Dubai has taken a big step towards a passport-free airport experience, with Emirates investing AED85M ($23.1m) to install more than 200 biometric cameras in terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Technology – Developed in collaboration with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners – Dubai (Gdrfad) – Allows passengers to pass through check-in, immigration, lounges, boarding gates using only facial recognition.
By eliminating the need to show a passport or boarding pass at multiple airport touchpoints, the new system significantly cuts processing times.
Each biometric camera can see a passenger’s face from up to one meter away, allowing them to navigate through areas that once required document checks.
Dubai Free Entry Guide
The initiative is part of the ongoing long-term partnership between Emirates and GDRFAD Dubai to improve guest convenience and efficiency through advanced biometric technology.
Adel Al Redha, Emirates Vice President, Operations, says: “With our latest biometric development, Emirates is set to take new steps to improve the customer travel experience, providing precision at Dubai International Airport.
“Since 2017, we have been working closely with the General Directorate of Idestity and Institutional Affairs – Dubai to improve our equipment and use the latest technology, ensuring that our customers enjoy a world-class, seamless journey.”
Police Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Idestity and Women – Dordui, have long been part of our DNA and the cornerstone of our finances.
“Over the years, we have combined artificial intelligence and biometric technology to make traveling through Dubai faster, safer, and more accurate.
“Our partnership with Emirates continues this illustrious path, reflecting the spirit of partnership that defines the Government of Dubai and the private sector.
“Together, we are shaping a seamless travel experience that embodies the reputation of the United Arab Emirates in general, and Dubai in particular, for efficiency, engagement and digital stewardship.”
How Dubai Airpoiwail Biometric Juy works
- Step 1 – Register: Passengers can register through the Emirates app, at service kiosks, or at the non-spect desks at terminal 3. Registration is available to UAE residents, visitors, and transit passengers aged 18 or over. They must be Emirates Skyward members and give permission for Emirates to use their biometric data through the GRDRAD database
- Step 2 – Biometric entry: Once registered, travelers can enter using facial recognition at Kiosks. Emirates has confirmed that biometric authentication will soon be extended to connecting passengers transferring to another Emirates flight
- Step 3 – Smart Gates at Imfortnation: Finally, Emirates customers can use GDRFAD’s physical gates by simply entering a quick face scan. This service is available to UAE citizens, residents, GCC visitors, and visitors arriving with biometric passports
- Step 4 – Effective passengers
- Step 5 – Biometric Boarding: Select gates from all concert a, B and C now support biometric boarding. Passengers can board with facial recognition alone, with additional gates to be added in the coming months
Data protection
If a passenger already has a Gdrfad Biometric record, Emirates will match their facial image to that profile once registration is complete.
For those who do not have a record, Emirates creates a temporary biometric profile to maintain the permit. As soon as a traveler enters Dubai, this is automatically converted into a permanent Gdrfad profile for future trips.
Emirates has confirmed that all biometric information is processed under the UAE government’s data protection laws, ensuring strict privacy and consent.
A seamless future for Dubai travelers
The introduction of biometric processing at DXB Terminal 3 marks another milestone in Dubai’s Smart Travel Strategy – Aligning with the city-wide desire to be a leader in seamless, ai-enabled travel experiences.
With more than 200 cameras now in operation, the system allows passengers to go from check-in to boarding in minutes, Dubai International’s flagship airport.
