On February 24, 2021, 9:35 AM

In Dubai Airports Your Passport Becomes Your Face; Here’s How

The next time you’re in Dubai, you’re in for a safer travel experience. GDRFA Dubai has introduced the ‘Biometric Passenger Journey’ system at Dubai Airports. The new system will allow travellers to walk through the airport touch points by just showing their faces. This also means, you will not need any travel documents.

The new project launched by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)-Dubai is called the “Biometric Passenger Journey”. The initiative aims to ease travel through Dubai Airports. The latest biometric technology is a mix of facial and iris recognition. The new system allows passengers to check in, complete immigration formalities, enter the Emirates lounge and board their flights, simply by strolling through the airport. Meanwhile, Smart Gates At DXB Will Soon Be Able To Check Your Vitals!

Passengers Over 17 Years Can Register In The Biometric Path

The new system ensures contact-free travel journey and cuts down on queues in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new touch points can now be accessed by Emirates passengers travelling through and from Dubai. Traveller can now cross the passport control zone and board flights without coming in contact with the airline staff.

Passengers can walk through any of the 122 smart gates between five to nine seconds only based on their movement and steps to finish the procedures.

Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, director (GDRFA), Dubai, said the new system is a step into the future of travelling. “We are pleased to roll out these new initiatives at Dubai Airports in collaboration with Emirates and our airport stakeholders. The Smart Tunnel was running smoothly, and we are now mobilising the biometric path for seamless journey,” said Maj Gen Al Marri.

“All these initiatives are in line with the government’s vision to be a world leader in innovation and public services. It will ultimately improve the traveller experience at the airport, and enhance the efficiency of our operations.”

The new system can be used by over 3,000 passengers per day. The smart gates are now modified for the seamless journey. However, passengers can also use the normal way of smart gates by using their Emiratis ID or by showing their faces to the gates.

Also read: 7 Hacks To Get Through Airport Security Faster In The Era Of Long Queues

How Does It Work?

Passengers must register at the check-in for Emirates where cameras will take the biometric data. They can then walk through to the aeroplane without showing any travel documents or boarding pass. Passengers can keep the passport in their pockets, show their faces and look into the green dot at the camera to open the smart gate.

In a way, your face becomes your passport. So much so, that you don’t even need to show your boarding pass or passport before stepping into the aircraft. The biometric path system can be accessed by all passengers over 17 years of age.

Business class passengers can use the smart gates at Emirates business lounge without need to show their boarding pass.

Also read: Etihad Waives Off Flight Change Fees For Passengers Traveling To & From Australia

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Vaishnavi Venkataraman: Research, science labs and of course nerdy glasses – that’s what my life was all about until I finally woke up to realise how much I loved food, travel and telling tales. A chai addict, a moody writer and mother to a smallie, my journey as a writer began with The Times of India. And now, here I am in Dubai pursuing my passion and exploring a new city, all in one go!