The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners in Dubai (GDRFA) has launched Metaverse, a service that allows customers and employees to communicate in a virtual environment. Through the artificial intelligence based system, users can connect with officials in the Metaverse virtual conference room, visit Amer centres and conduct transactions. In addition, the service allows employees to attend events and training sessions in the virtual world. GDRFA uses artificial intelligence to monitor and analyse user messages on social media, enabling 80% of documents to be issued without human input. At GITEX 2023, GDRFA is showcasing 11 innovative initiatives which include the latest developments in artificial intelligence such as electronic document systems, cybersecurity, cloud-based solutions, digital transformation, data analytics and artificial intelligence. This platform aims to provide convenient and efficient services to customers and promote Dubai’s technological capabilities.

• Dubai GDRFA launches Metaverse service for clients and employees.
• From now on, it is possible to communicate with the head of the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners without visiting the department, using the Metaverse, a virtual version of the real place where avatars of people gather.
• An employee who logs into the Metaverse can use the service and display their name on the screen, along with the location assigned to them.
• The GDRFA is showcasing 11 innovative initiatives at GITEX 2023 to demonstrate its commitment to digital transformation and service improvement.

Dubai announces that you can now communicate with the head of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) without visiting the department, just by those interested using the Metaverse, a virtual version of the real place where avatars of people gather.

With this state-of-the-art system based on artificial intelligence, people can step into the future and interact with officials and other community members in the Metaverse. Simply plug in virtual reality (VR) goggles and connect using a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone.

This gives visitors the opportunity to communicate with officials in the Metaverse conference room. Additionally, they can go to the Amer Centre, select any branch and get a ticket to finalise a transaction. The ability to switch to a conference video call service has been introduced if there is a need for an official meeting.

Lieutenant Colonel Dr Ghalb Abdullah Al Merri, director of the Department of Science, Data and Artificial Intelligence, cited the advantages of this project as saving time and energy, and transport for cases that require returning to the administration building. He added that the project was part of an attempt to improve collaboration with clients and involve them in service planning and development. And the Metaverse concept refers to the use of virtual reality (VR) to enable customers to meet with officials without having to be physically present in the department.

Online reality

Using this Metaverse service is really simple: just download the software to your phone, put on VR glasses and move around the building. Initially the virtual person responsible for the service will deal with all requests, and the virtual receptionist is there to help.

Alternatively, a visitor can check one of the 60 Amer centres located in Dubai, select a branch, pick up a ticket and submit an application. The service will switch to a video call if the customer needs to speak to an official.

Employees can use the system to participate in live events and celebrations, such as National Day or other occasions, as well as for virtual training. Accordingly, an employee who logs into the Metaverse can use the service and have their name displayed on a screen along with their assigned seat at the venue if multiple people want to attend the same event and it is not possible to gather them in one place due to too many people wanting to attend or if the venue is too far away. It has been reported that whoever enters the Metaverse and uses the service, then their name will appear.

State-of-the-art services

In line with the UAE government commitment to provide high-tech services, the platform is expected to offer customers a unique experience through a virtual environment that mimics the real world and guarantees the delivery of services tailored to future lifestyles.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Al Merri, the department uses artificial intelligence (AI) to track and analyse comments and user behaviour on social media.

The agency uses AI systems to issue and renew passports, renew residency, issue permits. 80 per cent of the documents that are issued are currently done without human involvement, while 20 per cent of transactions are done through humans.

An important stop for GITEX participants

It is worth noting that the platform offers a Smart Gate pre-registration option. When visiting the platform at GITEX on the days of the show, it is necessary to carry an Emirates passport or ID card. The platform is showcasing the latest enhancements to its smart apps and gateways, aiming to provide people with a better and more efficient service.

The GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) aims to demonstrate the importance of digital technology in improving the living standards of people. Their commitment is to deliver high-tech services that aim to provide an edge in the workplace.

State-of-the-art technology

Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs (GDRFA), Mohamed Ahmed Al Marri, said that the organisation is keen to participate in GITEX every year in an effort to highlight the key role that digital technology plays in enhancing the quality of life. He also noted that GDRFA has committed itself to providing  state-of-the-art services based on this technology in order to achieve excellence in workplaces.

GDRFA is showcasing 11 innovative initiatives at GITEX 2023 to demonstrate its commitment to digital transformation and service improvement.

The platform highlights the latest developments in a wide range of artificial intelligence technologies, including electronic document systems, cybersecurity, cloud operations, digital transformation, data science and AI.

Deputy Director General of Smart Services, Lieutenant Colonel Khaled Al Falasi, emphasises that GITEX offers Dubai a unique opportunity to showcase its technological capabilities and enhance its reputation as a global innovation hub.

The platform is focused on providing convenient, excellent and effective services to customers while looking at the latest developments in intelligent applications.

Smart app, video call service, passports and personal status, virtual reality service, data science and artificial intelligence, innovation and the future, workforce and home worker category suite, Dubai electronic document system, intelligent portal and robot assistance are just a few of the many projects on display.

What is GITEX?

GITEX, or Gulf Information Technology Exhibition, is one of the largest and most important technology exhibitions and conferences in the Middle East. GITEX is held annually in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and attracts attendees from around the world, including representatives of technology companies, start-ups, industry experts, and investors.

GITEX is the place to showcase the latest advances in information technology, innovation, software development, telecommunications, robotics, artificial intelligence  and many other technological areas. It is an excellent opportunity to make business contacts, present new products and solutions and exchange knowledge in the field of technology.

GITEX is important for the development of the technology sector in the Middle East and attracts many companies and experts from all over the world, helping to promote innovation and development in the industry.