthen to 40 km/h, creating blowing dust in open areas.
• Mostly fair weather with occasional clouds over eastern regions.
• Seas remain slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Oman Sea.

Is it safe to visit the beach?

Yes. Despite the high temperatures, sea conditions are expected to remain calm, with light to moderate winds and slight waves in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea, making early morning and evening beach visits more comfortable.

However, residents are advised to avoid prolonged outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, stay hydrated and take precautions against heat exposure. Mountain areas are expected to remain cooler, with temperatures between 31°C and 37°C.

As the UAE moves deeper into its peak summer season, residents can expect hotter days, warm nights and occasional dusty conditions over the coming weeks.

UAE fast bowler Khuzaima Tanveer has credited the DP World ILT20 with accelerating his rise to international cricket, saying the league gave him the confidence and experience needed to represent the UAE on the global stage.

The 26-year-old, who made his international debut earlier this year, believes competing alongside some of the world’s top cricketers helped prepare him for the demands of international cricket.

“Representing the UAE was a proud moment for me and it’s something every young cricketer dreams about. The DP World ILT20 helped prepare me because you’re constantly competing against high-quality players. It gives you confidence that you belong on the international stage,” he said.

Breakthrough performances

Khuzaima announced himself during DP World ILT20 Season 3 with impressive figures of 4/22 against Sharjah Warriorz.

Since joining the Desert Vipers, he has claimed 24 wickets in 18 matches across two seasons. During the Vipers’ title-winning campaign, he finished with 17 wickets, making him the second-highest UAE wicket-taker in the tournament and third overall. He was also shortlisted for the Blue Belt, awarded to the competition’s best UAE player.

Learning from the world’s best

Khuzaima said one of the league’s biggest advantages is the opportunity to learn from elite players and coaches.

“A lot of the learning happens during training sessions, team meetings and conversations. I was fortunate to share the dressing room with Sam Curran, Naseem Shah and Lockie Ferguson. Even small pieces of advice from players like them help you become a better cricketer.”

He also described interacting with legendary fast bowlers Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram as one of the highlights of his career.

Inspired, not compared

While fans have compared his bowling action to Pakistan legend Waqar Younis, Khuzaima insists he is focused on building his own identity.

“Waqar Younis is a legend of the game. If people see similarities, I take it as a compliment, but my focus is on becoming the best version of myself.”

Eyes on future

Now a UAE international, Khuzaima says wearing the national jersey comes with greater responsibility.

“Once you represent the UAE, people expect more from you and you expect more from yourself. My aim is to keep improving, perform consistently and contribute whenever I get the opportunity.”

He also praised UAE captain Muhammad Waseem for setting an example for local players, saying his performances in the DP World ILT20 have shown that Emirati cricketers can compete with the world’s best.

Looking ahead to DP World ILT20 Season 5, Khuzaima hopes to continue developing his game and make the most of every opportunity.

“Every season brings new challenges and new opportunities to learn. My goal is to keep improving, contribute to my team and continue making the most of the opportunities the DP World ILT20 provides.”