Emirates Airlines sets a new global standard for smart airports equipped with an integrated biometric travel system

Posted on November 3, 2025

Emirates has launched an advanced biometric initiative at Dubai International Airport, investing AED 85 million to revolutionize the airport journey through seamless facial recognition technology. More than 200 state-of-the-art biometric cameras have been installed throughout Terminal 3, allowing passengers to easily navigate through key touchpoints such as check-in, immigration, boarding gates, lounges and boarding – all without having to present passports or boarding passes.

Developed in collaboration with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFAD), this pioneering system is designed to significantly reduce processing time while enhancing efficiency and security. High-resolution biometric cameras can recognize a traveler’s face from up to one meter away, allowing passengers to navigate through every step of their airport experience with minimal disruption.

A complete and hassle-free trip

Whether travelers are UAE residents or international visitors, Emirates’ biometric ecosystem provides a seamless and secure process from the moment they arrive at the airport. Customers can easily register for the service via the Emirates app, at self-service kiosks, or during in-person check-in. Once registered, they can enjoy quick access to multiple checkpoints throughout the airport every time they travel through Dubai International Airport.

This single registration process provides a permanent benefit to frequent fliers, allowing them to use dedicated biometric passes at the airport’s various touchpoints for all future travel.

Step-by-step experience of the UAE biometric system

Step 1 – Simple registration
Passengers can complete their biometric registration through the Emirates app or directly at the airport. People aged 18 and over can sign up individually, ensuring data accuracy and personal consent. The process requires Emirates Skywards membership, a passport scan, and matching passport details to the Skywards profile. Once approval is obtained, Emirates Airlines links the traveler’s biometric data to the secure General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs database.

Step 2 – Check in easily
After registration, travelers can check in using facial recognition at biometric kiosks without presenting physical documents. Emirates also plans to expand this functionality to include connecting flights, ensuring faster transfers between routes operated by Emirates.

Step 3 – Smart Immigration Permit
At immigration, registered customers can use the smart gates operated by GDPRFAD at Terminal 3 to clear formalities within seconds. A simple facial scan replaces traditional passport control. Eligible travelers include UAE nationals, residents, GCC nationals and visitors who hold biometric passports or are eligible for a visa on arrival.

Step 4 – Enter the facial recognition lounge
Customers enjoying lounge privileges can enter Emirates’ world-class facilities by simply arriving at the entry gates equipped with biometric scanners. In Concourse B there are five dedicated biometric access points that allow quick entry without showing physical identification.

Step 5 – Fast and leafless rise
The journey ends with biometric boarding at selected gates via corridors A, B and C. Passengers can board directly via facial recognition, eliminating the need for paper or digital boarding passes. Emirates plans to expand biometric boarding gates across more stations in the near future.

Digital security and data protection

Every step of the Emirates Biometric journey is designed to strict data privacy and security standards. For travelers who already have a biometric record with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Emirates securely matches their facial data to the official database once registered. If a traveler is new to Dubai, Emirates temporarily stores their data to create a biometric profile, which is automatically upgraded to a full GDRFAD record on their next entry into the UAE.

This system ensures that all biometric data is maintained within Dubai’s official identity infrastructure, providing security and comfort. Customers retain full control and can choose to participate in the biometrics service by providing explicit consent during registration.

Transforming the future of air travel

Emirates’ biometric expansion represents a major milestone in the evolution of global aviation technology. By integrating artificial intelligence, high-speed data processing and secure digital identification, the airline is reshaping how passengers move through airports.

This initiative not only enhances the convenience of travel, but also aligns with Dubai’s vision to become the most technologically advanced and most traveler-friendly travel hub in the world. It represents a model for next-generation airport design – where travelers enjoy freedom, speed and security through technology-driven innovation.

With this AED 85 million investment, Emirates has positioned itself at the forefront of the transformation in biometric travel, ensuring that every journey through Dubai International Airport is not only faster, but smarter and more seamless than ever before.