Dubai’s Seamless Travel Model Presented at World Travel Symposium 2026
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Dubai: The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai presented its “seamless travel” model at the World Travel Symposium 2026, held in Macau, China. The delegation showcased digital systems and innovative operational methods designed to expedite and streamline travel procedures while ensuring robust border security.The symposium, organized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on October 28–29, brought together government representatives, airlines, and key figures from the aviation and travel sectors. The delegation highlighted the advancements Dubai has achieved in leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency of passenger movement and simplify service delivery.Major General Talal Ahmed Al Shanqiti, Assistant Director General for Airport Affairs at GDRFA Dubai, stated that the objective of participating in such international forums is to contribute to finding practical solutions for the common challenges facing the global travel sector. He emphasized that the future of the travel industry lies in closer collaboration between government authorities, airlines, and international partners. He emphasized the need to adopt innovative solutions that simultaneously ensure border security, operational efficiency, and a high-quality travel experience.Al Shanqiti stated that the GDRFA would share its best practices and solutions—developed by its own teams—with the global community, while also learning from the experiences of other nations to continuously improve its services. He added that these efforts are aimed at delivering services that exceed travelers’ expectations and strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for seamless travel.The delegation also participated in a regular meeting of the Control Authorities Working Group (CAWG), held in conjunction with the symposium. The meeting—attended by representatives from government institutions, airlines, and authorities responsible for travel procedures and border control—addressed key challenges in international travel. Discussions also explored ways to simplify procedures and enhance coordination among relevant systems.Furthermore, the meeting reviewed working papers and recommendations submitted to IATA, which are designed to improve the travel experience and increase the efficiency of global travel systems. The gathering served as a platform to expand international partnerships and the exchange of knowledge in the fields of border control and digital transformation. The delegation included Major General Talal Ahmed Al Shanqiti, along with Major Hashim Abdulrazzaq Al Hashimi, Director of the Institutional Operations Department, and Captain Abdullah Ali Al Kamali, Head of the Security Leadership and Proactiveness Section at the Smart Command and Control Center.
