Thousands of migrants now can take advantage of temporary shelter, medical care, and travel assistance at the humanitarian center in Dubai. It helps people who are stuck there because of financial, legal, or personal hardships.
Based at Al Awir, the Dubai Center for Harborage, under the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), assists people whose departure has been postponed due to job loss, fraud on the part of recruitment agencies, misplacement of travel documents, or any other special circumstance. This center integrates healthcare services, housing facilities, legal assistance, and travel arrangements all under one roof until such time that residents can go back home.
Every person admitted to the centre follows a structured process beginning with a medical assessment before receiving accommodation, clean clothing, and personal care services. Officials also securely store residents’ valuables while allowing them to stay in contact with relatives and diplomatic missions. Dedicated teams then coordinate with embassies and consulates to obtain emergency travel documents, complete legal formalities, and arrange airline tickets and airport transfers.
The centre offers nine integrated services, including healthcare, catering, social support, security, recreational activities, and administrative assistance. Authorities say combining these services in one location helps resolve cases more efficiently while ensuring those in need receive comprehensive care throughout their stay.
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, said the facility reflects the UAE’s commitment to humanitarian values, adding that Dubai’s security and stability extend to everyone facing difficult circumstances. Major General Dr. Ali bin Ajif Al Zaabi said specialised teams oversee each case from arrival to departure, ensuring legal procedures and travel arrangements are completed as quickly as possible.
The scale of the initiative is reflected in figures released for the first half of 2026. The centre assisted 11,696 individuals, served 322,232 meals, conducted 11,696 medical examinations, arranged 1,906 specialist consultations, secured 4,568 emergency travel documents, and facilitated the same number of airline departures for residents returning home. Officials say every case is handled individually, with the aim of preserving dignity while providing practical support during a difficult period.
