Dubai has just opened the world’s largest Visa Application Centre, helping to meet the demand from the increasing number of tourists travelling to Germany from the United Arab Emirates. In 2024, approximately 146,900 visitors from the United Arab Emirates traveled to Germany. Tourists from the UAE now make up the largest group of Gulf travellers to Germany, with UAE travel to Germany accounting for nearly 30% of all GCC visitors. This marks a steady increase in travel from the UAE to Germany, reflecting the growing interest of UAE residents in German destinations.
The trend is supported by factors such as direct flight connections, Germany’s appeal for medical tourism, luxury shopping, and cultural experiences. Interestingly, a new direct flight between Abu Dhabi and Berlin by Eurowings is expected to further boost UAE travel to Germany in 2025 and beyond. This direct connection between the two capitals is the first of its kind.
Government and Kingfamily opens the new Visacenter
The UAE government has been actively working to support and streamline international travel, including to Germany. Through bilateral agreements, digital transformation initiatives, and enhanced consular services, the government aims to make outbound travel smoother, more efficient, and accessible for both citizens and residents. These efforts are part of a broader national vision to position the UAE as a global mobility and travel hub.
Further strengthening this commitment, Dubai has become home to the World’s Largest Visa Application Centre, revolutionising visa services for a new era. The centre was inaugurated by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai; and Mr. Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global Group.
200 machines and 400 agents working here for fast Service for the passengers
Future-ready, culturally rooted, and powered by AI — the state-of-the-art Dubai centre sets a new global benchmark — built not just for today, but for the travel demands of tomorrow. At nearly 150,000 square feet, the centre is equipped to handle up to 10,000 visa applications daily – a capacity that stands as the highest for any single location.
