The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) has achieved a new global milestone, adding to its track record in government innovation, with the “Red Carpet” project winning the Distinguished Innovation by Public Sector – GDI Awards 2025, presented by the Global Innovation Institute (GInI). The award recognizes government entities that have successfully applied strategic innovation methodologies to deliver tangible impact and real societal value.
This recognition comes as the “Red Carpet” smart corridor marks one year since its launch at Dubai airports, representing a qualitative transformation in the traveler experience. It has enabled the completion of travel procedures within seconds through an integrated system powered by artificial intelligence and biometric technologies—without the need to present any documents.
The project stands as an advanced model in leveraging innovation to redefine border crossing—from a traditional procedure into a seamless, human-centric experience built on trust, speed, and respect—reflecting Dubai’s vision for the future of digital government services.
This achievement also reflects GDRFA Dubai’s approach to transforming innovation into real impact by developing solutions that place people at the heart of the experience, while aligning with the UAE’s strategic directions to enhance global competitiveness and reinforce its position as a leading hub for government innovation.
The “Red Carpet” project is rooted in a concept that goes beyond technology; it was designed as a symbol of welcome and appreciation for every traveler, reflecting the human values that define Dubai’s engagement with the world, and reinforcing its image as a destination that combines operational excellence with a strong human touch.
H.E. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, affirmed that this achievement reflects the leadership’s vision of embedding a culture of innovation as a core methodology, stating: “The success of the ‘Red Carpet’ project marks an important milestone in GDRFA Dubai’s journey toward developing innovative government models that place people first, enhance quality of life, and reinforce global trust.”
For his part, Brigadier Abdul Samad Hussein Al Blooshi, Assistant Director General for the Pioneering and Future Affairs Sector, noted that the project reflects GDRFA Dubai’s ability to anticipate the future and adopt innovative solutions aligned with global transformations, stating: “The Red Carpet represents a practical model of how advanced technologies can be leveraged to develop proactive services that enhance the readiness of the government ecosystem for the future.”
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Salem Mohammed bin Ali, Deputy Assistant Director General for Pioneering and Future Affairs, explained that the project embodies the integration of institutional efforts in transforming innovation into a real experience, stating: “We are working to develop solutions that place people at the center of service delivery, translating innovation into a seamless experience that reflects operational efficiency and service excellence.”
This global recognition underscores that Dubai does not merely adopt innovation—it reshapes it into a fully integrated human experience, reflecting a safe and advanced environment from which the emirate continues to advance its global leadership. It also highlights GDRFA Dubai’s role in translating this vision into reality through a digital services ecosystem that strengthens customer trust, enhances operational efficiency, and supports the UAE’s international competitiveness.
At its core, the project represents an advanced government model that brings together technology and humanity—demonstrating that the future of services is measured not only by speed, but by the quality of the experience and the sense of welcome and belonging it creates from the very first moment of arrival.
