A new service that enables the use of Emirates ID cards to pass through automated immigration gates at Dubai International is gaining popularity according to the airport, with more than 234,000 UAE residents using it since it was introduced in July 2016.
The service, which is free-of-charge and requires no pre-registration, makes passing through immigration smart gates fast and convenient for all UAE residents. The service is the result of the joint efforts of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), the Emirates Identity Authority and airport operator Dubai Airports.
The Emirates ID service, available on all 127 smart gates across all three terminals at Dubai International, has been enabled by creating a secure and efficient link between various operational systems and databases managed by the Emirates Identity Authority, GDRFA and Dubai Airports. Upon inserting the Emirates ID card into the smart gate, the system can quickly and accurately confirm the identity, travel plans and eligibility of UAE residents to enter and depart the country.
Paul Griffiths CEO of Dubai Airports said, “With a transaction time that averages 10-15 seconds, this is clearly a smarter way to travel. It speeds up the immigration process significantly and shortens queues. Our focus going forward is to get more residents using it.”
Smart gates provide the dual benefit of improving service while boosting capacity, both of which are critical elements of Dubai Airports’ DXB Plus program, which aims to expand the airport’s capacity to 118 million by 2023.
All UAE residents holding a valid Emirates ID card and are at least 18 years old can take advantage of the system by using the card at any of the self-service gates at arrivals and departures. Families traveling with children below the age of 18 can approach the manned counter adjacent to the smart gates to complete the immigration process.