Emirates rolls out 200 biometric cameras at Dubai airport
New system speeds up travel using artificial intelligence and facial data
DUBAI – Emirates has invested Dh85 million to install more than 200 biometrics-enabled cameras across Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport, enabling passengers to pass through check-in, immigration, lounges, boarding gates and even board their aircraft using only facial recognition after a simple registration on the Emirates app.
The new initiative eliminates the need for passengers to present passports or boarding passes at multiple airport touchpoints. Developed in collaboration with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigner Affairs – Dubai (GDRFAD), the system dramatically reduces processing time for registered passengers. The advanced cameras can recognise a traveller’s biometric profile from one metre away, allowing for a seamless walk-through experience.
Any Emirates customer, whether a UAE resident or visitor, can register for the biometrics service via the Emirates app, self-service kiosks or check-in desks. Once registered, travellers can opt to use the dedicated Biometric Zones on future flights to and from Dubai International.
Adel Al Redha, Emirates' Deputy President and 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 in Dubai International Airport. Since 2017, we have been working in collaboration with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai to upgrade our equipment and implement the latest technologies, ensuring that our customers enjoy a world-class, seamless journey.”
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, added:
“At GDRFAD Dubai, innovation has long been part of our DNA and a cornerstone of our services. Over the years, we have integrated artificial intelligence and biometric technologies to make travel through Dubai faster, safer, and more intuitive. Our partnership with Emirates continues this path of excellence, reflecting the spirit of collaboration that defines Dubai’s government and private sectors. Together, we are shaping a seamless travel experience that embodies the reputation of the United Arab Emirates in general, and Dubai in particular, for efficiency, hospitality, and digital governance.”
How does it work?
Step 1: Registration – Customers aged 18 and above can register using the Emirates app, at check-in desks, or self-service kiosks. Registration takes only a few minutes and requires Emirates Skywards membership. Users must scan their passport, ensure details match their Emirates Skywards profile, and give consent for Emirates to access their data stored with GDRFAD.
Step 2: Biometric Check-In – Once registered, passengers can check in using facial recognition at dedicated kiosks in Dubai. The feature will soon be expanded to include transfer passengers connecting between Emirates flights.
Step 3: Smart Gate Access – Emirates customers can skip queues at immigration by using Smart Gates at Terminal 3, managed by GDRFAD. Travellers simply step into the gate, wait for a quick facial scan, and continue to security or baggage collection within seconds. This service is available to UAE citizens, residents, GCC nationals and visa-on-arrival visitors holding biometric passports.
Step 4: Lounge Access – Eligible passengers can enter the Emirates Lounge at Concourse B through five biometric-enabled entry points. Registered users just look at the camera to access the lounge, which offers chef-crafted dishes, premium beverages and other world-class facilities.
Step 5: Biometric Boarding – Registered customers can board their flight faster at select departure gates in Concourses A, B and C using facial recognition instead of a boarding pass. Emirates plans to extend biometric boarding to additional gates soon.
What happens to the biometric data?
For passengers who have previously visited or reside in Dubai, Emirates matches their facial image with their existing GDRFAD profile after registration. If a passenger does not yet have a GDRFAD profile, Emirates temporarily stores their biometric data until they enter Dubai, after which the temporary profile is automatically converted into a permanent one under GDRFAD’s management.
A GDRFAD profile is a digital identity record maintained by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigner Affairs – Dubai, used to streamline identification processes across airports and government services.
The introduction of Emirates’ Biometric Path represents one of the largest-scale facial recognition deployments in the region. The initiative not only enhances passenger convenience but also reinforces Dubai’s reputation for adopting advanced technologies to deliver a faster, smarter, and more efficient airport experience.