Dubai partners with Magzter to introduce world’s first ‘smart reading airport’

Customers travelling through Dubai International (DXB) airport will now have free access to Magzter’s collection of more than 7,000 magazines, newspapers, journals and comics.

The partnership, deploying geo-fencing satellite technology, will enable customers travelling through DXB to download the latest issues of publications on their own devices, to read in the airport and onboard their flights.

DXB’s ‘Smart Reading Zone’ is accessed by logging onto the airport’s free wifi network, which acts as a gateway to Magzter’s collection, making DXB the world’s first ‘smart reading airport’.

Magzter’s collection includes Forbes Middle East, Vogue Arabia, What’s On Dubai and Emirates Woman, as well as international titles such as Cosmopolitan, Elle, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar and Reader’s Digest.

“We’re delighted to partner with Magzter to offer another world-class digital experience at DXB, at a time when travellers are seeking minimum contact, customised choices and ultra-convenience,” said Eugene Barry, Dubai Airports’ executive vice president – commercial.

“The addition of Magzter bolsters the growing range of lifestyle experiences available via DXB’s super-fast wifi network, following our existing partnerships with OSN for streaming movies and TV shows and Anghami for music playlists. We’re looking forward to unveiling more game-changing digital experiences in the near future.”

Girish Ramdas, CEO, Magzter, added: “Being a frequent flyer, I have always felt the need for compelling value-added services at airports to engage travellers, especially something that works both inside the airport as well as downloadable to be used in-flight. In this direction, we’re delighted to turn Dubai International into the first smart reading airport in the world. We’re confident that millions of passengers will enjoy reading their favourite magazines and newspapers with Magzter at Dubai International, which will also make their flights out of Dubai more entertaining.”

DXB becomes Magzter’s first airport partner, and 111th ‘Smart Reading Zone’ around the world. Customers can access free content within these geo-fenced zones, without the need for subscription, after downloading the Magzter app from Apple Store or Google Play.

In related news, starting this April, travellers using Sharjah Airport will also be able to browse through a library of thousands of e-books, while waiting to board their flights.

Read: Passengers in Sharjah Airport will soon have access to e-book library