Dubai residents visiting Global Village this season are finding more than food stalls, cultural shows, and shopping. The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai has brought its popular “Closer to You” initiative to the venue, offering direct access to key residency and travel-related services.
The initiative, which runs until February 5, 2026, is designed to make government services easier to understand and more accessible. Instead of visiting a service centre, residents and visitors can speak to GDRFA specialists in a relaxed, open setting.
For many families and working professionals, this means getting clarity on important matters while enjoying an evening out at one of Dubai’s most visited attractions.
Senior GDRFA Leaders Visit the Platform
The importance of the initiative was highlighted during a recent visit by senior GDRFA officials. The delegation was led by Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, alongside Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director General, and several senior officials.
They were joined by Zeina Dagher, Senior Vice President of Operations at Dubai Holding Entertainment – Global Village. The visit focused on direct interaction with visitors, understanding their concerns, and observing how services are being delivered on the ground.
This kind of leadership presence sends a clear message. Community engagement is not just a policy; it is an active priority.
Golden Visa Services Attract Strong Public Interest
One of the busiest sections at the platform is the Golden Visa desk. Dubai’s long-term residency programme continues to attract strong interest from professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and high-performing students.
While information is available online, many people still prefer speaking to someone directly. Visitors at Global Village are using the opportunity to ask practical questions about eligibility, documentation, timelines, and family sponsorship.
GDRFA representatives provide clear explanations in simple language, helping people understand where they stand and what steps to take next. For residents planning long-term futures in the UAE, this clarity makes a real difference.
The high turnout reflects how relevant the Golden Visa has become for people building their careers and lives in Dubai.
Smart Corridor and Red Carpet Services Explained Clearly
Alongside residency services, there has been a steady demand for information on Smart Corridor and Red Carpet services.
Smart Corridor services, which use biometric technology to speed up airport immigration, are especially popular with frequent travellers. At the platform, visitors learn how the system works, who can register, and how it helps reduce waiting time during busy travel periods.
The Red Carpet service, known for offering premium immigration assistance, also attracts business travellers and families looking for smoother airport experiences. GDRFA staff straightforwardly explain these services, cutting through confusion and technical terms.
For Dubai residents who travel often, especially during school holidays or peak seasons, these services offer both convenience and peace of mind.
A More Personal Way to Access Government Services
The “Closer to You” initiative is built around approachability. The setup at Global Village is open and interactive, allowing visitors to ask questions without feeling rushed or intimidated.
People can submit inquiries, get accurate information, and receive guidance on the spot. This face-to-face interaction helps reduce misunderstandings and builds confidence in official processes.
Despite Dubai’s strong digital infrastructure, the response shows that personal interaction still matters. Many visitors appreciate the chance to speak directly with trained professionals rather than relying only on online forms.
This approach reflects GDRFA Dubai’s wider Customer First strategy, focusing on trust, clarity, and service quality.
Global Village Makes Sense as a Location
Global Village attracts millions of visitors every season. Families, tourists, and residents from across the UAE visit regularly, making it an ideal place for community-focused initiatives.
By setting up here, GDRFA Dubai reaches people who may not actively seek out government offices. It also allows residents to combine everyday leisure with practical tasks, which suits Dubai’s lifestyle-driven culture.
For many, it means getting important questions answered without disrupting their routine. That balance is part of what makes the initiative effective.
What Visitors Should Know Before Visiting?
The GDRFA Dubai platform will remain open at Global Village until February 5, 2026. Peak hours can be busy, especially on weekends, so early visits are recommended.
Visitors seeking general information do not need to prepare documents. However, those asking detailed Golden Visa questions may find it helpful to have basic details about their profession or residency status.
The platform is suitable for individuals, families, and professionals looking for reliable information directly from the source.
A Practical Step Toward Smarter, Friendlier Services
The presence of GDRFA Dubai at Global Village shows how government services in the city continue to evolve. By taking services directly to the public, the authority is making important processes easier to understand and more accessible.
It also reflects Dubai’s broader approach to governance. Efficient, people-focused, and built around everyday life.
Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news, things to do, travel, Bollywood, food and lifestyle stories from Dubai and across the UAE.
Read More
