A personalised travel experience awaits foreigners arriving at UAE
Immigration officers at the airports, land and seaports are being trained on various cultural sensitivities and preferences
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has launched a new initiative called 'For the World'. The program aims to enhance the awareness of immigration officers about customers and traditions of various nationalities, at Dubai's airports, land, and seaports.
The goal is to equip staff with a deeper understanding of the customs, traditions, and preferences of various nationalities, thereby enhancing the overall travel experience. "We want to go beyond standard procedures and truly understand our visitors," said Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA.
Japan featured in the debut
The program kicked off with a Japanese guest, Yani Takashi, who immersed immigration officers in Japanese culture through traditional attire and firsthand insights. "It was an eye-opening experience," Al Marri noted. "We realized that what might seem normal to us could be perceived differently by others."
The interaction was not limited to a lecture, but practical experience on the ground at Dubai airport.
Training mechanism
In the 'For the world' initiative, a guest will be hosted from a different country to interact with the employees of GDRFA, whether at airports, land, or seaports. The guest will explain to immigration officers their culture and assist the whole experience from their point of view. By learning key phrases and cultural nuances, immigration officers will be better equipped to provide tailored assistance and make visitors feel at home.
"We were focusing on training the employee to provide an excellent service to the traveler. However, the service should also be appropriate for each traveler. The customs and traditions of people must be familiar to employees," said Al Marri.
Emphasizing the importance of respect and appreciation for different cultures, Mari said: "We want to ensure that every traveler feels valued and understood."
Future plan
The GDRFA plans to host the next guest from Korea, who will also wear traditional Korean attire. The major general also explained that there would be five days between each nationality to focus on the outputs of each person from the country that was hosted.
The 'For the World' initiative is a significant step towards positioning Dubai as a global hub that caters to the diverse needs and expectations of its international visitors.