Dubai Introduces New AI System To Renew Visas And Residency Permits Quicker

Understanding the ‘Salama’ Platform

Dubai is known for its innovation, and ‘Salama’ is just the beginning of a bigger digital transformation in visa and residency services. ‘Salama’ is an innovative digital platform that uses artificial intelligence to make the process of renewing residency visas in Dubai simpler and even more efficient. This platform was launched in February 2025 and it is in perfect alignment with Dubai’s big vision of utilising technology to enhance the overall quality of life. It allows residents to complete renewals in just minutes, wiping out the need for extensive paperwork and long waiting times.

Important Features of ‘Salama’

Automatic User Recognition: When someone logs in, the platform’s AI will immediately identify the user and then display that user’s personal details and visa information.
Real-Time Visa Status: Users can view the status of their dependents’ visas, including the number of days remaining before the visa expires.
Instant Processing: Once the renewal duration is selected, the system processes the request immediately, allowing users to download updated documents without delay.
Integrated Payment System: The platform also includes an easy means of payment which enables users to complete transactions within the same interface.

How Does ‘Salama’ Transform Visa Renewals?

Dubai’s visa renewal process used to be a time-consuming and paperwork-heavy task. Before ‘Salama,’ residents had to visit service centers, submit multiple documents, and sometimes wait hours (or even days) for approvals. But now, thanks to artificial intelligence, the process has been completely transformed into a fast, hassle-free digital experience.

Let’s look at the ways that ‘Salama’ is making a big difference:

1. Super-Fast Processing Time

One of the biggest changes ‘Salama’ brings is speed. What once took hours or days now takes just one to two minutes. The AI system instantly verifies user details, cross-checks visa records, and processes the renewal request—all without human intervention.

2. No More Lengthy Paperwork

Forget about standing in long queues or filling out endless forms. ‘Salama’ automatically pulls up your visa details and lets you complete the renewal in just a few clicks. You don’t have to scan and upload multiple documents unless specifically required.

3. Instant Visa Status Updates

Ever wondered how many days are left on your visa? With ‘Salama,’ you don’t have to guess. The platform provides real-time updates on your visa status, including the expiry date of your dependents’ visas. This ensures you never miss a renewal deadline.

4. A Fully Digital, Paperless Experience

Dubai has been pushing for smart, eco-friendly solutions, and ‘Salama’ fits perfectly into this vision. Since everything happens online, you don’t need physical documents, printouts, or in-person visits. This makes the system more convenient and environmentally friendly.

5. 24/7 Availability—Renew Anytime, Anywhere

Unlike traditional service centers that operate only during business hours, ‘Salama’ is available 24/7. You can renew your visa anytime, whether you’re at home, at work, or even traveling. This flexibility is a game-changer for busy professionals and families.

6. Integrated Secure Payments

Previously, visa renewals required making payments through separate portals, leading to confusion and delays. ‘Salama’ eliminates this issue by offering a built-in secure payment system. You can complete the entire process—including payments—without leaving the platform.

Future Developments and Expansions

Currently, ‘Salama’ focuses on renewing residency visas for individuals and their family members. However, plans are going on to expand its capabilities:

Visitor and Tourist Services: The future phases will include services designed for visitors and tourists to make their visa processing easier.
Business Integration: The platform will extend its services to businesses, enabling smoother visa renewals for companies.
Additional GDRFA Services: Integration of more services, such as visa cancellations and inquiries, to provide a comprehensive solution for residency-related matters.

How ‘Salama’ Aligns with Dubai’s Vision for Digital Transformation

Dubai has always been known as a pioneer when it comes to innovation. From futuristic skyscrapers to self-driving taxis, the city is constantly pushing the boundaries of technology. So, it’s no surprise that Dubai is also revolutionizing government services—and ‘Salama’ is a perfect example of this.

1. A Step Towards a Fully Digital Government

Dubai’s government has a clear goal: to go 100% paperless and make all services fully digital. In fact, the Dubai Paperless Strategy, launched in 2018, aims to eliminate paper transactions across government departments.

‘Salama’ fits right into this vision. By making visa renewals completely digital, it removes the need for physical paperwork, in-person visits, and long processing times. This is exactly the kind of smart government service Dubai wants to offer its residents.

2. Supporting the UAE’s AI and Smart City Vision

The UAE has big plans for artificial intelligence (AI). The country even has a Minister of State for AI, showing how serious they are about using technology to improve daily life.

‘Salama’ uses AI to speed up and simplify visa renewals. Instead of waiting for a human officer to process applications, the AI system does it instantly. This makes services more efficient, accurate, and accessible, which is a key part of Dubai’s plan to become a leading “smart city.”

3. Enhancing Convenience for Residents and Expats

Dubai is home to millions of expatriates, and many of them need to renew their visas regularly. In the past, this meant long waiting times, queues at immigration offices, and a lot of paperwork.

With ‘Salama,’ Dubai is making life easier for residents by allowing them to renew their visas anytime, from anywhere, in just minutes. This kind of convenience is a huge step toward making government services as seamless as possible—just like booking a ride on an app!

4. Boosting Dubai’s Global Reputation

Dubai is competing with cities like Singapore, London, and New York to be one of the most advanced digital hubs in the world. By launching an AI-powered visa renewal system, Dubai is showing that it’s not just keeping up—it’s leading the way in government digital transformation.

This also makes Dubai more attractive to investors, businesses, and professionals, as they know they’ll have access to fast, tech-driven services that make life easier.

5. A Model for the Future

Dubai’s success with ‘Salama’ could inspire other countries to start using similar AI-powered solutions for immigration and residency services. It’s a blueprint for the future—where government transactions are not just digital, but also fast, secure, and effortless.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is ‘Salama’?

‘Salama’ is an AI-powered digital platform introduced by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai. It is designed to make the process of renewing residency visas quicker and more efficient. Instead of waiting hours for manual approvals, ‘Salama’ automates the process, allowing residents to renew their visas in just minutes.

2. How does ‘Salama’ work?

‘Salama’ works by using artificial intelligence to verify user details, check visa statuses, and process renewals instantly. When a resident logs in, the system automatically retrieves their visa information and displays renewal options. The user then selects the renewal period, makes the necessary payment, and receives the updated visa within minutes.

3. How long does it take to renew a visa using ‘Salama’?

The entire renewal process using ‘Salama’ takes only one to two minutes, as long as all required documents are in order. This is a significant improvement from the traditional renewal process, which could take several hours or even days in some cases.

4. Who can use ‘Salama’?

Currently, ‘Salama’ is available for Dubai residents who need to renew their residency visas. It is also designed to help individuals renew visas for their family members (dependents). In the future, the system may expand to include services for tourists, business visa holders, and other categories.

5. Can I use ‘Salama’ to renew visas for my family members?

Yes, the platform allows users to renew residency visas for their spouse, children, and other dependents. When you log in to the system, it automatically displays the visa status of your dependents, including the number of days left before expiration. You can then select the renewal option for each dependent and complete the process in one go.

6. How do I access ‘Salama’?

‘Salama’ is accessible through:

The official GDRFA website
The GDRFA mobile application (available for both Android and iOS devices)

Once you log in using your Emirates ID or residency details, you will be able to manage and renew your visa within the platform.

7. What documents do I need for renewal?

The documents required for renewal depend on your visa type. Generally, you will need:

A valid passport copy
A recent photograph (passport size)
Valid Emirates ID
Valid health insurance (as per UAE regulations)
Residency sponsor’s details (if applicable)

The system will notify you if additional documents are required for your specific case.

8. How do I pay for the renewal? Is the payment process secure?

‘Salama’ has an integrated secure payment gateway that allows users to pay directly through the platform. You can use:

Debit or credit cards
UAE-based digital wallets
Online banking options

The payment process is encrypted and meets high security standards to protect your financial information.

9. Can ‘Salama’ be used for first-time visa applications?

No, at the moment, ‘Salama’ is only for renewing existing visas. However, GDRFA may expand its services in the future to include first-time visa applications, visa cancellations, and other residency-related services.

10. What happens if I face issues while using ‘Salama’?

If you experience any difficulties, you can contact GDRFA customer support through:

The official GDRFA website (live chat or contact form)
The GDRFA mobile app
Toll-free helpline for Dubai residents

Their support team is available 24/7 to assist with any technical or visa-related concerns.

Conclusion

Dubai’s introduction of the ‘Salama’ AI platform marks a significant upgrade in the city’s digital transformation journey.In short, ‘Salama’ isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a revolution in how visa renewals are handled. The system makes life easier for residents, ensures faster processing, and aligns perfectly with Dubai’s vision of a smart, digital-first government. As the platform evolves, it is set to encompass a broader range of services and this continues to place Dubai as a global leader in smart city initiatives.