Dubai: A first-of-its-kind electricity-powered car to serve transit passengers at Dubai International Airport, a new application for the Apple Watch, and a Next Generation Emigration system are among the new technologies the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) will unveil at this year’s Gitex.

An official said GDRFA’s participation in the 35th edition of the technology exhibition was the directorate’s “biggest ever” in terms of the line-up of technologies it will showcase. Gitex, which is being held at the World Trade Centre, will run from October 18 to Oct 22.

Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director-General of GDRFA-Dubai, said: “We’re showcasing our portfolio of new smart services to highlight our technological leadership in efficient and seamless travel facilitation.”

Amer car

The GDRFA unveiled a first-of-its-kind electricity-powered car, dedicated to serve the needs of transit passengers at Dubai International Airport, the world’s second busiest airport for international passengers.

“About 52 per cent of the airport’s total passengers are transit travellers,” Al Merri told Gulf News, adding: “With the Amer Ccr, GDRFA officers on board can move inside the Dubai airport’s halls, from one gate to the other, thereby enabling them to serve the transit passengers well, especially during rush hours.”

Amer van

During the exhibition, the GDRFA will also reveal the Amer mobile office project, Amer Van. The van, which is dispatched to the doorstep of a customer or company on their request, is fitted with the necessary equipment to process and complete the GDRFA’s transactions efficiently.

A’aber project

A’aber is a unique combination of the e-gateway used at the UAE airports and the e-link which is used to facilitate transit between land borders of the UAE and Oman. The project provides thousands of travellers easier access to passport control services via Hatta borders.

The A’aber service aims to speed up entry and exit procedures via land borders linking the UAE and Oman by cutting back on waiting lists to ensure a comfortable travel experience for people and thus attract more tourists.

Amer self-service kiosk

The mobile kiosk, built with touch screen, allows customers to inquire about services offered by the GDRFA in an easy and efficient way round the clock, seven days a week. The Amer self-service kiosk provides best and most advanced e-services to the public. The kiosk allows customers to inquire about entry and residency transactions, print the original entry permit, inquire about sponsor and sponsored files, and print smart visas.

Next Generation Emigration (NGE)

The NGE, which will be implemented at Terminal 3 at the Dubai airport, is a major transformation of the emigration procedure. It is essentially a control room with a pre-clearance system on passengers. The NGE strengthens security levels by getting advance information about the passengers after they book their flight tickets. The changes will smooth passengers’ movement at the airport, increase service levels to passengers, increase capacity, and reduce operational costs.

Smartwatch app

The GDRFA is working on developing its smart apps so they can be used on wearable smart platforms including the Apple smartwatch. One of the most important available features will be alerting customers on their almost expired transactions. The app will also send them alerts on the status of their transactions.

The smartwatch app can be used to facilitate travel and pass through smart gates at Dubai airports. The smartwatch application will also pinpoint the location of the GDRFA branches, and stream news of the GDRFA.