Immigration · Regulator
GDRFA — General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs
Dubai's immigration authority responsible for residency visas, entry permits and Emirates ID for Dubai-issued visas.
In practice
Founders incorporating in a Dubai free zone (IFZA, DMCC, Meydan, JAFZA, DIFC, mainland DED) deal with GDRFA for their residency visa. Abu Dhabi uses the parallel ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security). Same functional role.