Look: Children stamping their own passports at Dubai airport
GDRFA set up special counters allowing children to have joyful journey
Dubai: Travelling through Dubai International Airport is more joyful experience for children as they can use dedicated ‘kiddie lanes and counters’ having pleasant interaction with immigration officers.
Dubai International Airport is the only airport in the world to allow such special dedicate passport control counters and lanes for children age 5 to 14.
More than half a million children have so far used special ‘kiddie counters’ stamping their own passports, revealed Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) on Wednesday.
Special characters Salem and Salama dressed as employees of GDFRFA employees greet children upon their arrival at the Dubai Airport’s terminal 1, 2 and 3.
The service for children started on Eid Al Fit last year on April 19, 2023.
According to GDRFA, a total of 553,475 children have used the special ‘kiddie’ lanes in just one year. They interacted with the immigration officers and also were allowed to stamp their own passports.
GDRFA officials, led by Director General Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, toured the airport on the first day of Eid Al Fitr to conduct their annual check to ensure the smooth flow of passengers. Special gifts and mementos were given to the young travelers.
“By enriching travel experience, the dedicated counters for children have enhanced the position of Dubai as one of the best airports in the world. The counters have dedicated immigration officers who respond to any questions the young travellers may have,” GDRFA said in a statement.