The General Directorate of Residency 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 welcoming, convenient 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 Demand for 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:
- Receive accurate, up-to-date information on eligibility and procedures - Submit service inquiries and renew or cancel residency visas - Obtain personalised guidance from specialised multilingual teams - Register passports for Smart Gate use and pay overstay fines on the spot
The interactive setup allows residents and visitors to better understand eligibility, procedures, and benefits — enhancing trust and improving the 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:
- Service delivery across multiple GDRFA departments - Public awareness and educational interactive activities - Daily surprises and weekly prize draws to encourage community participation
This approach supports GDRFA Dubai's long-term vision of building sustainable relationships with the community under its "Customer First" strategy.
Initiative Runs at Global Village Until 5 February 2026
The "Closer to You" initiative will continue at Global Village until 5 February 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 mandate, the initiative demonstrates how on-ground engagement can complement digital services — making government processes more approachable, transparent, and user-friendly for residents and visitors across the UAE.
