Dubai International Airport has made a significant advancement in air travel by launching a new AI-powered passport control system. This system allows some passengers to completely bypass traditional identity verification steps, enhancing the overall travel experience.

The new service, called ‘Unlimited Smart Travel,’ was unveiled by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) during Dubai AI Week. It is currently available in the First and Business Class lounges in Terminal 3. According to the GDRFA, this updated system utilizes advanced artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology, enabling the identification of passengers without the need for physical documents.

In a statement, the GDRFA emphasized that this service aligns with their vision to improve travelers’ quality of life while enhancing the efficiency of travel procedures. The initiative builds on insights gained from the smart tunnel project launched in 2020, which employed biometric data for identity verification. The current system allows up to 10 individuals to pass through immigration in just 14 seconds, significantly cutting down wait times.

A senior official noted that this new phase represents a transition to a more advanced system that relies solely on facial recognition and pre-registered biometric data. While the service is currently restricted to departing passengers, the GDRFA plans to extend it to arriving passengers in the future. Travelers will need to register only once, and their data will be securely stored.

The smart lounges are equipped with sophisticated multi-angle cameras that capture facial data to streamline movement through immigration gates. Officials anticipate that this system will help manage an expected 8 percent increase in passenger traffic. The ‘Unlimited Smart Travel’ service reflects Dubai’s broader ‘Travel Without Borders’ initiative.