Meydan Freezone 
IFZA
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DMCC
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JAFZA
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DUQE
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Government Services in UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a range of government-approved centres designed to make life easier for residents and visitors. Whether you need to handle immigration paperwork, get a medical checkup for a visa, or renew a driving license, there’s likely a centre dedicated to helping you. Here’s a clear, easy-to-understand overview of some major service centers in the UAE, what they offer, and who can benefit from their services.
Amer Centers
What They Are: Amer Centers are authorized service centres under the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.Services Offered: They assist with visa-related services, including visa applications, renewals, cancellations, and residency permits. They also help with Emirates ID services, updating personal information, and more.Who Should Visit: Anyone who needs help with immigration or residency matters in Dubai. If you’re a resident applying for a new residency visa or want to sponsor your family, Amer Centers can guide you step-by-step.
Tasheel Centers
What They Are: Tasheel Centers, operated under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, handle labor-related processes.Services Offered: They provide services for work permits, labor contract renewals, amendments, and complaint resolutions.Who Should Visit: Employers and employees dealing with work permits, labor contracts, and other employment-related issues benefit from Tasheel Centers.
Dubai Courts
What They Are: Dubai Courts are the official judicial authority in Dubai.Services Offered: They handle legal matters, such as filing cases, obtaining legal documents, and verifying legal papers. They also provide notary public services.Who Should Visit: Lawyers, individuals seeking to resolve legal disputes, or those needing certified legal documents should head to Dubai Courts.
Medical Fitness Centers
What They Are: These centers provide government-approved medical tests required by immigration authorities, mainly for visa approvals.Services Offered: Mandatory health screenings, blood tests, and X-rays required when applying for or renewing a residency visa.Who Should Visit: Anyone applying for a new visa or renewing their existing residency visa usually needs a medical fitness test.
ICP Center (Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security)
What They Are: ICP Centers (previously known as ICA) are responsible for identity, citizenship, and related services in the UAE.Services Offered: They handle Emirates ID applications and renewals, entry permits, and other residency-related services that fall under federal jurisdiction.Who Should Visit: UAE citizens, residents, and anyone needing services related to Emirates ID, visas, or residency documents can visit an ICP Center.
Dubai Notary
What They Are: Dubai Notary offices are part of the Dubai Courts system, providing official notary services.Services Offered: They notarize documents such as contracts, power of attorney forms, and other legal papers, ensuring these documents are legally recognized.Who Should Visit: Individuals or businesses needing to legalize documents will find Dubai Notary services essential.
DET Center (Department of Economy and Tourism)
What They Are: DET Centers (formerly DED for Department of Economic Development) are government offices overseeing business and tourism in Dubai.Services Offered: Business license applications, renewals, trade name registration, and various tourism-related approvals.Who Should Visit: Entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors who need licenses, permits, or certifications to operate in Dubai.
Tawjeeh Centers
What They Are: Tawjeeh Centers are authorized training and guidance centers focused on educating employers and employees about UAE labor laws.Services Offered: Mandatory training sessions, awareness programs about rights and obligations, and guidance on legal frameworks.Who Should Visit: Employers and employees who need to attend mandatory courses or want to better understand UAE labor laws.
Tadbeer Centers
What They Are: Tadbeer Centers are specialized service centers for domestic workers.Services Offered: Visa services, contract renewals, and training for domestic helpers (such as maids, nannies, and drivers). They ensure transparent and fair hiring procedures.Who Should Visit: Families or individuals looking to hire domestic helpers or renew their contracts should visit Tadbeer Centers.
Occupational Health Centers
What They Are: Centers dedicated to ensuring worker safety and health standards.Services Offered: Health screenings, fitness assessments related to specific job requirements, and occupational health consulting.Who Should Visit: Employers who need to ensure their workers meet health and safety standards, and employees who require certain medical clearances for their jobs.
RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) Service Centers
What They Are: RTA Service Centers manage driving and transportation-related services.Services Offered: Driving license applications, renewals, vehicle registrations, parking permits, and Salik (toll) tag services.Who Should Visit: Anyone who owns a vehicle, needs a driving license, or requires any road-related service in Dubai.
Typing Centers
What They Are: Privately owned but government-approved centers that help customers complete various government forms and applications.Services Offered: Filling out visa applications, labor forms, Emirates ID registrations, and other required documentation.Who Should Visit: Individuals who need help with paperwork for government applications but are unsure how to navigate the process. Typing centers can guide you in multiple languages.
MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention)
What It Is: MOHAP is the federal authority in charge of healthcare regulation, preventive medicine, and health services across the United Arab Emirates. It sets national health policies and ensures that public and private healthcare providers meet the highest standards.Services Offered:
- Licensing and Accreditation: MOHAP grants licenses to doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. It also licenses hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and other medical facilities.
- Preventive Health Programs: The ministry runs vaccination campaigns, health awareness initiatives, and screening programs to prevent diseases and promote community health.
- Regulation of Medicines and Medical Devices: MOHAP ensures that medicines and medical devices available in the UAE meet international safety and quality standards.
- Who Should Visit: Healthcare professionals needing licensing, medical facilities requiring regulatory approvals, or individuals seeking information on national health campaigns may interact with MOHAP or its authorized centers.
MOFAIC (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation)
- What It Is: MOFAIC is responsible for managing the UAE’s diplomatic relationships, foreign policy, and international cooperation. Beyond high-level diplomacy, it provides essential document attestation services and other services for citizens, residents, and businesses.Services Offered:
- Document Attestation: MOFAIC attests educational certificates, marriage and birth certificates, powers of attorney, and other legal documents, ensuring their validity both within the UAE and abroad.
- Consular Services: The ministry provides help to UAE citizens abroad, including emergency assistance, passport renewals, and legal guidance.
- International Cooperation: MOFAIC works with other nations and international organizations to foster trade, investment, cultural exchange, and diplomatic ties.Who Should Visit: Individuals or businesses who need their documents officially attested or legalized for use abroad. UAE citizens traveling or working overseas may also seek consular support through MOFAIC.
- Municipality CentersWhat They Are: Municipality centers fall under local government authorities (like Dubai Municipality or Abu Dhabi Municipality) that oversee urban planning, public services, environmental health, and various community-related matters within each emirate.Services Offered:
- Building Permits and Planning: They issue approvals for building construction, renovations, and ensure all development projects comply with local guidelines and safety standards.
- Food Safety and Public Health: Municipalities inspect restaurants, food outlets, and supermarkets to maintain food safety standards. They also run public health and cleanliness initiatives, such as waste management and pest control.
- Land and Property Services: Municipalities handle land registration, provide details on property boundaries, and sometimes oversee property-related transactions.
- Public Spaces and Amenities: They plan and maintain parks, beaches, recreational areas, and public facilities, ensuring these spaces are well-managed for community use.
- Who Should Visit: Developers, contractors, and homeowners who need permits or approvals for construction and renovation projects. Restaurant owners, food suppliers, or anyone starting a business that requires licensing or health approvals would also interact with municipality centers. Residents can engage with them for information about local community resources, landscaping, and neighborhood services.
FAQs on Government Services in UAE
What types of services can Amer Centers help with?
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Amer Centers assist with residency visas, renewals, cancellations, Emirates ID services, and other GDRFA-related processes.
Do I need an appointment to visit an Amer Center?
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While walk-ins may be possible, it’s often best to book an appointment online to avoid long wait times.
What labor services do Tasheel Centers provide?
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Tasheel Centers handle work permits, labor contract renewals, amendments, and resolve employment-related complaints.
Can Tasheel help me file a labor complaint against my employer?
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Yes. Tasheel Centers assist employees in lodging and following up on labor complaints as per UAE labor laws.
What services do Dubai Courts offer to the public?
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Dubai Courts provide legal services, including case filings, judicial decisions, and notary public services to authenticate legal documents.
What types of documents can be notarized at Dubai Notary?
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Contracts, power of attorney documents, affidavits, and other legal papers can be officially witnessed and stamped by a Dubai Notary.
Why do I need a medical fitness test for my visa?
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medical fitness test is mandatory for residency or employment visas to ensure that residents are free from certain communicable diseases.
How long does it take to get the medical fitness test results?
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Generally, results are available within 24-48 hours, but processing times can vary depending on the centre and type of test.
What services are offered by the ICP Center?
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ICP Centers handle Emirates ID registrations and renewals, entry permits, and overall residency document management.
Can I renew my Emirates ID at an ICP Center without my passport?
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You must present your valid passport, residency visa, and previous Emirates ID to complete renewal procedures.
How can a DET Center help entrepreneurs?
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DET Centers assist with business license applications, renewals, and trade name reservations and provide guidance on starting or expanding a business.
Can I change my existing business activity at a DET Center?
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Yes. DET Centers help you modify your business activities or licenses, as long as they comply with current regulations.
What is the purpose of Tawjeeh training?
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Tawjeeh training educates employees and employers about UAE labor laws, workplace rights, and responsibilities, ensuring a well-informed workforce.
Is attending Tawjeeh sessions mandatory?
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Certain categories of employees and employers may be required to attend Tawjeeh sessions before completing contract-related transactions.
What services do Tadbeer Centers provide for hiring domestic helpers?
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Tadbeer Centers streamline the process of hiring domestic workers, handling their visas, contracts, medical tests, and providing training if needed.
Can Tadbeer Centers help resolve disputes with domestic workers?
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Yes. Tadbeer can mediate disputes and ensure that all parties follow fair and transparent contract terms.
Why do I need an occupational health screening?
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Some jobs require specific health clearances to ensure workers are fit to perform certain tasks safely and meet industry standards.
How often do I need to undergo occupational health checks?
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Frequency depend on industry regulations and job type. Some workers undergo annual exams, while others may need checks only before starting employment.
What services are offered at RTA Service Centers?
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RTA Centers handle driving license tests and renewals, vehicle registrations, parking permits, and toll tag (Salik) services.
Can I renew my vehicle registration online instead of visiting RTA?
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Many RTA services, including renewals, are available online. However, some transactions may still require a visit to an RTA Center.
What do Typing Centers do?
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Typing Centers assist customers in correctly filling out government application forms—such as visa forms, Emirates ID forms, or labor contracts—often in multiple languages.
Can Typing Centers also provide translation services?
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Many Typing Centers offer translation and typing of documents to ensure submissions meet official requirements.
What are MOHAP’s main responsibilities?
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MOHAP oversees healthcare regulations, licensing for medical professionals, vaccination campaigns, and ensures the quality and safety of medical services and products.
How can I verify if my clinic or pharmacy is MOHAP-licensed?
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You can check the MOHAP website or contact their hotline. MOHAP maintains a registry of licensed healthcare facilities and professionals.
Why do I need MOFAIC attestation for my documents?
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Attestation by MOFAIC makes your documents legally recognized and accepted by governments and institutions both in the UAE and internationally.
Can I get my documents attested online?
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MOFAIC offers online appointment booking and some services through its e-platform. Check their official website for the latest options.
What can I do at a Municipality Center?
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Municipality Centers handle building permits, property registrations, food safety inspections, waste management, and the upkeep of public spaces.
How do I apply for a building permit through the municipality
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Usually, building permit applications are submitted online. You may need to visit a Municipality Center for document verification or clarification.
