Dubai Airports may soon revolutionize travel with a new biometric system that could allow passengers to pass through in mere seconds, according to officials from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA). "This biometric technology enables people to travel through airports without the need for any documents," explained Lt. Hamad Almandoos from GDRFA. "We plan to install cameras throughout the airport that will capture images as individuals walk by and match them against their stored documents." Lt. Almandoos shared this insight with Khaleej Times during the Gitex Global technology conference, which commenced in the UAE on Monday. Gitex Global, one of the world's largest tech events, will span five days at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC).
The cameras will be integrated into a system that scans and verifies passengers' credentials. This system, dubbed the "future of immigration," aims to allow travelers to move through the airport swiftly without waiting in immigration lines. "We have already been testing the system, and its implementation is imminent," Lt. Almandoos noted. "It will enable our travelers to proceed directly to security in just seconds." This innovation will eliminate the need for passengers to present their passports or other travel documents when passing through Dubai airports.
Effortless travel has been a longstanding priority for Dubai airports. In 2021, a new fast-track passport control service reduced immigration processing times to under nine seconds. Previously, GDRFA had also proposed a concept where travelers could complete immigration checks and security clearances in a special electric car that would transport them from their homes to the airport.
In addition to enhancing seamless travel, GDRFA is hosting hackathons at its GITEX Global stand to inspire young talent. The hackathon, with a prize pool of Dh70,000, invites university students nationwide to participate and develop websites across various categories.
Dubai is not alone in prioritizing convenient travel. On July 21, Abu Dhabi Airports announced the launch of the Biometric Smart Travel project, which offers automated traveler registration, self-service baggage delivery, and facial recognition verification at e-gates and boarding gates, eliminating the need for travel documents or direct interaction with airport staff. The project leverages the databases of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) to authenticate travelers using biometric technology, negating the need for prior registration for departing passengers.
