With the presence of H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan and H.E.  Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Marri, along with around 2000 managers and employees, GDRFA Dubai honoured the elite administrative and functional staff who contributed to achieving and aspiring beyond elite status. The ceremony, held under the title “Elite Ceremony,” featured a special tribute to H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan for his continuous support and encouragement.

The event was attended by H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai, H.E. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, and H.E. Hala Badri, Director General of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. The ceremony, held for the first time, saw the presence of more than 2000 attendees, including assistant directors general at GDRFA Dubai, officials, and employees. It highlighted Dubai Residency’s 18-year journey towards elite status, emphasizing the contributions of the administrative and functional staff in achieving local and regional milestones since 2006.

The Elite Ceremony included special honours for H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan and H.E. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, as well as recognitions for the supervisory team “Higher Committee” at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, the teams working on government excellence frameworks and standards, Dubai Excellence Medals, and the teams winning local, regional, and global awards for 2023 and 2024.

In his remarks, H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan highlighted a call from H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, to select a suitable person for the position of Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai. He noted that Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Marri, then among the elite in Dubai Police, was chosen for this role to lead a renaissance within the department. He affirmed that Lieutenant General Mohammed, with his humane and refined approach, succeeded in improving procedures and transactions, enhancing the travel experience at the airport, an important gateway to the country, reflecting positively on travellers, customers, and the overall image of the UAE.

The ceremony opened with a keynote speech by H.E. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, who appreciated the support and wise guidance of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, emphasizing the importance of strategic efforts. He also acknowledged the significant role of H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan in supporting GDRFA Dubai’s journey towards elite status.

Lieutenant General Al Marri stated, “The Dubai Excellence Awards in 2006 were a great incentive for us. At that time, we needed substantial improvements. The directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his visionary leadership guided us towards excellence. His support, along with that of H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan, played a crucial role in encouraging continuous improvement.”

He added, “That day marked the beginning of a clear roadmap for Dubai Residency, progressing from the last rank towards and beyond elite status, improving infrastructure, and developing modern technologies to facilitate administrative procedures and transactions for residents and visitors, enhancing communication with customers and transparency through various channels.”

The speech highlighted the department’s 18-year journey, focusing on enhancing national competencies through continuous training programs aimed at developing their skills and improving their performance efficiency and effectiveness. It also emphasized continuous monitoring and evaluation of services to ensure adherence to the highest quality and effectiveness standards, supporting Emiratisation and empowerment processes, and expanding partnerships at local, regional, and global levels.

Lieutenant General Al Marri stressed that the General Directorate focused on continuous development and innovation in digital services and artificial intelligence through two key strategies, adopting modern technologies and implementing best global practices. These strategies included the adoption of advanced digital technologies through innovative technical solutions, improving operational efficiency and providing outstanding customer experiences, and using artificial intelligence for continuous improvement through data analysis and AI, enabling precise analysis of customer behaviours and needs, enhancing their experience and satisfaction, ultimately improving their quality of life and happiness.

The ceremony showcased a range of achievements and awards GDRFA Dubai received during the past year and the first half of 2024, including the Stevie Awards for the Middle East and North Africa in categories such as “Most Innovative Communication Team,” “Innovative Government Agency,” “Innovative Financial Achievement,” “Most Innovative Leader,” “Innovation in Government Services,” and “Most Creative and Innovative Person of the Year.” It also highlighted the “360 Labs” initiative, making customers and partners integral to the development process.

The event honoured H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan and H.E. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, the Higher Committee at GDRFA Dubai, and elite teams. The ceremony also announced the winners of Dubai Excellence Medals in the Dubai Government Excellence Program and honoured participants in these awards, along with the teams winning local, regional, and global awards for 2023 and 2024.

Additionally, the ceremony announced three awards GDRFA Dubai received from King Abdulaziz University, the Scientific Foundation for Inventions, and the Geneva International Invention Exhibition for the “Saaf” project and the Security Laboratory project, awarded to Agent Amer Saeed Al Jabri. The ceremony also announced the UAE Women Award, received by Lieutenant First Class Amina Al Hashimi from the Entry Permits and Residency sector and civilian Saleha Obaid from the Institutional Support sector.

At the end of the ceremony, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri was surprised with a special tribute from H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan, recognizing his efforts in leading the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai to elite status by enhancing the work environment, supporting administrative and functional staff, and continuously encouraging creativity and innovation. His inclusive approach in policy and decision-making processes contributed to the development of work tools, providing a range of quality services.