Latest news with #GeneralDirectorateofIdentityandForeignersAffairs
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Brand Dubai, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs partner to highlight Dubai's summertime attractions
25 July 2025 17:01 DUBAI (ALETIHAD)Dialling up the excitement surrounding the #DubaiDestinations summer campaign, Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, has partnered with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai to highlight the very best of Dubai's summertime experiences for part of the initiative, people approaching the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs will be greeted with souvenir 'passports' introducing them to the city's myriad summer experiences in an engaging and fun a QR code provided in the passport, visitors can tap into the Dubai Destinations website to access interactive guides and curated itineraries designed to help them explore Dubai through the to go online on July 24, the activation is part of wider efforts to promote Dubai's diverse tourism offerings and enhance the overall visitor experience, aligning with Brand Dubai's commitment to showcasing the city's notable attractions and multicultural milieu. The unique initiative is expected to enable thousands of residents and visitors to make the most of their Dubai sojourns with their families and loved ones. For more details and related content, visit @BrandDubai on Instagram and #DubaiDestinations.
Hi Dubai
12-06-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Handles Over 629,000 Travelers During Eid al-Adha Holiday Surge
Dubai welcomed more than 629,000 travelers through its air, land, and sea ports during the Eid al-Adha holiday from June 5 to June 8, underscoring the city's status as a major global transit hub. According to the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai International Airport handled the lion's share with 581,527 travelers. The Hatta border post recorded 46,863 crossings, while 1,169 passengers passed through maritime ports during the same period. Major General Talal Al-Shanqeeti, Assistant Director General of the Air Ports Sector, highlighted the role of smart systems and artificial intelligence in managing the travel rush. He credited seamless coordination between government entities and the activation of digital solutions for ensuring fast and efficient processing. 'Our smart gates and AI technologies have significantly improved passenger flow,' Al-Shanqeeti said, adding that the travel experience is now closely aligned with the city's broader goals of enhancing quality of life and service flexibility. The GDRFA noted that the high-volume traffic was handled with precision, thanks to robust collaboration with aviation and border sector partners. The effort reflects Dubai's commitment to innovation, operational readiness, and delivering top-tier travel experiences. Officials say the smooth handling of such volumes strengthens Dubai's position on global mobility and quality-of-life rankings—reinforcing the emirate's ambition to remain a leading destination for both transit and long-term residence. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Dubai Eye
11-06-2025
- Dubai Eye
Dubai welcomes over 629,000 travellers during Eid holiday
Dubai recorded a busy Eid Al-Adha holiday, with over 629,000 travellers passing through its entry and exit points between June 5 and 8. Dubai Airports handled the majority, with more than 581,000 passengers, while Hatta Land Border Crossing saw 46,863 travellers. Around 1,100 people also passed through the emirate's maritime ports during the holiday rush. Major General Talal Al-Shanqeeti, Assistant Director General of the Air Ports Sector at the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, hailed the seamless coordination on the ground and the activation of smart systems across all entry points. "We have made it a priority to ensure a seamless travel experience through smart gates and artificial intelligence technologies, which have contributed to speeding up procedures and improving the flow of movement," he explained. Dubai entry and exit points handle 629,559 travelers during the Eid Al-Adha holiday 5-8 June 2025. — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 11, 2025
Mediapart
04-06-2025
- Business
- Mediapart
Le plus grand centre de demande de visa au monde ouvre à Dubaï
Future-ready, culturally grounded, and AI-powered — Dubai's new hub will serve 37 governments Conçu comme un modèle mondial de nouvelle génération pour les centres de visa, établissant de nouvelles normes en matière de service, de sécurité et d'expérience client Construit pour accompagner la croissance de la demande de voyages à l'étranger depuis les Émirats, avec une capacité de 10 000 demandes par jour 37 gouvernements clients. Plus de 200 guichets de dépôt. Une destination puissante et unifiée pour des services de visa intelligents VFS Global, a global leader in trusted technology services, facilitating secure international mobility for governments and citizens, announced the opening of its flagship Visa Application Centre in Wafi City, Dubai, marking the launch of the world's largest visa application facility. The centre was inaugurated by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri , Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri , Director General of General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai; and Mr. Zubin Karkaria , Founder and Group CEO of VFS Global. Agrandir l'image : Illustration 1 Agrandissement : Illustration 1 Fermer His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri said: 'This milestone is more than just an infrastructure achievement—it reflects Dubai's strategic direction to strengthen global mobility, open access to opportunities, and accelerate the growth of our tourism and business economy. As we pursue the objectives of Dubai's D33 Economic Agenda, ensuring seamless access to and from Dubai remains a priority. Visa facilitation is a critical lever to attract talent, grow tourism, and strengthen international partnerships—all key to positioning Dubai as the most connected and forward-looking city in the world.' Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global Group, said: 'Having established a presence in the Emirates since 2004, our journey has been marked by unwavering commitment and a deep connection to this dynamic nation and its visionary leadership. Over two decades, we have witnessed the spectacular growth of the Emirates, which has become a leading global center for business, technological innovation, and strategic thinking. In line with Dubai's rapid development, we are pleased today to launch the world's largest visa application center, serving more than 200 nationalities, in this Year of Community. Working with Emirati entrepreneurs and artists, the center reflects the multicultural fabric of the country we are proud to call our global headquarters. Designed to meet the growing demand for international travel and security, accessibility, and comfort, this ultra-modern center in Dubai sets a new global benchmark—designed not only for today, but also for the needs of tomorrow. With nearly 14,000 square meters, the center can process up to 10,000 visa applications per day—a world record for a single location—and is supported by a skilled and diverse team of more than 400 professionals from over 25 nationalities. Among its main features: Technology-assisted self-service kiosks, secure lockers, photo booths, and copy stations for last-minute needs Interactive touchscreen terminals, QR code check-in and automatic feedback at each counter More than 400 employees equipped with tablets to help applicants, supported by trained volunteers Intuitive airport-style signage, large waiting areas and cart service for easy movement Prayer spaces, children's play areas and comfort zones for a truly user-centric experience ESG-compliant design, energy-efficient systems and priority lanes for seniors, families and people with disabilities With the increase in international travel from the Emirates, personalized services like the Premium Lounge have become the preferred choice for applicants seeking comfort and convenience. Of the 200+ drop-off counters, 79 are exclusively reserved for the Premium service. The center is one of the few to also offer the Platinum Lounge, with personalized service including a private chauffeur, comprehensive support, and a modern, relaxing setting. At the heart: artificial intelligence and innovation With real-time document validation and state-of-the-art biometric systems, the on-site AI Innovation Hub ensures smarter, faster, and more secure processing. This is complemented by a scanning center that converts paper documents into secure digital files, and a Global Resilience Center (GRC) that ensures 24/7 availability, data protection, and service continuity for all partner governments. VFS Global has integrated technology into every step of the process to revolutionize the visa application experience. Visitors use e-tickets via QR code upon arrival, guided by an advanced queue management system. This intelligent system, combined with electronic screens and mobile notifications, significantly reduces waiting time and optimizes applicant flow—even during peak periods. By combining technological innovation with human expertise, the center redefines the visa application process as a seamless, transparent, and efficient one. The opening of the world's largest visa application center in Dubai demonstrates VFS Global's commitment to the government's "We the UAE 2031" vision. Aligned with the Year of Community 2025, this center sets a new global standard for service excellence, while incorporating Emirati cultural works that celebrate Dubai's community spirit. This iconic facility embodies a new model—blending cutting-edge technology and local values to ensure a future of secure, connected, and community-driven travel. VFS Global has been present in the UAE since 2002 as the official visa service provider for Emirates Airlines passengers, and has established its headquarters in Dubai since 2013.
Tourism Breaking News
20-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
VFS Global launches world's largest visa application facility in Dubai
VFS Global announced the launch of its flagship Visa Application Centre in Dubai's Wafi City, marking the opening of the largest visa application facility in the world. The centre was inaugurated by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism; His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai; and Mr. Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global Group. His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism said, 'This milestone is more than an infrastructure achievement — it reflects the strategic direction Dubai is taking to enhance global mobility, unlock access to opportunity, and accelerate growth across our visitor and business economy. As we advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, strengthening seamless access to and from Dubai remains a priority. Visa facilitation is a key enabler of talent attraction, tourism development, and international partnerships — all essential levers of our strategy to position Dubai as the world's most connected and future-ready city.' His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai said, 'Today, we witnessed the inauguration of a new milestone in the journey of excellence pursued by the UAE in general and Dubai in particular, with the opening of the world's largest Visa Application Centre, located in the heart of Dubai, a city that continuously redefines innovation. This achievement embodies a true reflection of the directives of our wise leadership towards strengthening the nation's position as a global hub for smart services and establishing a unique model for delivering government services with high efficiency and quality. We believe that continuous development is not an option, but rather a commitment to a more prosperous future.' Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global Group, said, 'Operating in the UAE since 2004, our journey has been defined by our unwavering commitment and a deep-rooted connection with this dynamic nation and its visionary leadership. In these two decades we have witnessed the spectacular growth and development of the UAE to become a preeminent global hub of business, thought leadership, technology development and innovation. In line with the rapid development of Dubai, today we are pleased to launch the world's largest Visa Application Centre, serving over 200 nationalities in this Year of Community. Working closely with Emirati Entrepreneurs and Emirati Artists, the centre captures and reflects the multicultural fabric of the country that we are proud to call our Global Headquarters.' Designed to meet the surge in outbound travel and rising expectations for security, accessibility, and convenience, the state-of-the-art Dubai centre sets a new global benchmark — built not just for today, but for the travel demands of tomorrow. At nearly 150,000 square feet, the centre is equipped to handle up to 10,000 visa applications daily – a capacity that stands as the highest for any single location – and is supported by a skilled and diverse team of over 400 trained professionals from more than 25 nationalities.
