The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has introduced a cutting-edge artificial intelligence platform, ‘Salama,’ designed to enhance the efficiency of government services.
The announcement was made at the Fourth Annual Media Council, held under the theme “Media Vision Shaping the Future.” The event was attended by Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, alongside senior officials and prominent media figures.
The Salama platform aims to streamline residency services, providing users with a fast and seamless way to manage their residency-related tasks. It allows users to complete transactions, make payments, and handle other processes without traditional paperwork.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in GDRFA’s service delivery, aligning with UAE Vision 2071 and Dubai’s broader Digital Transformation Strategy.
Lieutenant General Al Marri emphasized the crucial role of digital technology in shaping Dubai’s future.
“Digital transformation goes beyond building services; it is about redefining customer experiences, enhancing government performance, and fulfilling our leadership’s vision of making services more accessible and efficient,” he stated.
He also highlighted that Salama reflects GDRFA’s dedication to leveraging advanced technology to improve the quality of life in Dubai.
Designed primarily for individuals, the platform simplifies visa-related processes. Users can:
In the future, the service will also be extended to companies, further expanding its impact.
Colonel Khalid bin Madia Al Falasi, Assistant Director General of Digital Services Affairs at GDRFA Dubai, described Salama as a major shift in government service interactions.
“With advanced AI algorithms, the platform personalizes responses, ensuring fast and precise service delivery,” he explained.
Speaking to Gulf News, he confirmed that the service is currently available for individuals, particularly for residency permit renewals and cancellations, with plans to expand it to corporate users in the next phase.
The platform is accessible via smart channels and UAE Pass. During a live demonstration at the forum, a user successfully renewed a residency permit in just a few seconds.
Here’s how the process works:
The service currently supports 40+ languages, with plans to expand further.
With Salama, residents can renew their visas in 10-20 seconds using the smart channels. The streamlined process involves:
This AI-driven approach marks a transformative leap in Dubai’s government services, ensuring a more efficient and user-friendly experience for residents.