Soon, UAE citizens can renew passports one year from date of expiry

UAE citizens will soon be able to renew their passports a year before its expiry date, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) announced on Thursday. 

Previously, citizens could only start the renewal process six months from the date of expiry. 

It will come into effect on August 18, with citizens able to apply via ICP's smart services platform.

Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi, Chairman of the ICP,  said the decision will improve citizens’ quality of life by enabling them to plan international travel well in advance, complete official transactions seamlessly, and expand the use of secure digital documents.

He added that the UAE passport continues to rank as the world’s most powerful, trusted and widely recognised travel document.

The decision, Al Shamsi added, is a strong boost to its global standing.