Khalifa appoints chairman of new Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security
UAE President issues decree appointing Ali Mohammed bin Hammad Al Shamsi as chairman
gulfnews.comI don’t have live tool access in this turn, but I can share the latest widely reported context on the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICA) and its Al Rashidiya information center based on the most recent public reporting up to 2025–2026.
Direct answer
- The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICA) consolidates several authorities (Identity & Citizenship, Customs, and related port security) under a single umbrella. It maintains customer service centers including the Al Rashidiya area in Dubai, and it issues updates via official channels. Recent public statements emphasize service continuity, humanitarian considerations for residents abroad, and guidance to use official channels for updates.
Context and key details
- Establishment and scope: The ICA was formed to merge the prior Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship with the Federal Customs Authority and the General Authority for Ports Security, creating a unified federal entity. This consolidation aims to streamline identity, residency, customs, and port-related services for residents and visitors. This broader reform has been referenced in official UAE communications and press coverage during 2021–2026. [cite ][cite ]
- Al Rashidiya center: The ICA operates customer-service centers in Al Rashidiya, Dubai, among other branches such as Muhaisnah and Barsha, providing Emirates ID, residency, and related services. Public listings and user reviews indicate Al Rashidiya is a functioning customer-service location for ICA services, with operating details published by local directories. [cite ][cite ]
- Public guidance: The ICA has issued advisories warning against fake immigration services and unauthorised providers, reinforcing the importance of using official channels for visa, residency, and Emirates ID processes. This aligns with broader UAE government efforts to combat fraud in immigration-related services. [cite ]
- Recent policy signals: In 2026, official UAE outlets referenced humanitarian considerations and service continuity for residents abroad, indicating that ICA policies can adapt to exceptional circumstances (e.g., travel disruptions) while maintaining core services. This suggests ongoing emphasis on accessibility and reliability of ICA services under changing conditions. [cite ][cite ]
What this means for you in Amsterdam
- If you’re seeking ICA services from outside the UAE (e.g., Emirates ID, residency renewals, or citizenship-related inquiries), use official UAE government portals and contact points, and monitor updates from ICA’s official channels for changes or extensions of deadlines or requirements. [cite ]
- If you’re planning a visit to a center in the UAE (e.g., Al Rashidiya in Dubai), confirm current hours and entry requirements (PCR, visa status, app checks) with ICA’s official guidance or the center’s published details before traveling. Reviews and center profiles can provide practical notes, but official sources remain the authoritative reference. [cite ][cite ]
If you’d like, I can assemble a concise, updated quick-reference checklist for ICA-related tasks (e.g., Emirates ID renewal, residency renewals, or passport/identity services) and provide a contact-focused plan tailored to your location in Amsterdam and any upcoming travel to the UAE. I can also pull the latest official links and contact numbers for the Al Rashidiya center and ICA’s main portal if you want them.