The residency and foreign affairs authority secures top Global Innovation Institute recognition for anticipating trends and transforming foresight into public services.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has earned the highest seven-star rating in the Future Shaping Maturity assessment conducted by the Global Innovation Institute (GInI). With this recognition, the directorate becomes the first organization worldwide in the residency and foreign affairs sector to achieve the distinction.
Translating future studies into practical, citizen-focused services formed the core basis of the achievement. The evaluation report highlighted the “Red Carpet” initiative—which completes passenger immigration procedures in 3.4 seconds—as a prominent example of proactive service delivery and smart solutions that enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
The assessment also gave special mention to the “Future Radar” system, which deploys artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to monitor global trends and early indicators of change. By analyzing data to identify upcoming opportunities and challenges, the platform supports strategic planning and evidence-based decision-making across the authority.
Evaluators commended the directorate’s governance framework, sustained leadership support, and foresight capabilities. Integrating future studies, innovation, and institutional planning has enabled the department to respond swiftly and effectively to global shifts.
These initiatives align with the UAE Centennial 2071, the UAE National Strategy for the Future, and the Dubai Government’s future-readiness policies. Alongside building workforce capabilities through specialized training and diplomas in future studies, the authority engages employees and experts in analyzing trends and assessing future scenarios.
Cross-sector coordination, contributions from specialized teams, and the work of “Future Ambassadors” played a decisive role in securing the rating. Spreading foresight literacy and expanding staff participation have embedded long-term strategic thinking into the organization’s daily operations, according to the report.
The seven-star rating recognizes the directorate’s efforts to convert future challenges into development opportunities while boosting quality of life and global competitiveness. The authority stated that the milestone reinforces Dubai’s objective of standing as the world’s best city to live, work, and visit.
