Indian Embassy in UAE Closes Four Consular Service Centres, Passport and Visa Services Continue at 12 Locations
The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi has announced changes to the network of Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) in the United Arab Emirates, with four centres discontinuing operations from October 22, 2026. Indian nationals can continue accessing passport, visa, document attestation and other consular services through 12 designated centres across the UAE.
The change affects Indian expatriates and other applicants who rely on these centres for routine consular documentation. The embassy’s announcement identifies the centres that have ceased accepting applications and directs applicants to use the remaining service locations.
Four Indian Consular Application Centres Close
The four centres that discontinued operations from October 22 are located in Musaffah and Al Reem in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Investment Park I in Dubai, and Al Majaz in Sharjah.
Applicants who previously used these locations are advised to check the current arrangements before travelling to submit documents or collect processed passports. Following the closures, the remaining centres serve applicants across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.
According to reporting by Gulf News, passport collection arrangements have also been issued for certain closed locations. Collection counters have remained available at Musaffah, Dubai Investment Park and Al Majaz for eligible applicants, while passports associated with Al Reem are to be collected from the Al Danah centre. These arrangements concern passport collection only; application-submission counters at the four closed centres are not operating.
Where Applicants Can Access Services
The 12 continuing Indian Consular Application Centres are located in:
- Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra: Al Danah, Al Ain, Madinat Zayed and Ghayathi
- Dubai: Bur Dubai
- Sharjah: Indian Association Sharjah, Kalba and Khor Fakkan
- Other emirates: Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah
Applicants should verify the precise address, appointment availability and service category through the official embassy website and the designated service provider before visiting. Centre operations and passport collection arrangements may differ, so applicants should not assume that every location offers every service.
What Indian Expatriates Should Know
The changes are particularly relevant to Indian residents who need passport renewals, new passports, visa-related services, attestation of documents and other consular assistance. Applicants who had planned visits to the four discontinued centres should review their appointments and confirm where their applications or processed documents can be handled.
The outsourced Indian consular, passport, visa and attestation services in the UAE are being provided through Al Hind Tours & Travels. The embassy’s published guidance directs applicants to use the designated application-centre network and the official appointment portal for relevant services.
Applicants are encouraged to book appointments where required, carry the correct supporting documents and check announcements before travelling. Those collecting passports should follow the latest instructions issued for their particular centre and application.
Service Provider Transition and Future Changes
The latest closures come amid changes to the outsourced service arrangements for Indian consular services. The tender process for the service provider has faced legal challenges, and the future arrangement remains subject to the applicable procurement process. Gulf News reported in October that a fresh tender had been issued, with the contract award scheduled for November 27, 2026.
Until further official announcements are made, applicants should rely on the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai for authoritative information. The continued operation of the 12 centres allows services to remain accessible, but applicants should plan ahead and confirm the latest details to reduce the risk of unnecessary travel or delays.
The embassy’s announcement is an important update for the Indian community in the UAE, where consular centres provide essential documentation services to expatriates and families. Checking official notices before visiting will be especially important while the service network and outsourcing arrangements continue to evolve.
