If your visa or residency expires, the clock starts ticking immediately. In the UAE, you’ll be charged a fine for every extra day you stay. For tourists, these fines usually start the very next day, as there is no longer a 10-day grace period. Residents usually get a bit more time to fix their paperwork after a visa is cancelled, but once that window closes, the daily charges add up fast.
The rules apply across all seven emirates, but the way you calculate and pay can depend on where your visa was issued. For Dubai-issued visas, the process runs through GDRFA Dubai channels and Amer Centre service points. For federal visas, the route is through ICP, including its website, app, and customer happiness centers across the country.
“It’s not just about the money. Overstay fines mean you’ve broken the rules for visiting or living in the country.” Leaving it unresolved can complicate exit, block a status change, or create problems for future travel to UAE plans. In 2026, the safest approach is simple, confirm the issuing authority, calculate through official channels, then pay through the same government pathway before you attempt to exit or adjust your visa status.
At a Glance: The 2026 UAE overstay fine process
- Overstay fines accrue daily starting the day after the grace period ends, if applicable, or immediately after the visa expiry date.
- Use official calculators and portals based on visa issuer: ICP for federal visas, and GDRFA Dubai services or an Amer Centre for Dubai-issued visas.
- Fines vary by visa type and the duration of overstay, so calculate before paying or making travel plans.
- Pay through official fine payment methods UAE channels online or in person, then keep proof for exit or status adjustment.
- The Fine: It is now a unified AED 50 per day for everyone (tourists and residents).
- The Grace Period: The old 10-day “buffer” for tourist visas has been removed. Fines now typically start on Day 1after expiry.
- Residents: If your residency is cancelled, you still generally get a grace period (often 30 to 180 days depending on your job level), but the fine is now AED 50/day once that ends up from the old AED 25 rate.
“Before calculating your fines, you must first identify the authority that issued your visa. This will determine which system holds your record and where you need to pay.”
- GDRFA overstay route: if your visa is Dubai-issued, use GDRFA Dubai website or app, or visit an Amer Centre in Dubai.
- ICP visa fines route: if your visa is under the federal system, use the ICP website or app, or visit ICP customer happiness centers across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi and the other emirates.
How the UAE visa overstay fine is calculated in 2026
Overstay fines are driven by two core factors under UAE visa regulations: the type of visa you hold and how many days you stayed beyond your permitted period. The daily count starts once your lawful stay ends. If a grace period applies to your visa, fines begin the day after that grace period ends. If no grace period applies, fines begin immediately after the visa expiry date.
This is why people often get caught out by a single assumption, that “expiry date” and “last day you can stay” are always the same. Under immigration laws UAE, they are not always identical. Your official record in ICP or GDRFA is what matters for UAE legal compliance.
For UAE immigration fines 2026, the most reliable way to calculate is through the same government platforms that hold your immigration file. That keeps the result aligned with your entry and exit history and your visa category.
- For federal files, calculate through the ICP website or ICP app.
- For Dubai-issued files, calculate through the GDRFA Dubai website or GDRFA Dubai app.
- If you prefer in-person support in Dubai, Amer Centre staff can help you check and process Amer Centre fines.
- Across the UAE, ICP customer happiness centers can support federal cases, including in Abu Dhabi.
Once you have the calculated amount, pay through official channels tied to your file. This is the step that closes the loop in the system and helps avoid problems at exit or during a residency status change.
- Online payment through the ICP website or app for federal cases.
- Online payment through GDRFA Dubai services for Dubai-issued cases.
- In-person payment support at an Amer Centre in Dubai for Dubai-issued cases.
- In-person support at ICP customer happiness centers across the UAE for federal cases.
What to do if you need more time: UAE visa extension and status options
If you are not ready to leave, do not treat fines as a substitute for permission to stay. Overstay fines are a penalty, not an extension. If you need lawful time, follow the UAE visa extension process that applies to your visa type and issuing authority. The correct channel is still the same split, ICP for federal visas and GDRFA Dubai for Dubai-issued visas, with Amer Centre support in Dubai.
“If you live here, this affects your residency status. If you’re just visiting, it could mess up your future travel plans or stop you from coming back later. The best move is to check your status early, well before your time runs out and always use official websites to change or extend your stay”.
Quick reference: Which authority to use
| Situation | Where to calculate | Where to pay or get help |
|---|---|---|
| Federal visa file (all emirates) | ICP website or ICP app | ICP online payment, or ICP customer happiness centers across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi |
| Dubai-issued visa file | GDRFA Dubai website or GDRFA Dubai app | GDRFA Dubai services online, or an Amer Centre in Dubai |
If you have overstayed, treat it like a time-sensitive admin task, not a background worry. Calculate through the correct authority, settle through official fine payment methods UAE channels, and keep proof of payment. That single sequence supports clean exit, smoother status adjustment, and fewer surprises the next time you pass through immigration.
Oil prices rise as Hormuz deal hopes clash
Oil Nears $85 as Hormuz Deal Hopes Stall
Oil prices were higher in early Asian trading on August 10, 2026, as uncertainty over a possible agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz continued to outweigh hopes for a quick return to normal shipping. Traders and investors are closely watching the developments, as the situation affects the global energy market. The prices of West Texas Intermediate crude and Brent crude rose, with WTI at $78.71 a barrel, up 53 cents, or 0.68%, and Brent crude at $84.28, up 73 cents, or 0.87%, at 8:33 am Tokyo time.
The gains came despite renewed diplomatic efforts to reopen the strategic waterway, reflecting traders' concern that an emerging Iran-Oman arrangement may not immediately restore unrestricted global shipping. Iran has tied a full reopening to additional concessions from Washington, which has led to a stalemate in the negotiations. The central problem is that Tehran and Washington appear to have different ideas about what “reopening” means, with Iran seeking concessions linked to the conflict and sanctions before unrestricted passage can resume.
The situation in the region remains volatile, with Iran stepping up attacks on ships in the Middle East Gulf, including vessels from South Korea and the UAE. The UAE accused Iran of attacking an empty crude oil tanker belonging to Abu Dhabi state oil firm ADNOC with drones as it attempted to transit the Strait. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported incidents involving cargo vessels in the region, adding to the tensions.
The ongoing tensions and uncertainty have led to a rise in oil prices, with Brent futures climbing toward $85 per barrel and WTI hovering near $79. The global oil market remains highly volatile, with traders and investors closely watching the developments in the region. The situation is being monitored by the UAE, which has left OPEC, and the US, which has stepped up its naval blockade of Iran.
The UAE's energy minister stated that the country owes it to its people to ensure the stability of the energy market, as the situation continues to unfold. The US has redirected eight commercial vessels and disabled another ship as its military campaign entered an 11th consecutive night. The ongoing tensions and uncertainty in the region are likely to continue to affect the global energy market, with oil prices remaining volatile.
As the situation in the Strait of Hormuz continues to evolve, it is connected to the prior story of the US-Iran ceasefire that came into force in early April, which had initially led to hopes of a reduction in tensions in the region. However, the recent escalation of attacks and the stalemate in the negotiations have led to a rise in oil prices and increased uncertainty in the global energy market.
Dubai Shared Housing Law Takes Effect Late August
New Dubai Law: Shared Housing Now Open to Families, Bachelors
The new Dubai shared housing law, set to take effect in late August, allows families and bachelors to legally occupy shared properties. According to Dr. Hasan Elhais, Legal Consultant at Amal Al Rashedi Lawyers and Legal Consultants, the law identifies six categories for which shared housing may be designated, including workers of private companies and establishments. This law is significant because it expands the concept of shared accommodation beyond the traditional idea of unrelated workers or individuals sharing a property.
The law applies to various types of properties, including residential apartments, standalone houses, residential complexes, mixed-use buildings, townhouses, and multi-storey buildings. Each property must meet the applicable permit, occupancy, planning, and safety requirements. Dubai Municipality can set specific standards for each category depending on the type of property and can add, amend, or remove categories through subsequent decisions.
Under the new law, rent will be paid monthly and in advance by default, although landlords and occupants can agree to a different payment arrangement in the tenancy contract. Electricity and water consumption charges will be included in the rent by default, unless the landlord and occupant agree otherwise. The landlord remains responsible for paying the electricity and water bills to the relevant service provider.
The law also prohibits occupants from allowing another person to reside in and benefit from their allocated space, and subletting the allocated space is also prohibited. However, the legislation does not expressly ban others from staying over. Tenancy contracts and any amendments to them must be registered in the Shared Accommodation Registry.
The new law aims to protect the rights of owners and residents, ensure healthy living conditions, curb overcrowding, and promote fair rental practices. With the law taking effect in late August, families and bachelors can now explore shared housing options in Dubai.
| Category | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Families | Eligible for shared housing |
| Bachelors | Eligible for shared housing |
| Workers of private companies and establishments | Eligible for shared housing |
Dubai-it Award Nominations Open August 10
Dubai-it Award Launches with Nominations Open Until September 10
Nominations for the first edition of the Dubai-it Award open on August 10, recognising individuals, projects and organisations that have turned ambitious ideas into tangible results in Dubai. Local individuals, projects, and companies are eligible to nominate themselves or others for the award, which has three main recognition segments covering individuals, projects, and institutions and companies.
The award is launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and is based on the Dubai-it initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Nominations can be submitted across 10 fields: Government, Real Estate, Economy, Business, Technology, Sports, Society, Education, Services and Health.
The Dubai-it Award's digital platform will accept nominations until September 10, and eligible achievements can include projects, initiatives and transformations delivered during the past four years. Applicants are required to provide details of the achievement, the challenge or opportunity behind it, how it was implemented and the results and impact it produced, with supporting evidence such as performance data, reports, images, media material and certificates.
This launch is connected to the broader initiative of promoting innovation and excellence in Dubai, as seen in recent efforts such as Dubai Municipality's AI-powered project to automate the issuing of building permits, reducing wait times from days to minutes.
Denmark Shooting: Several Injured, Police Hunt Gunmen
Denmark Shooting: Gunmen on the Loose After Holbaek Attack
Several people were injured in a shooting in Holbaek, Denmark, as police probe a suspected underworld shooting and hunt suspects who fled in a white car. The incident occurred on Sunday, with police believing it was linked to a settling of scores within criminal networks. The perpetrators were seen leaving the scene in a white car, according to preliminary information, with police asking members of the public with information to come forward.
The police were present at several locations in Holbaek, about 70 kilometers west of Copenhagen, following the shooting, which was reported to police around 3:45 pm local time. The condition of the injured is not yet known, but police are treating the shooting as isolated. The police are investigating the motive behind the shooting, but have not yet released any further information.
The shooting in Holbaek is the latest incident of gang violence in Denmark, with police working to apprehend the suspects and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. The incident has raised concerns about the level of crime and violence in the country, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
This incident is reminiscent of a recent shooting in northern Germany, where five people were killed. The incident highlights the need for increased cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime and prevent such attacks.
DEWA substations 2026: 793 new additions
Dubai Gets 793 New Substations
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) commissioned 793 new 11kV substations across Dubai during the first half of 2026, reinforcing the emirate's electricity infrastructure to support ongoing urban expansion and economic growth. Local residents and businesses will benefit from the enhanced electricity distribution network, which required a total of 624,340 man-hours to complete and was finished in line with DEWA's quality, efficiency, and safety standards.
The expansion of DEWA's infrastructure network is focused on keeping pace with the growth of residential communities, commercial centers, business districts, and investment projects across Dubai. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, stated that the utility continues to expand its infrastructure to support Dubai's ambition to remain among the world's leading cities in infrastructure development and quality of life.
Rashid bin Humaidan, Executive Vice President of Distribution Power at DEWA, noted that the utility's electricity distribution network continues to grow steadily, with 53 substations at 33kV level and 47,723 medium-voltage substations operating at 11kV and 6.6kV. The latest additions form part of DEWA's broader efforts to strengthen electricity infrastructure, enhance service reliability, and support sustainable economic and urban development across Dubai.
The new substations are part of DEWA's strategy to maintain world-class reliability standards, including low transmission losses and minimal customer minutes lost. In fact, DEWA recorded the world's lowest customer minutes lost (CML) for electricity, averaging just 0.82 minutes per customer annually, and its electricity transmission and distribution losses remain among the lowest globally at 2%.
This development is connected to Dubai's ongoing efforts to enhance its infrastructure, as seen in previous initiatives to support the emirate's urban growth and economic development.
