Emirates has invested AED 85 million to install over 200 biometrics-enabled cameras across Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB). This will allow more customers to pass through check-in, immigration, boarding gates, and lounges, and board the aircraft simply through facial recognition after a quick and easy registration on the Emirates app.
The new biometrics initiative, a collaboration between Emirates and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD), eliminates the need to take out a passport and boarding pass at various airport points, significantly reducing processing time for all registered customers.
Some of Emirates' departure gates on Concourses A, B, and C now feature biometric boarding, with more to be added soon.
**Process and Consent for Emirates Biometric Registration** If a person has previously visited Dubai or is a Dubai resident and has a biometric record with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD), Emirates can match their facial image against their GDRFAD profile once they register.
Together, we are shaping a seamless travel experience that embodies the reputation of the United Arab Emirates, and Dubai in particular, for efficiency, hospitality, and digital governance.
**How Emirates Customers Can Use Biometrics at DXB**
**Step 1: Register** Customers can register using the Emirates app or in person at check-in desks in Dubai. By consenting to Emirates biometric registration once, customers can skip queues and speed through the airport every time they travel, choosing the route through dedicated Biometric Zones when flying to and from Dubai International (DXB).
If a person does not yet have a GDRFAD profile, Emirates can create a temporary biometric profile to register consent for Emirates Biometrics. Customers must be Emirates Skywards members and simply need to scan their passport, ensure all passport details match their Emirates Skywards profile, and consent to Emirates using the details stored in the UAE's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs database.
**Step 2: Enjoy Biometric Check-in** Once a customer is registered, they can use biometric facial recognition to check in at kiosks whenever they fly from Dubai. Upon entering Dubai, the temporary profile will be converted to a GDRFAD profile, which Emirates will use for their next flights to and from Dubai.
**Step 3: Breeze Through Biometric Smart Gates in Dubai** Emirates customers can also skip queues at immigration by using the GDRFAD-managed Smart Gates at Emirates Terminal 3 for every arrival and departure from Dubai. Customers can use the Smart Gates if they are a UAE citizen or resident, a GCC national, or a visa-on-arrival visitor with a biometric passport.
**Step 4: Seamless Entry to the Emirates Lounge** Emirates customers eligible for lounge access may enter the lounge at Concourse B via facial recognition at five entry points. Registered customers simply approach the gate, look at the camera, and walk through to the lounge to enjoy a wide array of chef-crafted dishes and beverages and world-class facilities.
**Step 5: Speedy Biometric Boarding** There is no need for registered biometric customers to reach for their boarding pass, as they can board faster using biometric facial recognition. Customers just need to approach the gate, look at the camera, and walk through to the aircraft.
"Over the years, we have integrated artificial intelligence and biometric technologies to make travel through Dubai faster, safer, and more intuitive. Since 2017, we have been collaborating with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai to upgrade our equipment and implement the latest technologies, ensuring our customers enjoy a world-class, seamless journey."
"Our partnership with Emirates continues this path of excellence, reflecting the spirit of collaboration that defines Dubai's government and private sectors."
Adel al Redha, Emirates' Deputy President & Chief Operating Officer, said: "With our latest Biometrics Path development, Emirates has invested in further innovations to enhance the customer travel experience, providing remarkable speed, efficiency, and accuracy at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport. The powerful cameras can recognize a customer's biometric profile from one meter away, allowing customers to walk swiftly through areas where they used to have to pause and show documents. Whether visiting the UAE or as a resident, any Emirates customer can sign up for the swift and secure biometric services on the Emirates app, at the Self-Service Kiosks at the airport, or at Check-In desks. Customers will soon be able to use biometrics at connections when transferring to another Emirates flight."
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, said: "At GDRFA Dubai, innovation has long been part of our DNA and a cornerstone of our services. Registering via the Emirates app takes only a few minutes. Customers must be 18 years or above to register, and each customer must register individually."
