Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has unveiled ‘Salama,’ a new AI-powered platform designed to transform the visa renewal process.
The cutting-edge system allows residents to complete transactions within seconds, eliminating paperwork and long wait times.
Through Salama, residents can access their visa information, renew residency permits, and download updated documents instantly. The platform integrates artificial intelligence to identify users, check their dependent’s visa status, and highlight approaching expiration dates. Once a renewal request is initiated, the system processes it within moments, significantly reducing the traditional processing time.
Previously, visa renewals could take between one to three hours, depending on document completion. However, with Salama’s advanced automation, the process has been cut down to just 10–20 seconds when all required information is in order.
Exclusive to residents for now
Currently, Salama caters exclusively to visa renewals and cancellations for residents. Ghaleb Abdullah Mohammed Hassan Al-Majid, Director of the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Department, stated, “The first phase is focused on renewals and cancellations. Future phases will introduce services for visitors, tourists, and other GDRFA processes.”
Salama is expected to expand its capabilities, allowing businesses and corporations to handle visa applications efficiently. “We are committed to leveraging AI to enhance government services and simplify procedures for residents and businesses alike,” Al-Majid added.
Revolutionising customer experience
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, emphasised the significance of digital transformation in government services. “Digital transformation is not just about creating new services; it’s about enhancing the customer experience and achieving our leadership’s vision of seamless, efficient governance,” he stated.
Salama is part of Dubai’s broader Digital Transformation Strategy and aligns with the UAE’s Vision 2071. By integrating AI into administrative services, the government aims to improve the quality of life and provide effortless access to essential services.
How to access Salama
Users can utilise the Salama platform through the smart channel and UAE Pass, ensuring secure and hassle-free transactions. A demonstration at the Fourth Annual Media Council showcased the efficiency of the service, with a resident renewing a dependent’s visa in real-time within seconds.
The renewal process involves three simple steps:
- Selecting the visa duration
- Making the payment
- Receiving the renewed residence permit
- Future expansion plans
Colonel Khalid bin Madia Al Falasi, Assistant Director General of the Digital Services Affairs Sector at GDRFA Dubai, confirmed that Salama will continue evolving to meet the needs of individuals and businesses. “The service is currently available for residents, but future phases will introduce company services and additional language options,” he said.
Salama currently supports over 40 languages, with plans to expand further, ensuring accessibility for Dubai’s diverse population.