The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has organised a training workshop on artificial intelligence strategies targeting its administrative cadres from various sectors.

The workshop, held in collaboration with Microsoft, discussed advanced AI tools that will be adopted in future projects to improve customer service, and is in line with government directives on accelerating AI technology use.

HE Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA, along with assistant directors, department heads, senior officers, and employees attended the event at the Directorate’s headquarters in Al Jafiliya.

Lt. Colonel Expert Khalid bin Madih Al Falasi, Deputy Assistant Director for Digital Services at GDRFA, stated that this initiative builds on the directorate’s success in integrating artificial intelligence into work tools. “AI technologies not only help develop systems, but also improve performance quality, enhance administrative processes, increase efficiency, and achieve high accuracy in task execution.”

He emphasised that the workshop aimed to enhance the capabilities of staff by utilising the latest AI technologies, building a strong base of technical knowledge and skills necessary for effectively applying AI in the workplace.

Additionally, Lt. Colonel Al Falasi noted that the training included a brainstorming session, where participants discussed and developed future strategies and ideas to enhance service quality, focusing on the proactive use of advanced technologies to streamline transaction processes.

For his part, Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Ghaleb Abdullah Al Marri, Executive Director of Artificial Intelligence at GDRFA, expressed his gratitude for Microsoft, which played a pivotal role in organising the event and sharing valuable ideas and insights, adding that such insights will certainly support the Directorate’s plans and strategies designed to develop and use artificial intelligence.

“We will spare no effort to improve customer services, facilitate access, and accelerate service delivery, leveraging the vast potential of AI technologies,” Al Marri said. He stressed that GDRFA is committed to improving performance quality and upgrading the services offered to customers, keeping pace with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.

The training workshop coincides with an initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, to qualify teachers in Dubai schools in artificial intelligence.

Sheikh Hamdan’s initiative aims to equip teachers with the necessary knowledge to employ AI applications, supporting and preparing future generations. It will provide comprehensive training in the basics of using advanced applications and integrating AI tools to automate tasks, positioning Dubai as a pioneer in using artificial intelligence in the education sector.