Dubai airports to introduce AI system allowing travel without documents

Dubai airports will soon enable travelers to pass through without the need to stop or show documents, thanks to an AI-driven system, according to a senior official. Lieutenant Colonel Khaled bin Madia Al Falasi, Deputy Assistant Director for Smart Services at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai), revealed in a Gulf News report that the “Travel Without Borders” project will rely on AI facial recognition cameras to identify travelers and verify their biometric data while they move through the airport.

Initially, the system will be introduced for business and first-class passengers at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC), with plans to extend it to all travelers. Lt. Col. Al Falasi explained that the system will eliminate the need for counters, gates, or immigration officers, creating a seamless experience for travelers.

Currently, smart gates at the airport require passengers to stop briefly for scanning. However, with the new system, no stops or manual verification will be necessary. Pre-registration via an app will be required for first-time visitors. The project will be implemented in collaboration with airlines and other partners and is expected to launch soon.