What To Know
- The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai has brought its Golden Visa and smart travel services directly to the public through its “Closer to You” initiative platform at Global Village, drawing strong engagement from visitors and residents alike.
- The “Closer to You” initiative will continue at Global Village until February 5, 2026, giving more visitors the opportunity to explore Golden Visa options and smart travel services in an open and accessible setting.
- The initiative reflects Dubai’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, transparency, and community-focused service delivery, allowing people to interact face-to-face with specialised government teams in a convenient and welcoming environment.
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai has brought its Golden Visa and smart travel services directly to the public through its “Closer to You” initiative platform at Global Village, drawing strong engagement from visitors and residents alike.
The initiative reflects Dubai’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, transparency, and community-focused service delivery, allowing people to interact face-to-face with specialised government teams in a convenient and welcoming environment.
Senior GDRFA Leadership Engages Directly with the Community
The platform was visited by senior leadership from GDRFA Dubai, led by Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, alongside Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director General, and other senior officials.
The visit was also attended by Zeina Dagher, Senior Vice President of Operations at Dubai Holding Entertainment – Global Village, highlighting the collaborative approach between government entities and major public venues.
This leadership presence underscored GDRFA Dubai’s focus on direct engagement, on-ground communication, and accessible public services.
High Public Interest in Golden Visa and Smart Travel Services
The “Closer to You” platform has recorded high visitor turnout, with particularly strong demand for Golden Visa services, as well as Smart Corridor and Red Carpet travel services.
Visitors used the platform to:
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Receive accurate, up-to-date information
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Submit service inquiries
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Obtain personalised guidance from specialised teams
The interactive setup allows residents and visitors to better understand eligibility, procedures, and benefits, enhancing trust and improving overall customer experience.
Bringing Government Services Closer to the People
The initiative highlights growing public interest in face-to-face government services, even as Dubai continues to lead in digital transformation. By meeting people where they are, GDRFA Dubai reinforces its commitment to clarity, convenience, and community connection.
The platform functions as an integrated hub, combining:
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Service delivery
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Public awareness
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Interactive engagement
This approach supports GDRFA Dubai’s long-term vision of building sustainable relationships with the community.
Initiative Runs Until February 5, 2026
The “Closer to You” initiative will continue at Global Village until February 5, 2026, giving more visitors the opportunity to explore Golden Visa options and smart travel services in an open and accessible setting.
Aligned with GDRFA Dubai’s “Customer First” strategy, the initiative demonstrates how on-ground engagement can complement digital services, making government processes more approachable, transparent, and user-friendly.
Cover Image: AI-Generated for Illustration Purposes

