DUBAI: The Dubai International Airport has introduced a groundbreaking initiative that allows passengers to pass through immigration in just 14 seconds, with no need to stop for identity verification.
Branded as ‘Unlimited Smart Travel’, the service is currently available in the First and Business Class lounges at Terminal 3, offering an ultra-fast, AI-enabled travel experience.
The service was launched during Dubai AI Week by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) – Dubai. According to the Directorate, the initiative integrates advanced facial recognition technology and leverages pre-existing data, eliminating the need for physical documents or traditional identity checks.
Smart tunnel data
The system is powered by data from Dubai’s smart tunnel initiative, first rolled out in 2020. During the AI Innovations Conference, Lt Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA, revealed that the new system makes the immigration process ten times faster than previous methods.
A senior official explained that the upgraded service is designed to process up to 10 travellers simultaneously. “From our experience with the smart tunnel, we learned how to effectively apply AI for identity verification, and we’ve now developed it to allow rapid, document-free clearance,” the official said.
Group clearance
Unlike traditional systems that process travellers one by one, this innovation allows group passage. Multiple AI-powered cameras installed in the lounges capture facial data from any angle, accelerating the identification process and streamlining traveller flow.
“This system has significantly reduced steps in the process,” the GDRFA stated, adding that it contributes to both customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. With an anticipated 8% increase in travellers in the near future, the service aims to maintain speed and comfort during peak periods.
Currently, the ‘Unlimited Smart Travel’ service is available for departing passengers only. However, the GDRFA confirmed plans to expand it to arriving travellers as well. Passengers will be required to register their biometric data only once, after which it will be stored for future use.