In a bid to provide a more personalized and culturally sensitive experience for travelers from diverse nationalities, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has introduced an innovative program named 'For the World.' This initiative aims to educate immigration officers about the customs, traditions, and preferences of various nationalities, thereby ensuring a more welcoming and respectful interaction at Dubai's airports, land, and seaports.
The 'For the World' program involves hosting influential personalities from different countries who will interact with immigration officers, providing them with insights into their respective cultures. This hands-on approach goes beyond traditional training, offering practical, on-the-ground experience to GDRFA employees.
"We do not go off script; we go out of the ordinary,"
stated Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA, during a press conference. He emphasized the importance of tailoring services to meet the cultural expectations of travelers, saying,
"The customs and traditions of people must be familiar to employees."
The initiative commenced with a focus on Japanese travelers, featuring Yani Takashi, who wore a traditional kimono and engaged with GDRFA staff at Dubai airport. This immersive experience provided valuable cultural insights, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for Japanese customs.
Following the successful engagement with Japanese culture, the GDRFA plans to host a representative from Korea, who will don traditional Korean attire. Each cultural ambassador will spend five days observing and providing feedback to ensure the practices align with their cultural norms.
Additionally, the GDRFA aims to teach employees key phrases in various languages to create a more welcoming environment for travelers.
"We want them to feel as if they are in their own country,"
Al Marri noted.
This ongoing initiative underscores Dubai's commitment to enhancing the travel experience by respecting and appreciating the diverse backgrounds of its visitors.
News Source: Khaleej Times
