Emirates has invested AED 85 million ($23 million) to install more than 200 biometrics-enabled cameras across Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) – allowing more customers to pass through Check-In, Immigration, Boarding Gates, Lounges and board the aircraft, simply by facial recognition, with a quick and easy registration on Emirates app.
Eliminating the need
to take out a passport and boarding pass at various points in the airport, the
new biometrics initiative is a collaboration between Emirates and the General
Directorate of Identity and Foreigner Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD), that reduces processing
time significantly for all registered customers. The powerful cameras can
recognise the biometric profile of a customer from one metre away, allowing
customers to walk swiftly through areas where they used to have to pause and
show documents.
Whether visiting the
UAE or as a resident, any Emirates customer can sign up for the swift and
secure biometrics services on the Emirates app, at the Self-Service Kiosks at
the airport, or at Check-In desks. Consenting to Emirates Biometrics
Registration once, allows customers to skip queues and speed through the
airport every time they travel, choosing the route of the dedicated Biometric
Zones when flying to and from Dubai International (DXB).
Adel al Redha,
Emirates' Deputy President & Chief Operating Officer said;
‘With our latest
Biometrics Path development, Emirates has invested in further innovations to
enhance the customer travel experience, providing remarkable speed, efficiency,
and accuracy at Terminal 3 in Dubai International Airport. Since 2017, we have
been working in collaboration with the General Directorate of Identity and
Foreigners Affairs – Dubai to upgrade our equipment and implement the latest
technologies, ensuring that our customers enjoy a world-class, seamless
journey.’
Commenting on the
collaboration, H.E. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director
General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai,
said: “At GDRFA Dubai,
innovation has long been part of our DNA and a cornerstone of our services.
Over the years, we have integrated artificial intelligence and biometric
technologies to make travel through Dubai faster, safer, and more intuitive.
Our partnership with Emirates continues this path of excellence, reflecting the
spirit of collaboration that defines Dubai’s government and private sectors.
Together, we are shaping a seamless travel experience that
embodies reputation of the UAE in general, and Dubai in particular, for
efficiency, hospitality, and digital governance.”
How Emirates
Customers can use Biometrics at DXB
Step 1: Register
Customers can register
using the Emirates app, or in person at check‑in desks in Dubai. Customers must
be 18 years or above to register and each customer must register individually.
Using the Emirates app to complete registration takes only a few minutes.
Customers are required to be members of Emirates Skywards and need to simply
scan their passport, ensure all passport details match their Emirates Skywards
profile, and provide consent for Emirates to use details stored in the UAE
General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs database.
Step 2: Enjoy a
Biometric check-in
Once a customer is
registered, they can use biometric facial recognition to check‑in at kiosks
whenever they fly from Dubai. Customers will soon be able to use biometrics at
Connections when transferring to another Emirates flight.
Step 3: Breeze
through Biometric Smart Gates in Dubai
Emirates customers can
also skip queues at Immigration by using the GDFRAD-managed Smart Gates at
Emirates Terminal 3, every time they arrive and depart from Dubai. Customers
just need to step into the Smart Gate, wait for a quick photo, and continue to security
or baggage collection in seconds. Customers can use the Smart Gates if they are
a UAE citizen or resident, or a GCC national, or visa on arrival visitor with a
biometric passport.
Step 4: A seamless
Biometric entry to the Emirates Lounge
Emirates customers
eligible for Lounge access, may enter the lounge at Concourse B through facial
recognition at five entry points. Registered customers simply approach the
gate, look at the camera, and walk through to the lounge to enjoy a wide range
of chef-crafted dishes and beverages, and world-class facilities.
Step 5: Speedy
Biometric boarding
There is no need for
registered biometrics customers to reach for their boarding pass, as they can
board faster with biometric facial recognition. Some of Emirates departure
gates on Concourses A, B and C have biometric boarding, with more coming soon.
Process and Consent
for Emirates Biometric Registration
If a person has visited Dubai before, or is a resident of Dubai, and has a biometric record with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigner Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD), Emirates can match their facial image against their GDRFAD profile once the person registers. If the person does not yet have a GDRFAD profile, Emirates can create a temporary biometric profile to register consent for Emirates Biometrics. Once the person enters Dubai, the temporary profile will be converted to a GDRFAD profile and Emirates will use that next time they fly to and from Dubai. A GDRFAD profile is a digital profile created and managed by GDRFAD when a customer visits Dubai. -TradeArabia News Service
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