News DeskDubai: Passengers arriving in Dubai on Thursday were greeted with a warm display of brotherhood as the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai launched special celebrations to mark Qatar National Day.
In a gesture reflecting the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, immigration officers stamped passports with a special design bearing the phrase: “UAE – Qatar, Wishing You a Happy National Day.”
The initiative, held on December 18, was designed to highlight the strong fraternal relations between the UAE and Qatar while ensuring a seamless and welcoming experience for travelers.
A festive welcome
The arrival halls at Dubai’s airports were transformed to reflect the occasion. GCC passport counters were decorated with Qatari flags, while the smart gates were illuminated in maroon tones, inspired by the colors of the Qatari flag.
To ensure smooth passenger flow, GDRFA Dubai allocated a dedicated fast-track lane for arriving guests. Frontline officers donned scarves symbolizing the occasion, while the department’s popular mascots, “Salem” and “Salama,” greeted travelers and helped distribute commemorative gifts.
Brotherhood before geography
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, emphasized that the celebrations go beyond mere protocol.
“Our celebration of Qatar National Day is an expression of a relationship defined by brotherhood before geography, and a continued commitment to ensuring that every visitor enjoys a moment of arrival filled with welcome and respect,” Al Marri said.
He added, “What we seek is an arrival experience in which travelers feel that the UAE receives them with open hearts and smooth procedures.”
Enhancing the passenger experience
Major General Talal Ahmed Al Shanqiti, Assistant Director General for Air Ports Affairs at GDRFA Dubai, noted that the initiative aligns with the directorate’s goal of integrating human and cultural dimensions into its operations.
He affirmed that translating these fraternal relations into practical measures helps enhance service quality and procedural smoothness at Dubai’s air ports.
The initiative is part of a broader vision under the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to foster a prosperous future and maintain the longstanding tradition of receiving guests with warmth and respect.
