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Emirates, GDRFA sign biometric data agreement to expedite processing at Dubai airport

The agreement improves passenger traffic procedures for Emirates customers transferring to connecting flights as well as for those arriving in Dubai

by Zainab Mansoor

November 15, 2022

Dubai airline Emirates is now helping passengers speed up their airport experience by consenting to the use of biometric data.

The carrier has signed an agreement with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA), to improve passenger traffic procedures inside Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 for travellers transferring to connecting flights, as well as those who arriving in Dubai.

Passengers can experience ease through Terminal 3 check-in, lounges, boarding and immigration, by using biometric recognition technologies and the GDRFA biometric database to identify travellers at multiple points in the airport. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) systems recognise unique facial features and link to their passport for instant identity verification.

Emirates said that international passengers will be able to avail of the service in 2023 by providing official consent through the airline’s app, at the self check-in kiosks, or in person at the check-in desks.

.@emirates signs an agreement with @GDRFADUBAI offering international travellers the opportunity to speed up their airport experience by consenting to the use of biometric data starting from 2023.https://t.co/OHFAJfK7uj pic.twitter.com/r4XP993H8A

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 15, 2022

“Dubai is one of the world’s most aspirational destinations, and 2022 has already seen more than 8 million tourists arrive to the city. We continue to support our key partners with best-in-class services as we strive for excellence, and innovation in positioning Dubai as the world’s leading business hub and tourism destination,” said Lieutenant-General Mohammed Al-Marri, Director General of GDRFA in Dubai.

“Emirates continually invests to improve customer experience and we thank the GDFRA for extending the bridges of cooperation, communication and coordination to add value to Emirates’ services and allow our international passengers to Fly Better,” added Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ chief operating officer.

Furthermore, Emirates customers can use its app, check in online, drop off the luggage earlier at the airport or availing of the self check-in kiosks in the emirate.

Read: Emirates introduces self check-in, bag drop off service at Dubai airport