Dubai Airport unveils world’s first passport-free ‘Red Carpet’ corridor
Passengers complete departure in seconds without passports or boarding passes
DUBAI – Travellers at Dubai International Airport can now complete departure procedures in seconds without presenting a passport, boarding pass, or stopping, thanks to the innovative “Red Carpet” smart corridor.
Developed jointly by GDRFA Dubai and Dubai Airports, the service is being hailed as the first of its kind globally. Officials say it marks a significant leap in passenger experience, combining speed, convenience, and world-class security.
“This service, which is the first of its kind globally, allows you to complete your travel procedures in seconds without presenting any travel documents,” said Brigadier Walid Ahmed Saeed, Assistant Deputy Director for Airport Affairs at GDRFA Dubai. “Just by walking through this corridor, you have completed your exit.”
Currently available at Terminal 3, the service is set to expand to arrivals and other terminals in the near future, reflecting Dubai’s vision for a seamless, paperless travel experience.
Red Carpet corridor
At the heart of the Red Carpet experience is its fully automated, document-free process. Passengers walk through a sleek corridor as AI, biometric cameras, and integrated flight data confirm their identity, verify bookings, and process departure within seconds.
Brigadier Saeed explained the system operates on three pillars:
- Pre-verified Security – Passenger information is checked in advance.
- Biometric Match – Cameras authenticate identity against registered biometric data.
- Seamless Departure – Flight details are automatically confirmed, removing the need for passports or boarding passes.
Families, business travellers, and tourists alike praised the effortless experience, highlighting stress-free processing and significant time savings. Many also felt reassured knowing security checks had already been completed in advance.
How it works
Travellers register once by linking their passport to a biometric photo at standard counters. After registration, the smart gates and Red Carpet corridor can be used for all future journeys. The service is open to all nationalities and ticket classes, ensuring widespread accessibility.
Lt-Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, said the project demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to zero bureaucracy while upholding world-class security standards. Developed entirely by Emirati experts, the technology highlights homegrown innovation in global aviation.
A new era for DXB
Meanwhile, Dubai Airports is testing advanced scanners and artificial intelligence technologies to eliminate the need for passengers to remove laptops, perfumes, creams, and liquids over 100ml during security checks. In May 2025, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects awarded Smiths Detection a contract to install state-of-the-art checkpoint screening across all three DXB terminals.
These scanners provide high-resolution 3D imaging, allowing travellers to keep electronics and liquids in their bags, reducing processing times and improving convenience. Essa Al Shamsi highlighted that the technology will make journeys smoother and more seamless.
Passenger traffic at DXB continues to rise, repeatedly breaking records. In the first half of 2025, the airport handled 46 million passengers, a 2.3 percent year-on-year increase. The second quarter alone saw 22.5 million guests, up 3.1 percent from last year. April was the busiest month on record, welcoming eight million travellers through the terminals.