DUBAI- UAE’s capital Dubai has cemented its position as a global leader in innovative service delivery with the launch of the world’s largest visa application centre.
Located in Dubai’s Wafi City, the state-of-the-art facility by VFS Global represents a revolutionary approach to visa services, combining cutting-edge technology with an exceptional customer experience.
Largest Visa Application Centre
The landmark centre was inaugurated by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai; and Mr. Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VFS Global Group.
At the ceremony, His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri emphasized the strategic significance of the facility, stating, “This milestone is more than an infrastructure achievement — it reflects the strategic direction Dubai is taking to enhance global mobility, unlock access to opportunity, and accelerate growth across our visitor and business economy.”
Scale and Capacity
Spanning nearly 150,000 square feet, the facility represents a quantum leap in visa processing capabilities.
The centre is equipped to handle up to 10,000 visa applications daily – the highest capacity for any single location worldwide.
Supporting this massive operation is a team of over 400 trained professionals representing more than 25 nationalities.
The centre serves 37 client governments with over 200 submission counters, creating a unified destination for comprehensive visa services. This consolidation of services under one roof marks a significant advancement in global mobility infrastructure.
Technological Innovation
At the heart of the facility lies an AI Innovation Hub that powers smarter, faster, and more secure processing. The centre employs real-time document validation and next-generation biometrics to enhance security while improving efficiency.
Visitors experience a seamless journey through QR code-based e-tokens for check-in, guided by an advanced queue management system. Electronic displays and mobile updates minimise wait times and optimise applicant flow, even during peak periods.
The centre also houses a Digitisation Centre for converting paper documents into secure digital records and a Global Resilience Centre that ensures 24/7 operational uptime and data protection for all partner governments.
Customer-Centric Design
The facility features numerous amenities designed to enhance the applicant experience:
- Tech-enabled self-service kiosks
- Secure lockers
- Photo booths and photocopy stations
- Touchscreen information kiosks
- Airport-style navigation with clear signage
- Spacious waiting areas
- Buggy service for easy movement
- Dedicated prayer rooms
- Children’s play areas
- Various convenience zones
For those seeking enhanced comfort, the centre offers 79 Premium Lounge seating counters. It is also one of only two facilities in the UAE to provide the exclusive Platinum Lounge service, which includes chauffeur service, end-to-end application support, and a premium environment.
Alignment with the UAE’s Vision
During the inauguration, His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri noted, “This achievement embodies a true reflection of the directives of our wise leadership towards strengthening the nation’s position as a global hub for smart services and establishing a unique model for delivering government services with high efficiency and quality.”
The centre supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and aligns with the UAE Government’s ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. Coinciding with the Year of Community 2025, the facility incorporates Emirati cultural installations that celebrate Dubai’s diverse communities.
VFS Global UAE Connection
Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global Group, highlighted the company’s deep ties to the region: “Operating in the UAE since 2004, our journey has been defined by our unwavering commitment and a deep-rooted connection with this dynamic nation and its visionary leadership.”
VFS Global has been associated with the UAE since 2002 as the official visa service provider for Emirates Airlines (EK) passengers and has maintained its global headquarters in Dubai since 2013.
The flagship facility represents a new paradigm in visa services—one that integrates breakthrough technology with local values to ensure a future of secure, connected, and community-oriented travel while meeting the UAE’s growing outbound travel demand.
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