Author: Alghafri Maryam

With each emerging challenge, the UAE reaffirms its long-standing humanitarian and progressive approach, rooted since the establishment of the Union, by extending support to those affected and placing exceptional circumstances at the forefront, enabled by the flexibility and forward-looking nature of the legislative framework governing government institutions.

This progressive and humanitarian vision has been successfully implemented by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) under the exceptional circumstances experienced in the region since 28 February 2026, and has received widespread recognition both locally and internationally.

These exceptional circumstances resulted in a large number of citizens being stranded abroad, as well as residents overseas whose residency permits expired while they were outside UAE.

ICP acted to address the implications of the crisis with a clear vision, sound judgement, and exceptional decisions across all areas. It facilitated the entry of stranded citizens, in coordination with partners from government and private entities, and provided all necessary facilitations to ensure their safe and timely return. It also allowed residents abroad whose residency permits had expired while outside UAE to enter the country without the need for a new entry visa until the end of March 2026, with exemptions from overstay fines.

ICP’s decisions in addressing the implications of the crisis were marked by speed and inclusiveness across all affected groups, a clear understanding of the challenges faced by the community, and the provision of all possible facilitations. This was further reinforced by a high level of coordination with partners in delivering material, moral, and legislative support, reflecting the UAE’s progressive and humanitarian vision and strengthening social cohesion.

The “One-Point Air Travelers” project, officially launched between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain in February 2026, represents a significant milestone in advancing smart travel at both regional and international levels.

The project was implemented through collaboration between the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, the Ministry of Interior of Bahrain, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) General Secretariat, and relevant entities in both countries.

The initiative aims to facilitate travel for citizens of both countries, saving time and effort while reducing wait times at Zayed International Airport and Bahrain International Airport in the first phase. It also seeks to enhance tourism and trade flows, support economic growth, and strengthen infrastructure integration between the two nations.

The “One-Point Air Travelers” project includes pre-clearance procedures for travellers departing from their country of origin, enabled through integrated digital systems, biometric verification, surveillance systems, e-gates, and advanced passenger data processing. This enables the verification and documentation of travellers prior to arrival at their final destination, resulting in a more seamless, secure, and efficient travel experience.

The initiative reflects the advanced level of strategic integration between the two brotherly countries. It embodies a shared vision to facilitate mobility and enhance travellers’ quality of life through smart, digitally enabled solutions. It also underscores both countries’ commitment to modernising travel and border systems by adopting innovative approaches that elevate the efficiency of government services.