The Al Aweer Immigration Office is among the most vital government service bureaus for immigration, residency, and visa-related transactions in Dubai. It is run by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) and caters to residents, employers, investors, tourists, and families who are performing all sorts of UAE immigration-related tasks.
This center in the Al Awir (Al Aweer) region of Dubai is renowned for its handling of residency procedures, entry permits, visa applications, status changes, and immigration questions. The Al Awir Public Services Section is also often called the GDRFA Al Awir Center.
If you require any information, such as visa renewals, residency services, family sponsorship, or location, this guide covers it all about the Al Aweer Immigration Office in Dubai.
Quick Facts
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Authority | General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) |
| Common Name | Al Aweer Immigration Office |
| Location | Al Rowaiyah 3, Al Awir, Dubai |
| Area | Dubai-Hatta Road (E44) |
| Contact Number | 800 5111 |
| International Contact | +971 4 313 9999 |
| Services | Residency, visas, permits, sponsorship, immigration services |
| Official Email | amer@gdrfad.gov.ae |
| Operating Authority | GDRFA Dubai |
Sources: GDRFA Dubai official information.
What Is the Al Aweer Immigration Office?

Al Aweer Immigration Office is the government authority responsible for carrying out the immigration process within the Emirate of Dubai and is considered a public service office under the governmental regulation GDRFA Dubai.
The center is a significant support for the following:
- UAE residents
- Foreign workers
- Employers and companies
- Investors
- Families sponsoring dependents
- People who need help with their visas while visiting.
Dubai has been a hub for international talent and investment, and immigration centres like Al Aweer have become a vital conduit and service hub for conducting legal residency and immigration processes.
Office Location
The office is situated in Al Rowaiyah 3 in the catchment area of Al Awir district in Dubai, in the vicinity of Dubai-Hatta Road (E44). According to official location references, it is part of the public services network of the GDRFA in Al Awir.
Address
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai – Al Awir Center, is responsible for issuing your UAE visa. The UAE visa is issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs,s Dubai – Al Awir Center.
Al Rowaiyah Third
Al Awir (Al Aweer)
Dubai, UAE
Its location is also away from the central business districts of Dubai, thus making it more accessible for the visitors that arrive from eastern Dubai, industrial districts, as well as neighbouring emirates. It can be accessed by the Dubai-Hatta Road and other local roads.
How to Reach
There are multiple modes of transportation to the center for the general public.
By Car
One of the most convenient ways to get to the office is by car. The centre lies along Hatta Road, near Dubai and is connected to the main road networks of Dubai. There are generally parking facilities around.
By Taxi
Dubai taxi and ride-hailing services are available that go directly to the Al Awir Immigration Office. The centre itself is a known centre of Government, so most drivers are aware of the location.
By Public Transport
The travellers of the public transportation normally travel on the Dubai Metro Red Line from Al Quoz, then go by bus to Al Awir from Centrepoint Metro Station. There are public transport routes that are available to the immigration center area as well as to the nearby terminals.
The metro/bus service is a cost-effective option for many tourists.
Office Timings
The Public Services Section at Al Awir Center is in operation as detailed on the official information of the GDRFA:
Service Period
| Service Period | Operating Hours |
| Regular Days | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Ramadan | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Occasionally, Government authorities may announce alternative schedules on public holidays, religious holidays, or during special periods of service. For instance, during the Eid holidays, GDRFA confirmed that Al Aweer Happiness Centre is operating at extended hours during the holidays.
Visitors should check the current times before travelling as they are subject to change.
Available Services

Under the umbrella of GDRFA Dubai, the Al Aweer Immigration Office provides various immigration and residency services.
Residency Visa Services
Residency services continue to be one of the most common transactions desired at the centre.
These services comprise the issuance of new residency permits, renewing residency permits, amendments to residency permits, and the issuance of documents in relation to a residency permit. If the person is changing his/her work status, sponsoring family members, or updating records of residency, they may need to undergo the procedures through the GDRFA.

The office helps applicants to keep their residency records in line with UAE immigration laws.
Entry Permit Services
The UAE entry permits are a vital aspect of immigration administration in the UAE.
Entry permits may be required for work, family sponsorship, business visits, or otherwise be required for employment. Applications and supporting documents are looked at by immigration officers who then process the approvals in the relevant GDRFA systems.
Family Sponsorship Applications
Often, residents have to seek help with the immigration process when they sponsor spouses, children, parents and other eligible dependents.
The Al Aweer center supports the review process of documents, the submission of applications and the immigration procedure in family sponsorship. The requirements differ by sponsorship category and UAE regulations.
Visa Renewal and Extension Services
Extension and visa renewals may be required for those close to the end of their visas.
Depending on the visa category, applicants may need to provide new documents and fulfil these new eligibility criteria before they can be granted the visa. They may also need to go through additional documentation processes. The office supports the processing of such requests using GDRFA systems.
Visa Cancellation Services
All employees, those who have transferred their work sponsor or those who have decided to relocate to another country, will need to follow the visa cancellation procedures.
The Al Aweer Immigration Office is assisting people in requesting cancellation and also in ensuring that the immigration records are updated correctly. When cancelling, avoid future immigration problems by ensuring proper cancellation.
Overstay and Fine-Related Services
The center also handles query issues on immigration violations and immigration overstays.
Guests can have information about fines and status checks, as well as immigration issues and how to resolve them. The information on outstanding penalties and compliance requirements is updated through official channels of the GDRFA.
Documents Commonly Required for Immigration Services

Different types of documents are required for different types of services. But many of the immigration procedures normally involve:
- Original passport
- Please provide Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Visa copy
- Sponsorship documents
- Application forms
- Supporting government documents
Visa requirements vary depending on visa type, visa holder status and applicant type. Please check the current documentation through GDRFA or authorized centres of Amer before visiting.
The Role of GDRFA Dubai
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) is the office that oversees the immigration, residency, citizenship-related services and entry permit procedures across Dubai.
Its responsibilities include:
- Residency permits
- Entry permits
- Visa processing
- Foreign affairs services
- Overstay management
- Smart immigration initiatives
- Golden Visa services
GDRFA offers direct access to government immigration services to residents and visitors through centers like Al Aweer.
Al Aweer Immigration Office vs Amer Centers
A lot of would-be immigrants question themselves on which office to visit, either an immigration office or an Amer office.
Amer Centers are authorized service providers, and they enable many of the transactions related to the GDRFA, such as visa applications, residency services, changing GDRFA status and processing documents. These centers facilitate residents in filling out application forms prior to their submission to the concerned government systems.
On the other hand, the Al Aweer Immigration Office is part of the GDRFA service network and is responsible for official immigration-related procedures and public services.
Many residents begin their interactions with the Government of the District of Columbia’s Resident Experience Amer Centers for routine issues, and more involved immigration issues may involve communicating with the Government of the District of Columbia’s service facilities.
Tips Before Visiting
For faster response time and to avoid repeat visits, it is important to make arrangements beforehand.
If at all possible, come early on immigration periods. Check that all necessary paperwork is complete and up-to-date before departing home. For any changes related to sponsorship, employment, or residency, please verify with official sources since immigration laws will change over time.
Keeping copies of important documents, printed and on hand, is also recommended.
If arriving by car, visitors may need to make their plans in advance as the Al Awir area is outside of central Dubai’s main commercial centres.
Contact Details
GDRFA Dubai can be reached for official enquiries via the following numbers:
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Toll-Free Number | 800 5111 |
| International Number | +971 4 313 9999 |
| amer@gdrfad.gov.ae | |
| Authority | GDRFA Dubai |
Conclusion
One of Dubai’s main immigration service centers that offers direct access to services related to residency, visa, sponsorship, permit, and immigration services is Al Aweer Immigration Office, which falls under GDRFA Dubai. The center also offers services that are geographically convenient to Al Awir residents and businesses and its extended hours serve hundreds of thousands of residents, businesses and visitors with official immigration services each year. The knowledge of the office’s location, services, and procedures can help ensure a smoother and more efficient experience, whether it’s visa renewal, residency support, family sponsorship services, or immigration guidance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Al Aweer Immigration Office?
Al Aweer Immigration Office is a service center of the GDRFA Dubai, which specializes in immigration and residency, visa, and sponsorship services.
Where is the Al Aweer Immigration Office located?
It is situated in Al Rowaiyah 3, Al Awir, Dubai, next to Dubai-Hatta Road (E44).
Which authority manages the Al Aweer Immigration Office?
The center is under the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA Dubai).
What are the Al Aweer Immigration Office timings?
According to the official GDRFA information, the operating hours are 6 hours daily from AM to PM, and during the time of Ramadan, the operating hours are different.
Can I renew my residency visa at Al Aweer Immigration Office?
Yes. One of the basic services for which you can obtain a residency visa through GDRFA Dubai is the basic service.
Does the office handle family sponsorship applications?
Yes. Family sponsorship and dependent residency are included in the scope of immigration services provided by GDRFA.
What documents should I bring?
Passports, visa copies, photographs and documents relating to sponsorship, among others, are often required, depending on the kind of service. Please check the latest requirements before visiting.
Is parking available at the location?
Most of the time, parking is available around the Al Awir government service area and the availability will depend on the number of people visiting.
What is the nearest metro station?
The Al Awir area has the nearest metro station to Centrepoint, which is the Centrepoint Metro Station.
Can I contact the office before visiting?
Yes. GDRFA Dubai offers telephone and email service via its dedicated customer service lines.

