Dubai airport launches facial recognition technology to fast-track immigration process

A new fast-track passport control service that uses face and iris-recognition technologies has been launched at Dubai airports.

The service which uses AI technology was launched by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai) and will expedite immigration processes.

The new biometric system has been deployed at 122 smart gates at arrival and departure terminals in Dubai airports, enabling passengers to complete passport control procedures in five to nine seconds.

However, pre-registration is required to avail the service.

Outbound passengers can avail of the new biometric service at the smart gates located at the departure terminal after obtaining their boarding pass and completing pre-registration.

.@GDRFADUBAI launches new fast-track passport control service that uses face and iris-recognition technologies enabling registered passengers to complete passport control procedures in around five seconds.
https://t.co/tzt8EvH1J4 @DXB @DubaiAirports pic.twitter.com/KcOgogj73p

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 22, 2021

Director General of GDRFA-Dubai, Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al said that GDRFA-Dubai is keen to launch new projects and initiatives that use state-of-the-art technologies to transform service efficiency.

In October, Emirates launched what it calls an “integrated biometric path” at Dubai International airport (DXB) to facilitate a contactless passenger experience. The biometric technology includes a mix of facial and iris recognition to allow Emirates passengers to check in for their flight, complete immigration formalities, enter the Emirates Lounge, and board their flights, without the intervention of airport staff, while reducing document checks and the possibility of passengers queuing up along the way.

Read: Emirates launches ‘biometric path’ for contactless experience at Dubai airport

The biometric touchpoints are currently installed at select First, Business and Economy Class check-in desks in Terminal 3 at DXB; immigration gates including a “smart tunnel”; Emirates’ premium lounge entrance at concourse B as well select boarding gates.

The airline’s self-check-in and bag drop kiosks at DXB are now touchless. The 32 self-service bag drop machines and 16 check-in kiosks can be controlled completely by mobile phones without the need to touch the screens. The kiosks allow customers to check-in, receive their boarding pass, choose seats on board, and drop off their bags.

Read: Emirates introduces touchless self check-in kiosks at Dubai International Airport