Zajel’s new headquarters is more than a logistics facility—it is a statement of trust, precision, and national service, reflecting the company’s essential role in the functioning of the UAE’s governance and identity systems. It is a space where architecture, security, and systems design converge to support the future of digital and physical documentation.
ZAJEL
Zajel, the secure logistics and document-handling arm of the UAE’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDFRA), is entrusted with the transportation of sensitive materials, including passports, identity documents, and legal records. NOMADK was appointed to design Zajel’s new headquarters, post-office, and secure sorting facility, creating a space that reflects the company’s critical role in national infrastructure—balancing operational efficiency, discretion, and trust.
The design is defined by clarity, control, and precision. At its heart is a highly secure sorting and logistics floor, optimized for workflow, visibility, and security. The circulation is streamlined to separate public and restricted zones, while ensuring ergonomic functionality for staff who handle thousands of documents daily. Materials were chosen not just for durability but to reflect a tone of institutional authority with a contemporary edge—featuring anodized metals, engineered stone, and clean-lined furniture systems.
Client
GDRFA
Year
2020
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The public post-office interface offers an entirely different spatial experience: transparent, calm, and service-oriented. NOMADK designed intuitive wayfinding systems, integrated self-service kiosks, and discrete consultation pods to provide a seamless and reassuring customer journey. While minimal in appearance, every design element is engineered for clarity and confidence.
Upstairs, the headquarters offices house management teams, policy administrators, and operational planners. These spaces balance privacy with openness—featuring glazed meeting rooms, sound-attenuated offices, and collaborative breakout zones that encourage departmental flow while respecting the sensitive nature of the work.