Watch: How world’s first ‘Red Carpet Corridor’ at Dubai Airport works
Ten passengers clear departure checks in seconds at once
DUBAI – Dubai International Airport has unveiled a world-first innovation that allows passengers to clear passport control in seconds – without presenting documents, standing still, or showing a boarding pass.
Known as the ‘Red Carpet Corridor’, the smart tunnel is now operational at Terminal 3, offering a glimpse into the future of seamless international travel.
The project, developed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai in partnership with Dubai Airports, represents a major step in the emirate’s digital transformation of passenger services. Officials describe it as an enhanced version of the existing smart tunnel concept, powered by artificial intelligence and biometric technologies.
Currently, the Red Carpet Corridor is available for business class departures at Terminal 3, with plans to expand in the near future. According to GDRFA Dubai, the corridor demonstrates the UAE’s forward-looking vision of blending speed, convenience, and advanced security at immigration checkpoints.
Ten at a time
One of the most striking features of the ‘Red Carpet Corridor’ is its capacity. The tunnel allows ten passengers to walk through simultaneously, completing the immigration process within seconds. Cameras integrated with AI systems instantly match faces to pre-registered biometric data, while flight details are automatically verified.
“This is our enhanced smart tunnel service, the first of its kind, using artificial intelligence to finalise the immigration process within seconds,” said Fatima Salim Almazrouei, director of the project management office at GDRFA Dubai, in an interview with Dubai Media Office.
AI-powered process
At the core of the corridor is a fully automated, document-free system. Artificial intelligence works alongside biometric cameras and flight data integration to confirm passenger identity, validate bookings, and approve departure. Travellers simply walk through without pausing, as security checks have already been completed in advance.
To use the service, passengers must register once by linking their passport details to a biometric photo at standard counters. Once registered, they can enjoy document-free passage on future trips, eliminating the need to present passports or boarding passes at immigration.
Towards smarter travel
GDRFA Dubai emphasises that the Corridor is more than a technical upgrade – it is a clear message to the world that Dubai International Airport is redefining passenger experience. Officials noted that future projects will expand on this concept, introducing new digital platforms and smart tunnel services that further streamline identity and residency processes.
Dubai Airports is also testing advanced security scanners that allow laptops, creams, perfumes, and liquids over 100ml to remain in bags during checks. These state-of-the-art systems use 3D imaging and AI, aiming to cut waiting times and improve efficiency across all three terminals.
With passenger numbers at Dubai International Airport reaching 46 million in the first half of 2025, the highest in its history, these innovations are designed to manage record-breaking traffic while maintaining world-class service.