Passengers flying with Emirates through Dubai can now move from check-in to boarding using only their face, as the airline begins activating more than 200 biometric cameras across Terminal 3 in a Dh85 million rollout aimed at cutting queues and speeding up airport flow.
The upgraded system, developed with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigner Affairs Dubai (GDRFA), enables eligible travellers to clear check-in, immigration, lounge entry, and boarding simply by looking at a camera. Emirates says the technology can identify passengers from about a meter away, allowing continuous movement without presenting passports or phones.
The feature is open to both UAE residents and visitors. Travellers can register through the Emirates app, at check-in counters, or via self-service kiosks by scanning their passport and giving consent for biometric use. Once enrolled, they gain access to designated smart lanes for every future flight departing from or transiting through Dubai.
Adel Al Redha, Emirates Deputy President and 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 GDRFA to upgrade our equipment and implement the latest technologies, ensuring that our customers enjoy a world-class, seamless journey.”
The biometric process also links directly to GDRFA records. Existing residents and previous visitors with registered biometrics are verified instantly, while first-time travellers receive a temporary profile that converts into a permanent record after entering Dubai, allowing seamless use of the system on future trips.
