Dubai introduces AI system for quicker, easier visa renewals |
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has introduced a new artificial intelligence platform, ‘Salama,’ aimed at revolutionising the efficiency and accessibility of residency services.
The announcement was made during the Fourth Annual Media Council, held under the theme “Media Vision Shaping the Future,” and attended by senior officials, including Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai.
Salama is designed to simplify the residency process for individuals, offering a fast, seamless platform to manage residency-related tasks. Through the platform, users can renew or cancel residency permits, make payments, and complete other transactions without the need for traditional paperwork.
This AI-powered system aims to support the UAE’s Vision 2071 and Dubai’s broader Digital Transformation Strategy, aligning with the government’s goal of providing more accessible and efficient services.
Lieutenant General Al Marri highlighted the platform’s role in redefining government services. “Digital transformation is not just about building services; it’s about improving customer experiences, government performance, and fulfilling the leadership’s goal of accessible services,” he said.
The Salama platform is tailored to meet the needs of residents by offering features like quick responses to visa inquiries and facilitating transactions without requiring visits to service centres. Future developments will extend the platform’s capabilities to support companies as well.
Colonel Khalid bin Madia Al Falasi, Assistant Director General of the Digital Services Affairs Sector at GDRFA Dubai, elaborated on the platform’s advanced capabilities, saying, “The launch of Salama marks a shift in how users engage with government services.” He added that the AI system uses sophisticated algorithms to provide quick, accurate services, processing requests in just seconds.
Currently available for individuals, the Salama platform offers services primarily for renewing or cancelling residency permits, with plans to expand to include company-related services in the future.
The service is accessible through smart channels and UAE Pass, making it easy for users to complete tasks. During the forum, a live demonstration showed how quickly users can renew residency permits; one applicant completed the process in just a few seconds.
Once logged in, the system automatically recognises the user’s data, displays details of dependents, and offers an easy renewal process. After selecting the renewal option and making payment, the renewed permit is sent directly to the user’s registered email.
The platform supports more than 40 languages, with more to be added in the future. Each transaction takes only 10-20 seconds, providing a faster, user-friendly service.
Through Salama, residents can now renew visas in record time, enhancing convenience and efficiency in Dubai’s residency services.
