Dubai Airports to Slash Travel Time with New Biometric System

Travellers passing through Dubai Airports may soon experience a groundbreaking shift in airport procedures. Officials from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA) have announced plans to implement a biometric system that could reduce the time spent at the airport to just a few seconds.

Seamless Travel Without Documents

According to Lt. Hamad Almandoos from GDRFA, the new biometric system will allow passengers to travel without the need for physical documents.

“Cameras will be placed throughout the airport to capture passengers’ photos as they walk by, automatically matching them to their personal information,” explained Lt. Almandoos.

This system, referred to as the “future of immigration,” aims to streamline the entire travel process by eliminating the need for traditional immigration checks.

Travel in Seconds

Once fully rolled out, the biometric system will enable travellers to bypass immigration counters entirely. “We have been testing the system, and soon passengers will be able to move directly to security in just seconds,” added Almandoos.

The new technology promises to make airport journeys faster and more efficient, reducing wait times and improving the overall experience.

No More Passports or Travel Documents

This innovation means passengers will no longer need to present passports or other travel documents while passing through Dubai Airports. With the integration of biometric technology, all required verifications will be done as travellers walk through the airport, offering a truly hassle-free experience.

Previous Efforts for Faster Immigration

Dubai Airports has long prioritized enhancing the travel experience. In 2021, a fast-track passport control service enabled passengers to complete immigration procedures in under nine seconds, a significant milestone at the time.

GDRFA has also explored other innovative ideas, such as using electric cars to transport travellers from their homes to the airport while completing immigration checks en route.

Encouraging Innovation through Hackathons

In addition to revolutionizing airport procedures, GDRFA is also hosting hackathons at GITEX Global to inspire young minds.

The hackathon, offering a prize pool of Dh70,000, invites university students to participate in developing websites and innovative solutions across various categories, encouraging the next generation of tech innovators.

Abu Dhabi’s Biometric Smart Travel Project

Dubai isn’t the only city pushing for more convenient travel. On July 21, Abu Dhabi Airports announced its own Biometric Smart Travel project.

This initiative will introduce automated traveller registration, self-service baggage drop, and facial recognition at e-gates and boarding gates. Like Dubai’s system, it eliminates the need for travel documents and minimizes direct interaction with airport staff.

Abu Dhabi’s project will leverage the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) databases to automatically authenticate travellers using biometric technology. This ensures a seamless, document-free journey for departing passengers without the need for prior registration.

Conclusion

As Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airports continue to enhance the travel experience with advanced biometric systems, passengers can look forward to quicker, more efficient journeys. These innovations are set to transform the way people travel, offering a glimpse into the future of air travel in the UAE and beyond.

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