Dubai airport to introduce new facial recognition technology.

Steve Creedy

By Steve Creedy Sun Jul 9, 2017

BIOMETRICS and a new generation of smart immigration gates are to be introduced at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3 to help streamline check-in and immigration procedures. UAE authorities announced the projects after a review aimed at getting travellers flowing more smoothly through airport checkpoints. The review involved a collaboration between Emirates Airline, Dubai Customs, Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai Police and Dubai Airports. The new technology is expected to be in place within 12 to 18 months and will include facial recognition integrated with the UAE wallet, an app that allows passengers to scan their smartphone rather than a passport. “Travellers will be able to register and store their biometric data through multiple means including by taking a selfie on their mobile phones, as well as using biometric registration kiosks placed at check-in areas and Emirates lounges,’’ Emirates said in a statement. “They can then utilise this biometric data to ease their journey through immigration at T3 Departures, and later, other touch-points throughout DXB airport, including automated access to Emirates’ first and business class lounges. ‘’ The new smart immigration gates — to be installed at T3 Departures and which will supplement existing e-gates —  will offer an automated border control system using biometrics. The system will allow travellers to forgo the additional step of getting their passports and boarding passes manually checked by a security officer before they go through immigration. “We believe this will make our operations more efficient, free up our valuable manpower to focus on other responsibilities, and ultimately improve traveller experience.”  said Major General Mohammed Ahmed Almarri of the Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.  

Have questions or want to share your thoughts?

Comments

No comments yet, be the first to write one.

Latest news and reviews

View more
NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport
Airline News

NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport

Feb 19, 2026

Josh Wood
This Canadian airline flies 49-year-old aircraft: we tell you why
Airline News

This Canadian airline flies 49-year-old aircraft: we tell you why

Feb 19, 2026

Josh Wood
LATAM 777’s high-stakes rejected takeoff in São Paulo prompts an investigation
Airline News

LATAM 777’s high-stakes rejected takeoff in São Paulo prompts an investigation

Feb 18, 2026

Josh Wood
Why Emirates built its airline around two aircraft - and why that’s changing
Airline News

Why Emirates built its airline around two aircraft - and why that’s changing

Feb 13, 2026

Nicholas Ling

Featured articles

View more
This review proves that low cost carriers aren't always cheaper: AirAsia X vs Malaysia Airlines long haul
Airline News

This review proves that low cost carriers aren't always cheaper: AirAsia X vs Malaysia Airlines long haul

Feb 12, 2026

Airline Ratings
NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport
Airline News

NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport

Feb 19, 2026

Josh Wood
This Canadian airline flies 49-year-old aircraft: we tell you why
Airline News

This Canadian airline flies 49-year-old aircraft: we tell you why

Feb 19, 2026

Josh Wood
 TransNusa Perth to Bali review
Airline News

TransNusa Perth to Bali review

Feb 4, 2026

Chris Parry