Al Manara Centre Dubai: Complete Services And Timings Guide

Al Manara Centre is not a mall or a park — it is Dubai’s busiest one‑stop government services hub, where up to 2,000 people daily process visas, driving licences, Ejari registrations, DEWA bills, and Emirates ID applications across nine government departments under one roof on Sheikh Zayed Road.

This guide is the most rigorously fact‑checked resource on Al Manara Centre in 2026. Drawing on verified municipal data, departmental timings, official contact numbers, visitor reviews, and original reporting, it covers every government department housed in the building, the differing operating hours for each, smart‑technology features, parking logistics, and practical steps for booking appointments. Whether you are a Dubai resident needing a driving licence renewal or a newcomer navigating your first Ejari registration, you will find trustworthy, actionable information that saves you a wasted trip.

One‑Stop Government Hub On Sheikh Zayed Road

Al Manara Centre opened in April 2011 as a Dubai Municipality initiative to consolidate government services into a single, accessible location. Located along Sheikh Zayed Road in Al Safa 2, the centre initially served roughly 100 people per day through three founding entities: Dubai Municipality, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). By 2013, daily visitor numbers had climbed to 1,500, and by 2015 the centre was attracting approximately 2,000 people daily, drawn by the convenience of completing multiple government transactions under one roof rather than travelling between scattered offices across the emirate.

The building itself is modern and wheelchair‑friendly, with a sleek interior that underwent significant refurbishment in recent years. Visitors consistently describe the atmosphere as efficient and organised, with a token‑based queueing system that minimises waiting times. The centre earned the title of best municipality service centre in 2014 and achieved a 100 per cent customer satisfaction rating based on a mystery shopper evaluation conducted that same year. Its success directly inspired the construction of a larger, similar facility in the Al Kifaf area, which now operates as a companion service hub following the same multi‑department model. Today, Al Manara Centre stands as one of four Dubai Municipality sub‑centres — alongside Hatta, Al Tawar, and Al Kifaf — but remains the flagship location in terms of both footfall and departmental diversity.

Official Name: Al Manara Centre (Al Manara Service Centre)
Operated By: Dubai Municipality
Opened: April 2011
Daily Visitors: Approximately 2,000
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Safa 2, Dubai
Contact: 800 900 (Dubai Municipality helpline)
Entry Fee: Free; charges apply only to individual services rendered

Nine Government Departments Share One Roof

Departments At Al Manara Centre

The Al Manara Centre houses government agencies, federal authorities, and supporting private businesses that together cover the vast majority of administrative transactions a Dubai resident or citizen will ever need. The following departments have been verified as operational within the building in 2026.

Dubai Municipality Services

The Dubai Municipality counter at Al Manara Centre processes the full range of municipal permits, requests, and documentation. This includes building permits, renovation approvals, environmental health certificates, food safety licences, and public park bookings. The municipality is the anchor tenant and the centre’s managing authority, with its core operating hours setting the baseline for the building’s schedule. The municipality counter uses the Green Ticket appointment system accessible through the Dubai Municipality smartphone application; walk‑in visitors may experience longer waits than those who book in advance. Municipality staff at this location are trained to handle complex cases that cannot be resolved through the DM website or app, making the centre a destination for escalated or unusual municipal requests.

Official Name: Dubai Municipality – Al Manara Service Centre
Services: Building permits, renovation approvals, health certificates, food safety licences, park bookings, environmental permits
Appointment: Dubai Municipality App (Green Ticket system)
Helpline: 800 900

RTA Licensing And Fines

The Roads and Transport Authority operates a Customer Happiness Centre on the first floor of Al Manara Centre, handling driving licence applications and renewals, vehicle registration, transportation permits, and the payment of traffic fines and penalties. This RTA branch is one of only four front‑end centres — alongside Al Twar, Tasjeel, and JBR — authorised to process certain licence‑related transactions that cannot be completed online. Visitors consistently praise the RTA staff at this location, with particular mentions of efficient, professional service. The RTA smart kiosks positioned throughout the floor allow self‑service for straightforward transactions, while dedicated service consultants handle more complex cases. Video‑chat facilities connect visitors with RTA call‑centre professionals for remote assistance on the spot.

Official Name: RTA Customer Happiness Centre – Al Manara
Location in Building: First floor
Services: Driving licence applications and renewal, vehicle registration, transportation permits, traffic fine payments, parking permits
RTA Helpline: 800 9090

GDRFA Visa And Residency

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs maintains a dedicated section within Al Manara Centre, processing visa applications, residency permits, entry permits, sponsorship transfers, and absconding case closures. The GDRFA office serves both citizens and residents, handling domestic helper file openings, visa status changes, and receipt of ministerial lists. During Ramadan, the GDRFA section operates on a modified schedule but maintains service continuity. The Amer Call Centre at 800 5111 operates 24 hours a day year‑round to provide support and respond to inquiries regarding GDRFA services, including those processed at the Al Manara location.

Official Name: GDRFA Dubai – Al Manara Centre Section
PO Box: 4333, Dubai, UAE
Email: aalshref@dnrd.ae
Services: Visa issuance and renewal, residency permits, entry permits, sponsorship transfers, absconding cases, domestic helper file processing
Amer Call Centre: 800 5111 (24/7)

DEWA Services

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority relocated its customer service operations from Umm Suqeim to Al Manara Centre to offer more convenient face‑to‑face service for electricity and water account holders. Visitors can open new accounts, settle bills, request service connections and disconnections, and resolve billing disputes. During Ramadan, the DEWA counter operates from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM Sunday to Thursday. The DEWA presence at Al Manara Centre is part of a broader network of Customer Happiness Centres across Dubai, but this location is particularly valuable for residents of Bur Dubai and western Dubai who previously had to travel to Umm Suqeim for in‑person support.

Official Name: DEWA Customer Happiness Centre – Al Manara
Services: Account opening, bill payment, service connections and disconnections, billing inquiries and disputes
Ramadan Hours: Sunday–Thursday 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
DEWA Helpline: 991

Federal Authority For Identity

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) processes Emirates ID applications, renewals, replacements, and related identity documentation at Al Manara Centre. Services also include fine payments, special visa issuance for qualifying categories, and long‑term visa processing for different applicant categories. The ICA counter works in coordination with the GDRFA section for residency‑related identity processes, meaning visitors can often move sequentially between the two counters without leaving the building.

Official Name: Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship – Al Manara
Services: Emirates ID applications, renewals and replacements, identity fine payments, special visa issuance, long‑term visa processing

Other Departments And Services

Beyond the five major government agencies, Al Manara Centre houses additional entities and private businesses that support the administrative ecosystem. The Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) operates a counter for mobile and internet payments, new installation requests, and telecom permits. Al Manara Real Estate Registration Trustee and Al Taresh Real Estate Services Trustee handle Ejari registrations and property‑related documentation. Fixit Express provides printing, business administration services, and operates a photo studio for passport and visa photographs. Other on‑site entities include Ontime Government Services for document processing, Turjman Legal Translation Services for certified translations, High Quality Car Rental for vehicle hire, and Salik Optical for eye testing — particularly relevant for driving licence applicants. A Smart Sustainability Oasis recycling centre, the first of its kind in the GCC, operates in the parking lot, accepting paper, cardboard, plastics, metal packaging, and glass 24 hours a day.

Telecom: du (Sawa International General Trading) — mobile and internet payments, new installations, telecom permits
Real Estate: Al Manara Real Estate Registration Trustee, Al Taresh Real Estate Services Trustee (Ejari)
Document Services: Fixit Express (printing, photo studio), Ontime Government Services, Turjman Legal Translation
Additional: High Quality Car Rental, Salik Optical (eye testing), Immigration Centre Typing and Business Men Services
Recycling: Smart Sustainability Oasis — open 24/7 in the parking lot

Timings Differ By Department And Season

Operating Hours At Al Manara Centre

Al Manara Centre does not operate on a single, uniform schedule. Each department sets its own hours, and these shift further during Ramadan and on public holidays. The table below captures the verified timings for 2026, drawn from official government sources.

Department	Monday–Thursday	Friday	Saturday–Sunday
Dubai Municipality	7:30 AM – 3:30 PM	7:30 AM – 12:00 PM	Closed
RTA (Licensing & Fines)	8:00 AM – 7:30 PM	Closed	Closed
GDRFA (Visas & Residency)	7:30 AM – 3:30 PM	11:00 AM – 7:00 PM	Closed
DEWA (Electricity & Water)	7:30 AM – 3:30 PM	7:30 AM – 12:00 PM	Closed
Extended Building Access	7:30 AM – 8:00 PM	7:30 AM – 12:00 PM	Closed

Ramadan 2026 Hours

During Ramadan 2026, most customer happiness centres within Al Manara — including Deira, Al Twar, Al Manara, and Al Kifaf locations — operated Monday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Fridays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The GDRFA section during Ramadan operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Thursday, with Friday hours split into two sessions: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. DEWA counters during Ramadan run from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM Sunday to Thursday. The Amer Call Centre remains operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout Ramadan to provide support and respond to inquiries. Public parking fees during Ramadan may follow adjusted schedules, with paid hours typically running Monday to Saturday in two blocks: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM to midnight.

Standard Departments (Ramadan): Monday–Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
GDRFA (Ramadan): Monday–Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
DEWA (Ramadan): Sunday–Thursday 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Amer Call Centre: 24/7 year‑round including Ramadan — 800 5111

Smart Tech Replaces Traditional Counters

Technology And Smart Services

In May 2023, the RTA officially converted its Al Manara branch into a fully smart Customer Happiness Centre, introducing robotic assistants, self‑service kiosks, and video‑chat facilities that allow visitors to complete transactions without human contact. The transformation was part of the Dubai Government’s Services 360 vision, which aims to digitise and streamline every citizen‑facing government interaction. Before the upgrade, the centre offered approximately 72 distinct services; the smart conversion expanded this to 239 service offerings, with transaction volumes projected to increase by 45,000 annually compared to the 23,000 transactions recorded in 2022.

Visitors today encounter smart kiosks that handle straightforward transactions such as fine payments, licence renewals, and permit applications. For more complex cases, service consultants are available in person, and dedicated video‑chat platforms connect visitors directly with RTA call‑centre professionals for real‑time guidance. The smart systems are designed to reduce waiting times and eliminate paperwork, though visitors should note that some transactions — particularly those involving original document verification — still require face‑to‑face interaction at a counter. WiFi is free throughout the building, and the kiosks support multiple languages including Arabic, English, Hindi, and Urdu.

Features: Smart kiosks, robotic assistants, video‑chat with call‑centre agents, self‑service terminals, dedicated service‑consultant desks
Service Growth: Expanded from 72 to 239 service offerings following 2023 smart conversion
Languages Supported: Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu
WiFi: Free throughout the building

Free Entry, Paid Parking, Full Facilities

Entry, Parking, And Facilities

Al Manara Centre does not charge an entry fee. The building is open to all visitors, and costs are incurred only when a specific government service is rendered — for example, a driving licence renewal fee, a visa processing charge, or an Ejari registration payment. This makes the centre accessible for preliminary inquiries, document checks, and pre‑application consultations without any financial barrier.

How To Reach Al Manara Centre?

The centre sits on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) in Al Safa 2, directly opposite the ONPASSIVE Metro Station on the Red Line. This station was formerly known as Noor Bank Metro Station — it was rebranded in 2023 under a 10‑year naming agreement that runs until 2033 — and many official government sources, including Dubai Municipality, still reference it as Noor Bank in their published materials. The station is a 4‑minute walk from the centre’s main entrance.

Multiple RTA bus routes stop at Noor Bank Landside Metro Bus Stop, approximately a 3‑to‑5‑minute walk away, including routes 21, F15, F26, 10, 15, 98E, 12, 93, 63E, and 96. For those driving, paid public parking is available in the zone surrounding the building. Parking is metered Monday through Saturday; visitors should check current tariff rates displayed at parking machines or on the RTA Dubai app.

Free parking may be found in adjacent residential streets, but availability is inconsistent, particularly on weekdays.

Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Safa 2, Dubai
Nearest Metro: ONPASSIVE Station (formerly Noor Bank), Red Line — 4‑minute walk
Nearest Bus Stop: Noor Bank Landside Metro Bus Stop – 01 — 3‑to‑5‑minute walk
Bus Routes: 21, F15, F26, 10, 15, 98E, 12, 93, 63E, 96
Parking: Paid public parking surrounding the building; Monday–Saturday metered
Makani Numbers: Gate 1 — 2132283423, Gate 2 — 2135383461

Accessibility And Amenities

Al Manara Centre is fully wheelchair‑accessible, with ramps, lifts, and wide corridors designed to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges. A dedicated wheelchair service is available, and separate token counters serve physically challenged visitors, senior citizens, and pregnant women, reducing wait times for those who need priority assistance. Prayer rooms for both men and women are located within the building. A baby care room is available for parents visiting with infants. Clean restroom facilities are distributed across the floors. The building is air‑conditioned throughout, and CCTV coverage and security patrols maintain a safe environment. Visitors are advised to wear respectful, semiformal clothing — while no strict dress code is enforced, the centre is a professional government environment and attire should reflect that.

Wheelchair Access: Ramps, lifts, wide corridors, wheelchair service available
Priority Service: Separate tokens for physically challenged, senior citizens, and pregnant women
Prayer Rooms: Available for men and women
Baby Care: Dedicated baby care room
Dress Code: Semiformal recommended; respectful attire expected
Security: CCTV coverage, security patrols

MK Cafe And Food Options

In April 2026, MK Cafe opened at the Dubai Court section of Al Manara Centre, introducing a refined yet accessible coffee and dining option within the building. Founded by Emirati entrepreneur and athlete Musa Khalfan — widely recognised as the UAE’s fastest man — MK Cafe serves premium coffee, specialty beverages including matcha and signature cold brews, fresh meals, and balanced snacks. The cafe operates daily from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with a clean, contemporary interior designed for quick breaks during busy days of government errands. For those seeking alternatives, a general cafeteria is also available within the centre, and the surrounding Al Safa 2 neighbourhood contains several casual restaurants and grocery stores within walking distance.

MK Cafe: Opened April 2026; daily 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM; premium coffee, specialty beverages, fresh meals
Other Options: General cafeteria inside the centre; nearby restaurants and supermarkets in Al Safa 2

Book Ahead Through Government Apps

How To Use Al Manara Centre?

Making the most of Al Manara Centre requires preparation. Visitors who arrive without understanding the appointment system, required documents, or the specific department they need can face longer waits and, in some cases, an inability to complete their transaction on the same day. The following steps outline the most efficient approach to using the centre.

Booking Your Visit

Appointments for Dubai Municipality services must be booked through the Dubai Municipality smartphone application using the Green Ticket system. Download the app, select the service category, choose Al Manara Centre as the location, and pick an available time slot. For RTA services, appointments can be booked through the RTA Dubai app or website, though smart kiosks within the centre also handle walk‑ins for straightforward transactions. GDRFA and ICA services may require separate booking through their respective channels. It is advisable to check the specific department’s website or app before visiting. The general Dubai Municipality helpline at 800 900 can clarify which department handles a particular service and whether an appointment is mandatory or optional. For immigration and residency inquiries, the Amer Call Centre at 800 5111 operates 24 hours a day.

Dubai Municipality: Book via DM App (Green Ticket system)
RTA: Book via RTA Dubai app or website; walk‑ins accepted for kiosk transactions
GDRFA/ICA: Check gdrfad.gov.ae or contact Amer Call Centre 800 5111
General Inquiries: 800 900 (Dubai Municipality helpline)

What Documents To Bring?

Every visitor to Al Manara Centre should carry their original Emirates ID and, for expatriate residents, a valid passport with current visa page. For driving licence transactions, bring your current licence (if renewing), a passport photograph (which can be taken on‑site at Fixit Express Photo Studio), and the eye test certificate if required — Salik Optical within the building can perform eye tests on the spot. For Ejari registration, bring the tenancy contract, landlord’s passport copy, title deed, and previous Ejari certificate if renewing. For visa processing, carry passport photographs, sponsor’s documents, and any application‑specific forms downloaded from the GDRFA website. Copies of all documents are advisable, though Fixit Express offers photocopying and printing services within the centre. Payment for most services can be made by credit card, debit card, or cash.

Essential for All: Original Emirates ID, passport with valid visa
Driving Licence: Current licence, passport photo, eye test certificate (available on‑site)
Ejari: Tenancy contract, landlord’s passport copy, title deed, previous Ejari (if renewal)
Visa Processing: Passport photographs, sponsor’s documents, application forms
On‑Site Support: Fixit Express (photocopying, printing, photo studio), Salik Optical (eye testing)
Payment: Credit card, debit card, or cash accepted

Ejari And Driving Licences Dominate Visits

Most Frequently Used Services

While Al Manara Centre offers over 239 distinct services, the majority of daily visitors arrive for a concentrated set of high‑demand transactions. Understanding these core services helps first‑time visitors navigate the centre efficiently and arrive with the correct documentation.

Ejari Registration

Ejari — the mandatory tenancy contract registration system administered by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) — is one of the most frequently processed transactions at Al Manara Centre. The Al Taresh Real Estate Services Trustee, located within the centre, handles new Ejari registrations, renewals, and cancellations. The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes when all documents are in order. Ejari registration is essential for obtaining a Dubai residence visa, connecting DEWA services, and accessing certain government benefits. The fee for standard Ejari registration is approximately AED 220, though this varies slightly depending on the property type and registration trustee. Visitors should bring the original tenancy contract signed by both parties, the landlord’s passport copy, the property title deed, and the tenant’s Emirates ID.

Service: Ejari registration, renewal, and cancellation
Provider: Al Taresh Real Estate Services Trustee (within Al Manara Centre)
Estimated Cost: Approximately AED 220 for standard registration
Documents Required: Signed tenancy contract, landlord’s passport copy, title deed, tenant’s Emirates ID

Driving Licence Renewal

The RTA Customer Happiness Centre on the first floor processes driving licence applications, renewals, and replacements. Visitors can complete the eye test at Salik Optical within the building, take a passport photograph at Fixit Express Photo Studio, and submit the renewal application at the RTA counter — all without leaving the centre. The renewal fee varies depending on licence category and duration, but a standard 10‑year renewal typically costs between AED 300 and AED 400. Expired licences incur late renewal fines, which can also be paid at the RTA counter or smart kiosks. The entire process, from eye test to receiving the renewed licence, can be completed in under an hour when the centre is not crowded. The RTA section does not operate on Fridays.

Service: Driving licence applications, renewals, replacements
Location in Centre: First floor, RTA Customer Happiness Centre
On‑Site Support: Salik Optical (eye test), Fixit Express (passport photo)
Estimated Cost: AED 300–400 for standard 10‑year renewal (excluding late fines)
Friday: RTA section closed

Visa Processing

GDRFA and ICA counters process a broad spectrum of visa and residency transactions, including new entry permits, residency visa issuance and renewal, sponsorship transfers, and domestic helper file management. Visitors handling visa matters should arrive early, as GDRFA counters close at 3:30 PM Monday to Thursday. The Friday schedule is notably different from other departments, with GDRFA open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM — making Friday afternoon a viable window for visa processing when most other government counters have already closed. For complex cases, the Amer Call Centre at 800 5111 provides 24‑hour guidance and can clarify document requirements before a visit. Some visa services may also be initiated through the ICA smart application, reducing in‑person processing time.

Service: Entry permits, residency visas, sponsorship transfers, domestic helper files
Provider: GDRFA Dubai and Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA)
Friday Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (GDRFA only; note unique schedule)
Pre‑Visit Support: Amer Call Centre 800 5111 (24/7); ICA smart application

Fine Payment Machines

For visitors whose sole purpose is paying traffic fines or municipal penalties, Al Manara Centre offers self‑service payment machines located at the back entrance of the building. These machines accept traffic fine payments, Salik toll violations, and certain municipal penalties without requiring a token or counter visit. The machines accept card payments. If a machine is out of service, fines can also be paid at the RTA counter on the first floor during operating hours. The back‑entrance location means visitors targeting only fine payments can complete their transaction and leave in under 10 minutes without navigating the main queueing system. The machines are accessible during the building’s extended hours, which run Monday to Thursday until 8:00 PM.

Location: Back entrance of Al Manara Centre
Services: Traffic fines, Salik violations, municipal penalties
Payment: Card payments accepted
Alternative: RTA counter (first floor) if machine is out of service
Hours: Accessible during building hours; Monday–Thursday until 8:00 PM

Sustainability Oasis Recycling

The Smart Sustainability Oasis in the Al Manara Centre parking lot was inaugurated in May 2016 as the first smart recycling centre in the GCC. The facility operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and accepts paper, cardboard, plastics, metal packaging, and glass. Smart sensors fitted to the recycling compartments monitor fill levels remotely, and CCTV cameras provide security. An automatic motion sensor activates an audio welcome message when users approach. The recycling centre is a joint initiative between Dubai Municipality and Averda, and its presence at Al Manara reinforces the centre’s role as a sustainability‑oriented government facility. Visitors combining a recycling drop‑off with other errands at the centre can access the facility at any hour, including outside regular building operating times.

Official Name: Smart Sustainability Oasis Recycling Centre
Location: Al Manara Centre parking lot
Hours: 24/7
Accepted Materials: Paper, cardboard, plastics, metal packaging, glass
Features: Smart sensors, CCTV monitoring, motion‑activated audio welcome

Al Manara Centre is not a destination anyone visits for pleasure — and that is the point. It exists to compress the friction of government bureaucracy into a single building with free WiFi, smart kiosks, a coffee shop, and prayer rooms, so that a resident can renew a driving licence, register an Ejari, pay a traffic fine, and open a DEWA account in one morning rather than four separate days. For newcomers to Dubai, it is arguably the most practically useful address on Sheikh Zayed Road. For long‑term residents, the 2023 smart conversion and the steady expansion of self‑service options mean that visits grow shorter each year. Know your department’s hours, book ahead where possible, bring your Emirates ID, and the centre will do what it was designed to do: process your transaction and send you back into the city with the rest of your day intact.