Free tool · Photo ID

United Arab Emirates Passport Photo Maker

A UAE passport photo is 43 × 55 mm with a pure white background. JPG, taken within six months, with the face centered and a neutral expression. No glasses, no head covering except for religious reasons (women may wear hijab). The same photo works for the Emirates ID and the driving licence.

AED 215is the 2026 fee for a UAE adult passport —·GDRFAD Dubai

Updated May 22, 2026·Verified against United Arab Emirates official passport spec · headshot research team

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Passport country

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United Arab Emirates passport photo at a glance

Physical size	43 × 55 mm
Pixels @ 300 DPI	508 × 650
Head height	ICAO standard (70-80%)
Background	White background
Accepted formats	JPG
Passport fee (2026)	AED 215 (adult, 5-year)
Processing time	Same day at typing centres / 2-3 working days online
Studio cost	AED 25 to AED 50 at studios in malls or service centres
Official source	gdrfad.gov.ae

What the rules actually say

The UAE's 43 × 55 mm passport photo is a unique format set when the federal biometric passport launched in 2011. The larger-than-standard size gives the passport chip more facial-recognition data for matching at airports. The same format is used for the Emirates ID and the federal driving licence.

Pure white background is mandatory — UAE biometric scanners reject any off-white or cream tinted backgrounds. Most photo studios use calibrated white backdrops for ID photos. Home-shot photos rarely pass on first try because home walls photograph as warm-cream rather than pure white.

The 'amer' typing centre network handles most UAE passport applications. Bring your existing passport, Emirates ID, and the new photo — the typing centre staff prepare the application, submit it digitally, and the new passport is ready for collection in 2-3 working days.

From abroad, UAE embassies and consulates process applications through the same GDRFA / ICP digital systems. The same 43 × 55 mm photo specification applies — most photo studios near UAE consulates worldwide offer the format on request.

Top reasons United Arab Emirates passport photos get rejected

Background not pure white
Photo not 43 × 55 mm
Smile or non-neutral expression
Hair or accessories covering ears (subject to religious exception)
Photo more than six months old

Where to apply for your United Arab Emirates passport

Apply through GDRFA Dubai or ICP. https://gdrfad.gov.ae/ →

Studio alternative: AED 25 to AED 50 at studios in malls or service centres. The photo from this tool meets the same published spec — print on photo paper at home or at a drugstore for the same compliance result.

Related countries

If you also need a passport photo for a neighbouring or related country, the spec usually differs slightly. Here are the closest matches:

Saudi Arabia passport photo — 40 × 60 mm, plain white background
Egypt passport photo — 40 × 60 mm, plain white background

Privacy: what we do with your photo

The United Arab Emirates passport photo maker runs entirely in your browser. Cropping, scaling, and background colour replacement happen on your device using the Canvas API. The background-removal step uses our private worker server, processes the image in memory only, and deletes it immediately after returning the cutout — no logs, no storage, no training data.

Page URL: https://freeheadshot.org/tools/passport-photo/united-arab-emirates. Spec verified against gdrfad.gov.ae on 2026-05-22.

Questions, answered

United Arab Emirates Passport Photo Maker — frequently asked questions

Why is UAE's passport photo size 43 × 55 mm?

The 43 × 55 mm format was set when the UAE biometric passport launched in 2011. It's larger than ICAO standard for better facial-recognition data on the chip. This size is unique to the UAE among Gulf countries.

Are typing centres still the main passport service?

Yes. The 'amer' typing centres remain the most common path for UAE passport renewals and visa applications. Many offer photo services for AED 25-50 plus the typing fee.

Can I use my Emirates ID photo for the passport?

Same 43 × 55 mm specification. If your Emirates ID photo was taken within the last six months and you can get a digital copy, it works for the passport too.

Is hijab allowed on UAE passport photos?

Yes — religious head covering is explicitly allowed for women. The face from forehead to chin must remain unobstructed. This applies to the Emirates ID and driving licence photos as well.

Where can I get a UAE passport photo in Dubai?

Major malls (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta), most typing centres, and dedicated photo studios near GDRFA Dubai. AED 25-50 for a compliant photo with 5-minute printing.

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