'People come first': Top official explains why UAE's response amid Iran attacks got high praise
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]Residents outside the UAE are allowed to return to the country even if their residence permit has expired, in a recent move by the country aimed to facilitate movement of residents. Additionally, those who want to leave have also been exempted, allowing them to travel despite having violated residency laws.These sweeping directives, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to treating citizens and residents with equal care and dignity during the current situation, were highlighted by Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai, during an exclusive interview with CNBC Arabic.Addressing the public amid ongoing global travel disruptions, Lt. Gen. Al Marri reassured travellers that operations across the nation’s air, land, and sea ports remain fully functional. “Our preparations have been in full swing. Our situation has not changed; employees are present at their posts,” he confirmed, noting that while passenger volumes have shifted, the seamless movement of travellers continues uninterrupted.Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.Calm, reassuring atmosphere Authorities have been particularly impressed by the remarkable calmness and cooperation displayed by travellers at the airports. Lt. Gen. Al Marri expressed deep satisfaction with the reactions of both residents and visitors departing the country.“Their arrival at the airport was marked by calmness, reassurance, no annoyance, no rushing, something that truly comforts the soul,” he remarked. “We did not face difficulties dealing with these numbers [of travellers].”Even when faced with flight delays or rescheduling, passengers displayed remarkable understanding. He praised the collaborative efforts of Emirates Airlines, Dubai Police, and the Civil Aviation Authority for ensuring that flights remained well-organised and executed flawlessly according to schedule.Exceptional service and facilitation The country's leadership has issued clear directives to ease procedures for everyone, whether they are currently inside the country or abroad. “Today, we are providing all the support we can. As the UAE has always shown, people come first,” Al Marri said.“People are honoured in the UAE, whether citizens, residents, or even visitors,” he affirmed.The exceptional handling of the situation has drawn widespread praise from the public. Authorities have received numerous messages of appreciation, with travellers even writing signs of thanks to express their gratitude for the distinctive service provided during these times.“This is proof that the service offered and the way the situation was handled was exceptional and distinctive,” he said. “God willing, we will continue to provide this distinguished service.”UAE grants grace period for expat residents with expired visas to re-enter country‘Huge relief': UAE residents stranded abroad welcome grace period after visa expiry
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
Residents outside the UAE are allowed to return to the country even if their residence permit has expired, in a recent move by the country aimed to facilitate movement of residents. Additionally, those who want to leave have also been exempted, allowing them to travel despite having violated residency laws.
These sweeping directives, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to treating citizens and residents with equal care and dignity during the current situation, were highlighted by Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai, during an exclusive interview with CNBC Arabic.
Addressing the public amid ongoing global travel disruptions, Lt. Gen. Al Marri reassured travellers that operations across the nation’s air, land, and sea ports remain fully functional. “Our preparations have been in full swing. Our situation has not changed; employees are present at their posts,” he confirmed, noting that while passenger volumes have shifted, the seamless movement of travellers continues uninterrupted.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Calm, reassuring atmosphere
Authorities have been particularly impressed by the remarkable calmness and cooperation displayed by travellers at the airports. Lt. Gen. Al Marri expressed deep satisfaction with the reactions of both residents and visitors departing the country.
“Their arrival at the airport was marked by calmness, reassurance, no annoyance, no rushing, something that truly comforts the soul,” he remarked. “We did not face difficulties dealing with these numbers [of travellers].”
Even when faced with flight delays or rescheduling, passengers displayed remarkable understanding. He praised the collaborative efforts of Emirates Airlines, Dubai Police, and the Civil Aviation Authority for ensuring that flights remained well-organised and executed flawlessly according to schedule.
Exceptional service and facilitation
The country's leadership has issued clear directives to ease procedures for everyone, whether they are currently inside the country or abroad.
“Today, we are providing all the support we can. As the UAE has always shown, people come first,” Al Marri said.
“People are honoured in the UAE, whether citizens, residents, or even visitors,” he affirmed.
The exceptional handling of the situation has drawn widespread praise from the public. Authorities have received numerous messages of appreciation, with travellers even writing signs of thanks to express their gratitude for the distinctive service provided during these times.
“This is proof that the service offered and the way the situation was handled was exceptional and distinctive,” he said. “God willing, we will continue to provide this distinguished service.”
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