On August 28, 2026, the United Arab Emirates observes a public holiday for the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. Despite the holiday, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai has announced operational hours for select centers to assist residents, visitors, sponsors, and employers.
- Al Aweer Public Services Customer Happiness Centre open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Airport Service Customer Happiness Centre at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 Arrivals operational 24/7
- Al Manara Municipality Centre and Al Twar Free Zone Section open from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM today
- Digital service channels available 24/7
On August 28, 2026, the United Arab Emirates observes a public holiday for the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. Despite the holiday, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai has announced operational hours for select centers to assist residents, visitors, sponsors, and employers. The Al Aweer Public Services Customer Happiness Centre is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, while the Airport Service Customer Happiness Centre at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 Arrivals remains operational 24/7. Additionally, the Al Manara Municipality Centre and the Al Twar Free Zone Section are open from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM today.
GDRFA emphasized that its digital service channels, including the website and the Dubai Now application, remain available 24/7 for transactions such as entry permits, tourist visas, visit visas, residence permits, visa extensions, and visa cancellations. GDRFA advised individuals to verify documentation and transaction requirements prior to visiting physical centers, noting that service availability can vary by location. For inquiries, the public can reach the Amer toll-free number at 8005111 within the UAE, or +971 4 313 9999 from outside the country. While the Airport Terminal 3 center provides essential immigration-related assistance, complex residency or sponsorship cases may require redirection to other facilities like Al Aweer or Amer centers. Indian residents and other visa holders facing urgent deadlines regarding residency validity, visa status verification, or immigration fines are encouraged to utilize these holiday hours or digital platforms to manage their applications. Following the 12:00 PM closure of Al Manara and Al Twar centers, physical assistance remains accessible at Al Aweer until 8:00 PM or at the 24/7 airport facility.
