Latest news with #FederalAuthorityforIdentity


Time Out Abu Dhabi
13 hours ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
This new app will make airport travel in Abu Dhabi a lot faster
If you've ever wished your airport experience could be quicker and more seamless, the UAE has heard you. A new digital innovation called UAE Fast Track is changing the way travellers enter Abu Dhabi, offering a dramatically faster immigration process powered entirely by your smartphone. Developed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), UAE Fast Track lets you complete all the usual arrival procedures – like passport scanning, fingerprinting and facial recognition – before you even leave home. Once registered, you can breeze through immigration in as little as ten seconds without ever pulling out your passport at the gate. Say goodbye to queues as you cruise through, courtesy the UAE Fast Track app, a faster, smoother airport experience enabled at Zayed International. #ZayedInternationalAirport #AUH — Zayed International Airport (@AUH) July 1, 2025 The app, now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Travellers simply download it, register by scanning their passport, capture their facial data using the front camera and complete fingerprint scans using the phone's rear camera. You'll also be prompted to enter your arrival date, departure details and port of entry. The goal is to eliminate queues and paperwork, all while maintaining a high level of security and data accuracy. Once everything is submitted and verified, travellers arriving at Zayed International Airport can skip the manual checks. The airport's smart immigration lanes will automatically recognise pre-registered passengers, offering a swift and touch-free entry experience. The new app isn't just about speed. It's about convenience and precision. By removing the need for manual input at border control, the UAE Fast Track system minimises human error and enhances the overall airport journey for residents and visitors alike. Officials are urging users to enter their information accurately, as incorrect or false details could lead to legal complications. With security built into every step, UAE Fast Track aims to make high-volume international arrivals safer, smarter and significantly more efficient. If you're flying this summer, it's worth getting a head start. UAE Fast Track is now live and ready to simplify your next arrival. Need some travel inspo? Etihad Airways is giving away cute presents on their summer flights A flight and a gift? Yes please 18 countries offering visa-on-arrival to UAE residents Here's where to go UAE citizens now get visa-on-arrival for India: a game-changer for travellers That quick trip to India just got even easier


Gulf Today
6 days ago
- Gulf Today
Fujairah Airport Customs foils heroin smuggling attempt
The General Directorate of Ports at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, in collaboration with Fujairah International Airport, successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle heroin concealed within a substantial quantity of dietary supplements. This significant seizure highlights the exemplary efficiency of customs inspection officers and the effective deployment of smart technologies at the nation's air borders. A press statement released by the ICP today detailed the incident, explaining that customs inspection at Fujairah International Airport apprehended a passenger of Asian nationality attempting to enter the UAE from his country of origin. Upon inspection of the passenger's luggage, officers discovered a large consignment of dietary supplements. This included 100 containers holding 6,000 supplement capsules and 70 bags of powdered dietary supplements. Advanced testing of these supplements revealed the presence of narcotic heroin within the capsules, prompting immediate initiation of legal proceedings. The Authority underscored that the successful thwarting of this smuggling attempt serves as a testament to the vigilance and expertise of customs inspection officers at airports. It also reaffirms the critical role of modern smart devices in detecting illicit narcotics, thereby significantly contributing to community safety and bolstering efforts in the fight against smuggling. WAM


Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Heroin smuggling attempt through dietary supplement capsules foiled at UAE's Fujairah Airport
An attempt to smuggle heroin into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by a passenger was successfully thwarted at Fujairah International Airport on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The General Directorate of Ports at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security conducted the successful operation in cooperation with Fujairah International Airport and apprehended an Asian passenger at the airport. He had arrived in the Emirates with a huge amount of dietary supplements — 100 containers with 6,000 capsules and 70 additional bags of dietary supplements in powder form, according to Khaleej Times. The smuggling attempt came to light when airport authorities stopped the passenger for a routine baggage inspection after customs officers noticed something suspicious, Gulf News reported. Officers then decided to take a closer look. After intercepting the passenger at the airport, authorities inspected his luggage. They carried out advanced testing of these supplements. Later it was revealed that the supplements had a presence of narcotic heroin within the capsules. Upon discovery, legal proceedings were initiated against the passenger. The authority underscored that the vigilance and expertise of customs inspection officers at airports ensured successful thwarting of this smuggling attempt. They also asserted that besides swift action from the customs officials, modern smart devices and advanced technology also play an instrumental role in detecting illicit narcotics and significantly contribute to community safety and bolstering efforts in the fight against smuggling. Live Events According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Heroin is an opioid drug made from morphine, a natural substance taken from the seed pod of the various opium poppy plants grown in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, and Colombia. Heroin can be a white or brown powder, or a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin.


TAG 91.1
6 days ago
- TAG 91.1
Fujairah Airport Customs stops heroin smuggling attempt
The General Directorate of Ports at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, in collaboration with Fujairah International Airport, successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle heroin concealed within a large quantity of dietary supplements. A press statement released by the ICP on Friday detailed the incident, explaining that customs inspection at Fujairah International Airport apprehended a passenger of Asian nationality attempting to enter the UAE from his country of origin. Upon inspection of the passenger's luggage, officers discovered a large consignment of dietary supplements. This included 100 containers holding 6,000 supplement capsules and 70 bags of powdered dietary supplements. Advanced testing of these supplements revealed the presence of narcotic heroin within the capsules, prompting immediate initiation of legal proceedings. The Authority highlighted that the successful thwarting of this smuggling attempt serves as a testament to the vigilance and expertise of customs inspection officers at airports. They also reaffirmed the critical role of modern smart devices in detecting illicit narcotics in significantly contributing to community safety and bolstering efforts in the fight against smuggling.


Time Out Dubai
20-06-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
7 Dubai visa changes you need to know in 2025
It's no secret that Dubai is one of the best places in the world to live and visit. In the past year, the emirate has introduced a number of new Dubai visa changes and initiatives to make it easier to extend your stay, visit the city and even move with a long-term residence visa. Whether you're interested in moving to Dubai or are looking at extending your stay, it's always worth knowing about the latest visa news. Here's what you need to know. The Blue visa has launched The 10-year blue visa has officially been launched (Credit: Canva) First announced in May of 2024, the blue visa was only officially launched in February 2025. Holders can get The blue visa is a 10-year residence visa aimed towards people who have made a significant positive contribution to the environment inside or outside the UAE. It will be given to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organisations and companies, global award winners, distinguished activists and researchers. The visa is an extension of the highly sought-after UAE golden visa system and the green residency permit which have both been in place for some time. After launching in February, applicants across the world will have 24/7 access to the blue visa service on the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. Nurses to get golden visas Hamdan bin Mohammed issued directives to grant golden visas to nursing staff employed with Dubai Health who have served for more than 15 years. The decision comes in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community and their crucial role in advancing the quality of… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 12, 2025 The highly sought-after golden visa has been granted to nurses in Dubai. Granting holders a 10-year residence, the golden visa is awarded to those who work every day to make Dubai such a great place to live. To coincide with International Nurses Day, observed annually on May 12, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE issued a directive to grant nurses golden visas. Nursing staff who have served Dubai Health for more than 15 years will be issued with the long-term residency visa in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community. The nursing golden visa rewards those who have played a crucial role in advancing the quality of healthcare services in the emirate. Influencers to get golden visa help The Creators HQ in Dubai will help people get a UAE influencers golden visa (Credit: Canva) If you're a content creator then you could be in line for a special long-term residency in the UAE. The influencer golden visa has been rolled out following the 1 Billion Followers Summit in January 2025. Influencers, photographers, writers and more content creators who push the boundaries of creativity and innovation are able to apply via the newly established Creators HQ. The Creators HQ will assist up to 10,000 online personalities with getting their hands on a long-term residence permit. Criteria for applicants to qualify include a proven track record of impactful or creative work and strong potential for contributing to the UAE's creative community. New AI-assisted Dubai visa application Dubai has introduced a new AI-powered digital platform which will make it easier and quicker to renew Dubai visas. Salama will allow people living in the emirate to renew their existing Dubai visa within minutes. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs launched the platform on Monday February 24 to improve the efficiency of government services. Available services include renewing and cancelling the residency of sponsored persons and finding the answers to questions. Dubai visa rules expanded for Indian nationals Indian nationals are now able to get a visa-on-arrival in Dubai and the rest of the UAE following an expansion to the visa rules. Indian passport holders with valid residency permits from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea will now be able to get a visa upon entry at all UAE ports including Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central. Previously rules were expanded to allow Indian nationals with valid European Union, United Kingdom and United States of America permits to also obtain a UAE visa-on-arrival. It means that there is now much less hassle for Indian travellers coming to Dubai. Golden visa for teachers introduced The golden visa is now available to educators (Credit: Adobe Express) Announced on Saturday October 5 in 2024, World Teachers' Day, educators are now able to get their hands on a golden visa. It is available to exceptional educators who have demonstrated outstanding performance and made significant contributions to Dubai's private education sector. Applicants need to meet a certain set of criteria to qualify including success in raising the quality of education at institutions they've worked at and having a positive impact on the wider educational community. The full set of criteria can be found on the Knowledge and Human Development Authority site. It's quicker to get a work visa The work bundle changes outlined (Credit: Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE) Introduced in summer of 2024, the UAE work bundle means it's now quicker to go through the process of applying for a visa. As part of the government's plan to eliminate bureaucracy, the application process has now been reduced from one month down to five days. Previously you needed 16 documents to apply for a residency visa but now you need just five. Life in Dubai In pictures: Dubai then and now See just how much the city has changed through the decades UAE public holidays All the details on the official public and private sector holidays here New restaurants in Dubai that you need to visit right now From casual eats to fine dining, there's bound to be a new venue you'll want to try