From screening to cameras: How Dubai is making airport security smarter with AI and technology
Nine projects target faster procedures and smoother passenger flows
DUBAI – Police in Dubai are expanding the use of artificial intelligence and smart technologies across airport security as passenger traffic continues to grow.
In 2025, the General Department of Airport Security secured the journeys of 95.2 million passengers and more than 86.75 million pieces of baggage through Dubai airports. The technology is being introduced across different stages of the passenger journey, from screening and baggage monitoring to camera analysis and operational coordination.
Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, reviewed the systems and wider security operations during his annual inspection of the General Department of Airport Security.
How AI is being used
Artificial intelligence is supporting several airport security functions, including passenger screening, unattended baggage detection and the analysis of camera feeds and visual data.
These systems are designed to strengthen monitoring and analysis capabilities, while supporting security teams in responding more rapidly to potential situations.
During the inspection, Al Marri called for wider adoption of AI across security operations to improve efficiency, accelerate procedures and support decision-making. He also highlighted the role of advanced technology in strengthening proactive policing and preparing Dubai for future developments in aviation security.
How baggage is monitored
Dubai Police secured more than 86.75 million pieces of baggage through an integrated operational system during 2025.
Modern technologies are being combined with established security procedures to support baggage security, including systems that help detect and manage unattended baggage.
The approach is part of the department's broader focus on maintaining operational readiness while handling the growing volume of passengers and baggage moving through Dubai's airports.
How passenger flows are improved
Nine development projects are currently being implemented by the General Department of Airport Security to improve the passenger journey from airport entry through departure.
The projects focus on streamlining procedures, reducing processing times and facilitating smoother passenger movement through smart technologies and innovative solutions.
Al Marri stressed that passengers should remain at the centre of service development, with technology and data used to anticipate their needs and support faster, more efficient services.
How security standards are tracked
The technology push is being accompanied by a continuous improvement programme.
The General Department of Airport Security identified and completed 27 improvement opportunities, achieving a 100 per cent completion rate.
The department also recorded 100 per cent compliance with national and international civil aviation security standards in internal and external audit reports for the seventh consecutive year.
Al Marri praised the achievement, linking it to the professionalism of airport security personnel and their commitment to maintaining high global standards.
How staff are being prepared
Dubai Police's airport security strategy also relies on specialised training and employee development.
Approximately 4,542 personnel participated in training programmes during 2025. The programmes were designed to enhance skills, strengthen operational readiness and support the passenger experience.
The department recorded 96 per cent employee happiness and a 100 per cent employee motivation rate.
Al Marri said investment in human talent remains a cornerstone of sustainable security excellence and emphasised the importance of equipping employees with the latest technologies and tools required for future security operations.
How Dubai is preparing for future
The continued development of the airport security ecosystem is being positioned as part of Dubai's wider response to growing aviation and tourism activity.
Al Marri said Dubai has established itself among the world's leading cities in security, aviation, tourism and services, adding that maintaining this position requires continuous innovation and an integrated approach to the emirate's growth.
He described Dubai airports as key gateways to the world and said the experience passengers receive from arrival onwards contributes to the image Dubai presents as a global city focused on security, efficiency, innovation and quality of life.
During the inspection, Al Marri also toured airport facilities including the operations room and smart gates dedicated to employees. He reviewed security operations, coordination systems and technologies aimed at improving operational efficiency and supporting the department's wider strategy of developing a future-ready security ecosystem.