GDRFA Dubai, MBR School of Government launch behavioural science initiative

Dubai: The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) has launched GDRFA Dubai’s Nudgeathon in partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG). The program is the first initiative under the newly established Dubai Behavioral Insights Lab, aimed at applying behavioral science to improve government decision-making, policies, and services.

The launch was attended by top officials, including Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai; Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Chairman of MBRSG’s Board of Trustees; Dr. Ali Bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG; and Major General Obaid Meher Bin Suroor, Deputy Director General of GDRFA Dubai.

Lieutenant General Al Marri described the initiative as “a practical model of integration between government entities and academic institutions in Dubai,” emphasising the use of behavioral science, design thinking, and agile methodologies to develop people-centred public services and policies.

Abdullah Al Falasi said the Nudgeathon reflects a vision to leverage knowledge and innovation for future-ready government work. Dr. Ali Bin Sebaa Al Marri highlighted that the program strengthens applied education and decision-making, reinforcing Dubai’s global leadership in government excellence.

The Nudgeathon combines specialised training with practical experience, featuring interactive workshops in a hybrid model of in-person sessions, virtual training, and on-site applications. Participants work in multidisciplinary teams to design evidence-based solutions for real government challenges.

The 100-day program includes a 50-day implementation phase followed by evaluation, enabling participants to test and refine solutions for scalability across government sectors.

MBRSG provides expertise in executive education and leadership development, ensuring the program strengthens Dubai’s ecosystem of scientific, human-centred innovation. The initiative concludes with participants presenting projects that could be implemented across Dubai’s government, marking a milestone in GDRFA Dubai’s mission to deliver innovative, knowledge-driven, and digital government services.