To cater to the needs of travellers from diverse nationalities and provide a more personalized and culturally sensitive experience, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has introduced a new initiative called ‘For the World’. This program involves hosting influential personalities from different countries to interact with immigration officers at various ports of entry, educating them on the customs, traditions, and preferences of their respective nationalities. Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA, emphasized the importance of going beyond the ordinary to ensure a unique and exceptional experience for every traveller.
The ‘For the World’ initiative aims to enhance the service provided to travellers by training employees to understand and accommodate the specific needs of each nationality. The carefully selected persona from each country will provide insights into what is appropriate and what is not in their culture, enabling employees to offer tailored services to make every traveller feel welcomed and valued. By focusing on cultural awareness and sensitivity, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between employees and travellers from different backgrounds.
The initiative kicked off with a guest from Japan, named ‘Yani Takashi’, who shared insights into Japanese culture and traditions with GDRFA employees. Takashi’s practical experience at Dubai airport wearing traditional Japanese attire, such as a kimono, provided valuable lessons in cultural immersion and understanding. Al Marri highlighted the significance of learning about and respecting different communities to attract more visitors to the UAE, emphasizing the importance of appreciating and accommodating the unique preferences of each individual.
Following the successful Japanese experience, the GDRFA plans to host a guest from Korea, who will also wear traditional Korean attire. The observations and feedback from each guest will be carefully analyzed to improve the services provided to travellers from their respective countries. The GDRFA aims to create a welcoming environment by teaching employees basic words and phrases from each country, enabling them to communicate effectively and make visitors feel at home. This approach reflects a commitment to embracing diversity and promoting cultural exchange in the hospitality sector.
By adopting innovative strategies like the ‘For the World’ initiative, the GDRFA is setting a new standard for customer service and cultural sensitivity in the travel industry. This proactive approach not only enhances the overall experience for travellers but also promotes mutual respect and understanding between different cultures. Through meaningful interactions and practical experiences, employees are better equipped to meet the needs and expectations of a global clientele, ultimately contributing to the country’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive destination for visitors from around the world.
In conclusion, the ‘For the World’ initiative is a testament to the GDRFA’s commitment to promoting cultural diversity and enhancing customer service standards for travellers from diverse backgrounds. By engaging with influential personalities from different countries, training employees on cultural sensitivities, and implementing practical measures to accommodate individual preferences, the GDRFA is leading the way in creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors. This approach not only benefits travellers but also contributes to building stronger relationships and fostering mutual respect across borders. As the initiative continues to evolve and expand, it is poised to set a new benchmark for excellence in the hospitality and tourism sector.
