Tourists visiting the UAE will no longer need to wait in lines for biometric and Iris scans. Instead, they can swiftly pass through smart gates and complete immigration procedures in seconds. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has launched a new app, which was introduced at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi about two weeks ago, and is now showcased at the Gitex Global exhibition in Dubai World Trade Centre.
"UAE Pass Track is a mobile application that enables tourists to register before their arrival in the UAE. Once registered, they can utilize the smart gates at Zayed International Airport without having to stand in queues. Currently, a significant number of passengers at Zayed Airport are already using this service. In the coming months, we plan to extend this service to airports in Dubai and Sharjah," explained an official from the ICP during an interview with Khaleej Times at the Gitex Global event.
UAE residents who are already registered with the ICP and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) are also benefiting from this facility, allowing them to use smart gates for both departure and arrival at airports. This new system is set to significantly reduce waiting times and inconvenience for the millions of tourists expected to visit the UAE in the future. Abu Dhabi Airport welcomed 13.9 million visitors in the first half of 2024.
This initiative is poised to greatly benefit the millions of tourists who frequent Dubai and Sharjah airports each month. Dubai International Airport handled 44.9 million passengers during the January-June 2024 period, including a large number of international tourists.
"Since many visitors are coming to the UAE for the first time, they need to register their Iris and biometric data. Now, they can use the smart gate to complete this process in just a few seconds. They only need to input their flight number and passport details. The system will automatically retrieve all necessary information from the passport," explained a spokesperson at the ICP pavilion.
Currently, the app is accessible on both Android and Apple platforms. "Given that the app has only recently been rolled out, the initial response has been positive. We are showcasing it here at Gitex Global, and we anticipate an even better reception in the coming month," the spokesperson added.
