GDRFA Dubai and DIFC sign partnership to enhance service integration

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) has signed a partnership agreement with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Authority to strengthen strategic cooperation and enhance the delivery of joint services across key sectors.

The agreement was signed by Major General Khalaf Ahmed Al Ghaith, Assistant Director General for the Entry and Residence Permits Sector at GDRFA Dubai, and His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.

The partnership aligns with Dubai’s broader vision to build an integrated and innovative government ecosystem through collaboration between public institutions and private entities. It focuses on improving service quality, facilitating investor operations, and advancing the emirate’s reputation for efficiency and excellence in governance.

Under the agreement, both parties will cooperate on developing joint projects, launching knowledge and community initiatives, and enhancing proactive services for clients, including members of the DIFC Family Wealth Centre. The partnership also covers coordination on legal, technical, and administrative matters to ensure seamless service delivery and operational alignment.

Major General Obaid Mehayer Bin Suroor, Deputy Director General of GDRFA Dubai, said:
“This agreement represents a new milestone in the integration of government efforts and reflects GDRFA Dubai’s commitment to forging strategic partnerships that enhance government services and elevate the customer experience. Our collaboration with DIFC supports Dubai’s vision for a flexible, innovative, and future-ready service ecosystem.”

Major General Khalaf Ahmed Al Ghaith added: “We look forward to a fruitful partnership with DIFC through the development of joint initiatives, facilitation of procedures, and exchange of expertise, all of which will support operational efficiency and reinforce Dubai’s position as a leader in innovative government services.”

His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC Authority, said: “This partnership with GDRFA Dubai reflects DIFC’s commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration and advancing the emirate’s business landscape. By joining efforts with leading government entities, we are creating a fully integrated business ecosystem that supports investors and reinforces Dubai’s position as a global financial hub.”

His Excellency Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, added: “Working closely with GDRFA Dubai will help facilitate processes for investors and clients and further strengthen Dubai’s standing as a global business destination. This agreement reaffirms our commitment to enhancing cooperation with government entities to develop more efficient and innovative service systems.”

The two-year renewable agreement commits both sides to ongoing coordination and data exchange within established legal frameworks.

It will also provide tailored support to members of the DIFC Family Wealth Centre, including high-net-worth individuals and family businesses, helping them access services that enable long-term growth and investment in Dubai.