A proposal that would allow airline passengers to complete check-in procedures away from the airport and travel directly to departure halls in secure transport has been cleared for development in Dubai, marking one of three new projects approved under the Dubai 10X initiative.
The concept, known as the City Terminal Project, is part of the initiative’s third phase and is designed to shift how travel services are delivered by extending airport processes into the city itself. Under the plan, travellers would check in at designated locations across Dubai before being transported directly to airport terminals, a move intended to ease congestion and shorten processing times at departure halls.
The project forms part of a broader set of initiatives endorsed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation. Together, the selected projects focus on accelerating change across mobility, healthcare and travel through cross-government collaboration.
Alongside the City Terminal Project, two other initiatives were approved. The first is the 20-Minute City programme, led by the Roads and Transport Authority, which aims to ensure residents can reach the majority of essential services within a 20-minute walk, cycle, or sustainable transport trip. The pilot, launched in Al Barsha 2 with support from Dubai Municipality and Dubai Police, includes road safety enhancements, shaded green spaces and flexible mobility corridors.
The second is the Disease Early Detection System, overseen by the Dubai Health Authority, which targets earlier diagnosis and preventive care. Its pilot phase focuses on diabetes, a condition estimated to cost Dubai Dh2.78 billion annually, and involves multiple hospitals and clinics across the city.
Speaking on the programme, Sheikh Hamdan said the Dubai 10X initiative has pushed government entities toward comprehensive innovation and stronger collaboration, adding that accelerating government performance remains central to Dubai’s future vision.
The three projects were chosen from 79 proposals developed by more than 120 employees representing 33 government entities, with selections based on impact, speed of implementation, inter-agency integration and expected improvements to quality of life.
