The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) GDRFA Dubai has won the Distinguished Innovation in the Government Sector award at the Global Innovation Awards 2025 for its ‘Red Carpet’ initiative at Dubai airports.
The recognition by the Global Innovation Institute (GInI) comes on the first anniversary of the launch of the ‘Red Carpet’ smart corridor, which enables travellers to complete immigration and travel procedures within seconds.
The system operates using artificial intelligence and biometric technologies, allowing passengers to pass through without presenting physical documents.
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of GDRFA Dubai, said that the achievement reflects the leadership’s direction to integrate innovation as a core element of government operations and service delivery.
Al Marri added that, “The success of the ‘Red Carpet’ project marks an important milestone in GDRFA Dubai’s journey towards developing innovative government models that place people first, enhance quality of life, and reinforce global trust.”
Brigadier Abdul Samad Hussein Al Blooshi, Assistant Director-General for the Pioneering and Future Affairs Sector, highlighted that the project reflects GDRFA Dubai’s ability to anticipate the future and adopt innovative solutions aligned with global transformations.
Al Blooshi noted that, “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.”
Lieutenant Colonel Salem Mohammed bin Ali, Deputy Assistant Director-General for Pioneering and Future Affairs, underscored that, “We are working to develop solutions that place people at the center of services, translating innovation into a seamless experience that reflects operational efficiency and service quality.”
The ‘Red Carpet’ smart corridor is designed to streamline border control processes at Dubai airports by integrating biometric identification and AI-driven systems, reducing processing time and enhancing passenger flow.
