Dubai airport to introduce new facial recognition technology.

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.