A high-level delegation from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) recently completed an official visit to Singapore, aimed at studying best practices in border and port management. The visit highlights GDRFA Dubai’s ongoing efforts to improve the emirate’s border readiness, while strengthening its operational and technical capabilities. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s vision to establish a fully integrated, AI-driven security and service ecosystem.
The delegation, led by Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director General of GDRFA Dubai, included senior officials such as Brigadier Waleed Ahmed, Deputy Assistant Director General for Airport Services, and Colonel Khalid bin Midia Al Falasi, Assistant Director General for Digital Services, as well as several specialised officers. Their itinerary included visits to key facilities such as the Pasir Panjang Scanning Station, Woodlands Checkpoint, and Changi International Airport, where they observed advanced systems integrating automation and artificial intelligence to enhance security and streamline passenger movement.
GDRFA Dubai’s Commitment to Innovation
The delegation’s visit provided valuable insights into Singapore’s leading practices in risk assessment, system integration, and advanced inspection technologies. They also examined innovative methods to expedite travel procedures and improve the overall passenger experience. These learnings will directly inform GDRFA Dubai’s efforts to develop a next-generation border system that anticipates risks, manages mobility efficiently, and ensures a world-class travel experience for visitors.
The information gained from this visit will contribute to new projects designed to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global leader in smart port management and border security innovation. Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor commented, “At GDRFA Dubai, we believe that shaping the future begins with acquiring knowledge and exchanging expertise. Border security is not achieved through technology alone but through an integrated system driven by national talent and teamwork.” He went on to highlight that Singapore’s experience serves as an inspiration for Dubai’s own human-centred model, combining technology with efficiency and foresight to enhance digital security and streamline travel.
Fostering Global Competitiveness in Border Security
Through international collaborations like this, GDRFA Dubai reaffirms its commitment to advancing global competitiveness in smart border management. The lessons learned will further support Dubai’s vision of a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future. This approach places people at the heart of development, ensuring that both technology and human expertise work together to shape the future of border security.
The insights from Singapore’s advanced systems and methodologies will also inform upcoming projects aimed at fortifying Dubai’s borders, keeping it at the forefront of technological and security innovations in the region. This visit marks another step toward Dubai’s goal of creating an environment that seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technologies while maintaining a human-centric approach to border management.
For more on Dubai’s advancements in security and travel systems, read about Dubai’s RTA’s growth over two decades.
