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United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

UNHCR first established a presence in the United Arab Emirates in 1986 to strengthen its partnership and engagement with the Government and support individuals who need international protection. Since then, UNHCR has worked closely with the Government of the UAE to support refugees and displaced persons worldwide through a range of life-saving projects across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

UNHCR has a longstanding partnership with Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi, the wife of Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation, and UNHCR’s Eminent Advocate.

UAE hosts UNHCR’s largest Global Stockpile, located at the International Humanitarian City (IHC) in Dubai. It enables UNHCR to respond to crises, mobilize relief items, and transport them in less than 72 hours to refugees and internally displaced people worldwide. For more information, visit UNHCR’s Supply chain management.

Additionally, UNHCR has fostered innovative and sustainable partnerships with different entities in the UAE to diversify their networks and expand the funds raised. These range from foundations such as The Big Heart Foundation, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, and Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, in addition to private corporates such as Accenture, Landmark Group, Etihad Airways, Dubai Duty Free, and others. In addition to building strong relationships with individuals and well-known figures in the UAE.

Additional information

For information about our work in the United Arab Emirates:

Legislation and guidance

For legislation, case law and UNHCR policy relating to claims for international protection, visit Refworld.

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Office contact details

National Office, Abu Dhabi

Street and mailing address:
Villa 54/B2, Al Ladeem Street, Al Nahyan Camp, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Phone:
To contact UNHCR’s administration for non protection/asylum matters, please call: +971 2 66 77 668.

For any protection/asylum related matters, please note, the office is not receiving applicants on its premises without prior appointments.

For any queries, kindly call the office hotline +971 8 00 86 427.

Hotline hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Please note that the office does not receive calls on Fridays.

Fax:
+971 2 66 76 615

Email:
[email protected]

Time zone:
GMT +4

Working hours

  • Monday: 8:00 – 16:30
  • Tuesday: 8:00 – 16:30
  • Wednesday: 8:00 – 16:30
  • Thursday: 8:00 – 16:30
  • Friday: 8:00 – 12:00
  • Saturday: closed
  • Sunday: closed

Public holidays

  • 1 January 2024, New Year’s Day

  • 29 March 2024, Easter (Good Friday)

  • 10, 11 April 2024, Eid Al-Fitr

  • 17, 18 June 2024, Eid Al-Adha

  • 8 July 2024, Hijri New Year

  • 2 December 2024, National Day

  • 25 December 2024, Christmas Day