Emirates Launches New Technology Projects to Improve Traveler Experience

Emirates is launching two new projects for travelers departing from Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3, which will streamline the check-in and immigration checks at departure.

As part of the airline’s “Together” initiative, the new projects engage biometric technology and new automated border control gates and are expected to be completed within the next 12 -18 months, the airline said in an announcement.

“We are fortunate to have a very supportive and progressive airport stakeholder group. Even if it means investing in equipment, training and changing operational processes, all partners are keen to embrace new technologies and thinking, if it benefits the end-users,” said Adel Al Redha, Emirates Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Office.

Biometric Technology and Smart Gates

More specifically, by using a facial recognition solution integrated with the “UAE Wallet”, travelers will be able to register and store their biometric data through multiple means: by taking a selfie on their mobile phones or by using the biometric registration kiosks . They can then utilise this biometric data to ease their journey through immigration at T3 Departures, and later, other touch-points throughout DXB airport, including automated access to Emirates’ First and Business Class lounges.

The new generation smart immigration gates will be installed at T3 Departures, supplementing the existing e-gates, and manned immigration counters. These new smart gates offer an automated border control system that utilises travellers’ biometrics. It will also enable travellers to forgo the additional step of getting their passports and boarding passes manually checked by a security officer.

“We are pleased to roll-out these new initiatives at Terminal 3 Departures in collaboration with Emirates and our airport stakeholders. We believe this will make our operations more efficient, free up our valuable manpower to focus on other responsibilities, and ultimately improve traveller experience,” said Major General Mohammed Ahmed Almarri, Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDFRA).

Launched in May 2017, the “Together” initiative is run collaboratively by Emirates airline, Dubai Customs, Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai Police and Dubai Airports.