Emirates Invests in Major Facial Recognition Rollout at Dubai International

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Emirates Airlines has announced it has invested AED 85 million (approx. USD 23 million) in an infrastructure upgrade at Dubai International Airport (DXB) designed to streamline passenger experience using facial recognition instead of passports and boarding passes. Over 200 biometrics-enabled cameras are being installed as part of the project. 

The system initially only applies to Terminal 3 flights, although future expansion across the entire airport is planned. Developed in partnership with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD), the system is designed to streamline passenger journeys through check-in, immigration, boarding gates, and lounges, using facial authentication rather than traditional document checks. 

Since 2017, we have been working ... to upgrade our equipment and implement the latest technologies, ensuring that our customers enjoy a world-class, seamless journey.

said Adel al Redha, Deputy President & Chief Operating Officer at Emirates. 

Passengers wishing to use the service must register via the Emirates app or in person at check-in desks in Dubai, submit their passport details, and be members of the Skywards loyalty program. The scheme is open to travellers 18 and older. Any Emirates customer can sign up for the service, whether they are a UAE resident or visitor.

The move is part of a broader UAE push to embed AI and biometric technologies in travel infrastructure. Biometric Update has earlier reported that DXB has heavily invested in AI and biometrics to facilitate passenger journeys.