The Al Awir Immigration Office Dubai (also known as the GDRFA Al Awir Branch) handles some of the most crucial documents for hundreds of thousands of Dubai residents. This office deals with every aspect of residence visas, family sponsorships, status changes, overstay fines, and Emirates ID integration. Avoid days of stress and wasted trips by getting it right the first time.
This 2026 guide provides you with all the information you need before you head out: exact timings, precise location, a document checklist for the various services you’ll be visiting, step-by-step information on booking appointments, transportation, and a list of things to avoid doing while at Al Awir (and what you can do at a nearby Amer Center without having to go there).
Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official name | GDRFA Al Awir Branch (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs — Dubai) |
| Address | Al Rowaiyah 3, 83 Dubai-Hatta Road (E44), Dubai, UAE |
| Working days | Sunday to Thursday (closed Friday & Saturday) |
| Working hours | 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Sunday to Thursday) |
| Best time to visit | 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM — shortest queues of the day |
| Worst time to visit | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM — longest queues |
| Appointment booking | GDRFA Dubai app or gdrfad.gov.ae — strongly recommended |
| Walk-ins accepted | Yes, but wait times are significantly longer than appointments |
| Payment methods | Card only — cash is NOT accepted at this office |
| Dress code | Modest dress required — no shorts, sleeveless, or revealing clothing |
| GDRFA helpline | 800 5111 (toll-free UAE) | +971 4 313 9999 (international) |
| Official website | gdrfad.gov.ae |
| Nearby alternative | Amer Centers across Dubai for eligible services |
What Is the Al Awir Immigration Office?
Dubai’s Al Awir Immigration Office is one of the two key branches of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), which is responsible for all immigration, residency, and visa-related issues in Dubai. The office is situated in Al Rowaiyah 3 in the industrial east of Dubai, close to the Dubai-Hatta Road (E44).
It is the main physical office of Dubai’s eastern regions (Mirdif, Al Warqa, Al Awir, Al Mizhar, Rashidiya, and beyond) and also deals with the residency and immigration requirements for thousands of businesses and employers throughout the emirate. From new residence visas to renewal applications, to family sponsorship applications, to Visa cancellation, to status change, and overstay fine clearances, this is the office that handles it all.
Al Awir vs Al Jafiliya: Which Office Should You Visit?
There are two primary GDRFA branches in Dubai, and you don’t want to waste your trip if you don’t know which one to go to. The difference is not clearly spelled out in many online guides:
| Factor | Al Awir (GDRFA Al Awir) | Al Jafiliya (GDRFA Jafiliya) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Al Rowaiyah 3, Dubai-Hatta Road (E44) | Near Jafiliya Metro Station, Bur Dubai |
| Best for residents of | East Dubai: Mirdif, Al Warqa, Rashidiya, Deira (east) | Central & West Dubai: Bur Dubai, Deira, Downtown, JBR |
| Services offered | Full immigration services | Full immigration services |
| Metro access | No direct metro — taxi/car recommended | Jafiliya Metro Station (Red Line) is nearby |
| Parking | Available — fills early in the morning | Limited — taxi or metro preferred |
| Working hours | Sun–Thu: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Sun–Thu: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
Rule of thumb: If you reside on Sheikh Zayed Road to the East, then Al Awir is your branch, and if you reside in Mirdif, Al Warqa, Al Mizhar, Rashidiya, Deira, or further east, then it is your branch. Al Jafiliya is closer and easier to get to via metro in Bur Dubai, Downtown, Marina and western Dubai.
Location & How to Get There
Al Awir Immigration Office is located at Al Rowaiyah 3, 83 Dubai-Hatta Road (E44), Dubai. It is located close to the Al Awir Industrial Area, Al Awir Police Station, and a grouping of typing centres. Look for GDRFA Al Awir or ‘Al Awir Immigration Office’ on Google Maps and follow the instructions for the turn-by-turn directions.
| Transport Method | Details | Est. Time from City |
|---|---|---|
| By Car | Take Dubai-Hatta Road (E44) east — office clearly signposted. Free parking available, but fills by 8:30 AM. | 20–30 mins from Deira |
| By Metro + Bus | Red Line to Centrepoint Metro Station, then RTA Bus 11A toward Al Awir . Alight near the immigration office. | 45–60 mins from central Dubai |
| By Taxi / Uber / Careem | Most convenient — tell the driver ‘GDRFA Al Awir’ or ‘Al Awir Immigration’. Drop off at the main gate. | 25–35 mins from Deira |
| By Bus (direct) | RTA buses from Stadium Metro Bus Stop 1 — take the bus toward the Al Awir area | 45–60 mins depending on route |
| From Sharjah | Via Al Dhaid Road or Emirates Road to Dubai-Hatta Road (E44) eastbound | 30–45 mins |
Parking tip: On busy days, the office car park is filled in the morning between 8:00 and 8:30 AM. Overflow parking is possible on the surrounding roads; parking attendants will direct cars during busy times of day after 9:00 AM. Check-in at 7:15 AM (15 minutes before opening) ensures you will have your car parked and will be at the front of the line.
Opening Hours 2026
| Day | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday – Thursday | 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Standard working hours — arrive by 7:15 AM for the shortest wait |
| Friday | Closed | UAE government weekend |
| Saturday | Closed | UAE government weekend |
| Public Holidays | Closed | Confirm via 800 5111 before travelling |
| Ramadan | Reduced hours — approx. 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Always confirm via gdrfad.gov.ae or 800 5111 |
Counter closure warning: Please be aware that service counters may close earlier than usual than 3:30 PM, when the daily quota is reached, especially for popular services such as visa renewals and family sponsorships. People who arrive without a specific appointment after 2:00 PM may be refused entrance. To ensure certainty of same-day service, be sure to reach the office by 7:30 AM.
Services Available at Al Awir Immigration Office
Individual & Family Services
| Service | Who Needs It | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Residence Visa — New Application | New residents/employees/family members | 3–5 working days |
| Residence Visa — Renewal | Existing residents before visa expiry | Same day – 3 working days |
| Residence Visa — Cancellation | Leaving the UAE permanently / employer change | Same day |
| Family Sponsorship — Spouse | UAE residents sponsoring a spouse | 3–5 working days |
| Family Sponsorship — Children | UAE residents sponsoring children under 18 | 3–5 working days |
| Family Sponsorship — Parents | UAE residents sponsoring parents (conditions apply) | 5–7 working days |
| Entry Permit (Visit Visa) | Sponsors inviting family/friends to the UAE | 1–3 working days |
| Status Change (Visit to Residency) | Tourists converting to a residence visa | 3–5 working days |
| Overstay Fine Clearance | Residents/visitors with immigration fines | Same day (payment required) |
| File Correction (Name/Passport errors) | Residents with document errors in GDRFA records | 2–5 working days |
| Emirates ID Integration | Part of the residence visa process | Linked to visa processing |
Business & Employer Services
Al Awir counters for businesses are designed for employers and PROs (Public Relations Officers) to process company visas, employee visas, and bulk visa applications. The individual queue may be slower than the separate queue for corporate clients and PROs; check with the reception upon arrival which counter applies to your request.
Document Checklist by Service Type
The most common reason for Al Awir visits lost is due to missing documents. A trusted list of commonly-used services:
Residence Visa Renewal
- Passport (with a valid visa page showing)
- New Emirates ID (Not expired)
- Passport-size photos (2- white background)
- Medical fitness certificate (from a medical centre approved by GDRFA).
- Valid health insurance certificate (from 2014 onwards)
- Tenancy contract/proof of address/employment (employer’s pay certificate)
- A typing centre form completed and stamped (available at typing centres next to the office)
Family Sponsorship (Spouse / Children)
- Passport + Emirates ID of the Sponsor
- A salary certificate from the sponsor (the minimum amount is AED 4,000 per month for the sponsor’s spouse)
- Marriage certificate (for spouse) / Birth certificate (for children) – if applicable.
- This is the process of proving the accommodation through the Tenancy Contract/Ejari. Proof of accommodation through Tenancy Contract/Ejari.
- Sponsor’s valid health insurance (must cover dependents)
- Sponsored person’s original passport + visa/entry stamp page
- Sponsored person (2) passport-size photos.
- Medical fitness certificate for sponsored person (if over 18)
Overstay Fine Clearance
- Original passport
- Passport number/IMG file number (GDRFA or visa)
- Fine payment must be made using a debit or credit card – no cash payments accepted.
- Any supporting letters (from employer or sponsor, if applicable)
Tip: go to a typing centre before entering the main building, which is next door to the Al Awir office. The typing centre staff are very knowledgeable about what is required for a document at Al Awir and will identify any missing documentation before you enter the queue, thus saving you another visit.
How to Book an Appointment at Al Awir Immigration Office
Wait times are drastically shortened for those who make an appointment at Al Awir, with wait times of 2–4 hours being the norm for walk-in attendees, while those who make an appointment are usually seen within 20–40 minutes of their appointment. No booking fees, and it only takes a few minutes.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Download the GDRFA Dubai app (iOS or Android) OR visit gdrfad.gov.ae |
| Step 2 | Select ‘Book Appointment’ and choose ‘Al Awir Branch’ |
| Step 3 | Select your service type (visa renewal, sponsorship, fine clearance, etc.) |
| Step 4 | Choose your preferred date and time slot — morning slots (7:30–9:30 AM) fill first. |
| Step 5 | Enter your Emirates ID or passport number to confirm |
| Step 6 | Receive a reference number via SMS and email — save it |
| Step 7 | On visit day: print or save your reference number, bring your Emirates ID, and arrive 10 minutes early. |
Note: For peak periods (after school holidays, post Ramadhan, and September – October), appointments are booked 3-5 days ahead of time. Please book well in advance – if plans change, reschedule through the app.
Amer Centers: Skip Al Awir for Eligible Services
This is the least utilized time-saving feature in Dubai immigration — not many competitor guides explain it properly. Amer Centers are government-approved service centers throughout Dubai, which serve many of the same services as Al Aweer, and have extended hours, shorter lines, and are located close to your home or office.
| Service | Available at Amer Center? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa renewal (individual) | Yes | Full processing — no need to visit Al Aweer |
| Fine payment/clearance | Yes | Card payment accepted |
| Visa status inquiry | Yes | Instant — no queue required |
| Entry permit (visit visa) | Yes | For inviting family/guests |
| Visa cancellation | Yes | Full processing available |
| Family sponsorship | Yes (most cases) | Complex cases may require Al Aweer |
| Biometric submission (new visa) | No — Al Aweer required | Must visit the office in person |
| New company visa quota | No — Al Aweer required | Corporate services require the main branch |
Look for your local Amer center at gdrfad.gov.ae/amer-centers or use the Google Maps search function ‘Amer Center near me’. The majority are open Sunday through Thursday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; some are open on Saturdays — much more flexible than Al Aweer’s government hours.
Before You Visit: 8 Things Most People Don’t Know
1. Cash is not accepted. Al Awir only takes card payments (Credit and Debit). Atm’s are available, but do not accept cash at the counter. Don’t leave your debit card at home before lining up.
- Dress code is strictly enforced. It’s a UAE government building. Revealing clothing, such as sleeveless tops and shorts, is not allowed. Modesty of dress – covered shoulders and knees for males and females. Visitors are turned away if they don’t comply.
- Counters close before 3:30 PM.Counters close when the daily limit for a service has been met, and may shut at the earliest as early as 1:30–2:00 PM on high-demand services. Don’t expect to arrive after 2:00 PM.
- Your typing must be done before entering. All of the services will ask for an application form that has been typed and stamped at a typing centre. Without this, do not enter the main building. The typing centres are right next door to the immigration office and are 10-20 minutes away.
- Medical fitness must be from a GDRFA-approved centre. Not any clinic – the medical fitness certificate should be issued by a medical centre approved by GDRFA. If an unapproved centre is used, it will be rejected; a list can be found at gdrfad.gov.ae.
- Digital copies on your phone are your backup. Store all versions of documents in a WhatsApp chat or a Google Drive folder on your cellphone. When a physical copy is unclear or lost, having a clear digital copy can help avoid an unnecessary trip in some cases.
- The GDRFA Dubai app is faster than the website. The GDRFA Dubai app (available for iOS and Android devices) is more reliable and quicker to book appointments, check status, and enquire about services than the web portal. Download it before your visit.
- Children must be present for biometrics. The child will need to appear in person in the office for biometric data capture (fingerprints and photo) for family sponsorship and new residence visas for children older than the stated age. Please verify the existing age limit with 800 5111 before the visit.
Final Thoughts
Some of the most crucial documents an expat will deal with in Dubai are handled through the Al Aweer Immigration Office, and three things are essential if you want a hassle-free single-visit deal: arrive early, have all the documents in hand, and make an appointment beforehand.
On arrival: download the GDRFA Dubai app, schedule an appointment, head to the typing centre next to the office before you arrive, and present your debit card (not cash). If your service is available, do try the Amer Center closer to you, as that will be quicker and easier. Please note: Always check gdrfad.gov.ae for the latest updates or call 800 5111 before travelling.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Al Awir Immigration Office timings in 2026?
Al Awir Immigration Office will be open from Sunday to Thursday, 7:30 am to 3:30 pmm. It is closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Time is shortened during Ramadan, usually between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Please check with 800 5111 before visiting on or around public holidays.
- Where exactly is the Al Awir Immigration Office?
The office is located at Al Rowaiyah 3, 83 Dubai-Hatta Road (E44), Dubai, UAE. To find precise directions,s use Google Maps and search for ‘GDRFA Al Awir‘. It is adjacent to Al Awir Industrial Area and Al Awir Police Station.
- Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?
Walk-ins welcome, but appointments are highly recommended. Patients waiting for appointments are served in 20-40 minutes, while patients who wait in are served in 2-4 hours. Make a free booking using the GDRFA Dubai app or gdrfad.gov.ae.
4. Does Al Awir Immigration Office accept cash?
NO — this office does NOT accept cash payments. All payments are accepted by debit/credit card only. Nearby ATMs are available, if necessary.
5. What is the best time to visit the Al Awir Immigration Office?
7:30 AM to 9:00 AM — make your way to the opening to get the shortest queues and ensure same-day service. Try not to come during rush hours between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Do not arrive for an appointment after 2:00 PM.
6. Can I renew my visa at an Amer Center instead of Al Awir?
Yes — Most individual visa renewals, fine payments, and family sponsorships can be handled at any Amer Center in Dubai, with longer hours and shorter queues. Connect to your closest at gdrfad.gov.ae/amer-centers.
7. What documents do I need for a visa renewal at Al Awir?
Original passport, original Emirates ID, 2 passport photos, medical fitness certificate (GDRFA approved), valid health insurance, typed Application Form from the adjacent typing centre. Complete the checklist above in the document section.
8. Is there parking at Al Awir Immigration Office?
Yes – Free parking is available at the office. However, it fills by 8:00–8:30 AM on busy days. Please arrive at 77:15 AM to get a place. Street parking is available nearby, with guidance to initiate overflow parking.
9. How do I contact the Al Awir Immigration Office?
Call 800 5111 (toll-free within the UAE) or +971 4 313 9999 from outside the UAE. It is also possible to check visa status, book appointments, and even make service requests online at gdrfad.gov.ae or through the GDRFA Dubai app.
10. What is the difference between Al Awir and Al Jafiliya immigration offices?
Both are branches of GDRFA Dubai providing the same services. Al Awir has no metro access and free parking in east Dubai (Mirdif, Rashidiya, Al Warqa). Al Jafiliya is located in the center and west of Dubai, and it is close to Jafiliya Metro Station. Go to the branch that is most convenient for you, such as your home or work.
