Dubai authorities have detected more than 900 forged and manipulated travel documents over the past 18 months, highlighting the emirate’s strengthened border security measures and advanced document verification technology.
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai said its Documents Inspection Center examined 20,307 travel documents, including passports, printed visas, and electronic visas, from 2025 through the first half of 2026.
During the period, the center identified 902 irregularities involving forged documents, altered personal information, and digitally manipulated images. Of the total, 689 cases were recorded in 2025 and 213 during the first six months of 2026.
Officials said the figures demonstrate the effectiveness of Dubai’s digital screening systems and data-driven approach to border protection.
The Documents Inspection Center has also gained international recognition after receiving ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation, strengthening its role as a regional and global reference in travel document verification.
According to GDRFA Dubai, the center’s expertise has attracted delegations from several countries, including South Korea, the German Federal Police, European Union embassies, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states seeking to exchange best practices on document fraud detection.
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, said digital transformation remains a key pillar in enhancing security and maintaining confidence in Dubai’s travel ecosystem.
“The adoption of advanced digitalization and innovative solutions is a fundamental pillar in reinforcing global confidence in the travel ecosystem across Dubai’s airports,” Al Marri said.
A major component of the center’s operations is its enhanced electronic document system, which contains passport samples from more than 80 countries, allowing real-time verification and improved detection of sophisticated forgeries.
The agency has also expanded international cooperation, including a partnership with the German Federal Police’s Document Examination Laboratory at Frankfurt Airport to train forensic document experts.
To further improve operational readiness, the center conducted 122 hours of specialized training between 2025 and the first half of 2026.
Officials said Dubai will continue investing in advanced technologies, international partnerships, and specialized expertise as part of its efforts to strengthen border security and safeguard the integrity of global travel.
