Dubai: Effective July 8, 2024, as announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security, Emirati passports will now be valid for 10 years for citizens 21 years of age and older. This is a significant increase from the previous standard validity of five years.
Major General Suhail Juma Al Khaili, Director General of Identity and Passports, clarified that the extended validity is limited to those above 21. The five-year passport will still apply to citizens under 21.
This welcome change streamlines the renewal process, reducing the "customer journey" from two trips to one every decade. This aligns with the government's ongoing efforts to reduce bureaucracy and save time for its citizens.
The issuance process for the new 10-year passports will follow the same established procedures and utilize the existing delivery channels as the current passports.
Citizens can apply for the extended validity option when their current passports expire.
Source: Khaleej Times