Emirates passengers traveling through Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport will soon enjoy a passport-free travel experience, thanks to the implementation of biometric and facial recognition systems. This touchless travel system is currently being tested and is expected to be fully operational in the next few months.
The initiative aims to create a “smart passage” for Emirates flyers, allowing them to navigate airport processes seamlessly. Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), stated that they are ready to implement this system in November. The goal is to replace electronic gates with smart gates to simplify and expedite the travel experience.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, highlighted that this update would reduce passenger interactions and paperwork. The use of facial recognition technology will make it easier and faster for passengers to enter or exit countries without the need for redundant form-filling.
The long-term vision is to expand this technology to more travelers, with a goal of achieving 90 percent automation and only 10 percent human interaction. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and data sharing among airports to enhance the efficiency of travel processes.
Recently, Dubai International Airport (DXB) was recognized as the best-connected airport in the Middle East, with connections to 225 destinations.
