By Staff Reporter
Dubai: More than 9.4 million travellers passed through Dubai’s airports using the emirate’s advanced AI-powered Smart Travel ecosystem during the first half of 2026, highlighting the city’s continued investment in digital border control and seamless passenger services.
According to the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai), 9,464,057 travellers benefited from its integrated smart travel services between January and June. Of these, 9,024,736 passengers completed immigration procedures through Smart Gates, while 439,321 travellers used the innovative Travel Without Borders – Red Carpet service.
The Red Carpet service, regarded as Dubai’s most advanced border clearance solution, enables eligible passengers to complete immigration procedures simply by walking through a designated lane. The system uses artificial intelligence and biometric recognition to verify travellers without requiring passports, boarding passes, or interaction with immigration officers.
GDRFA Dubai said the technology has reduced the average immigration clearance time from 12.5 seconds to just 3.4 seconds, representing a 60 percent improvement in processing speed. The system is capable of processing up to 10 travellers simultaneously, while eliminating paper documents and physical contact throughout the immigration process.
Officials said the Smart Travel ecosystem is a key part of Dubai’s vision to deliver a fully digital travel experience while maintaining high levels of security and operational efficiency.
Alongside the Red Carpet service, Smart Gates remain the backbone of Dubai’s border operations, serving more than nine million travellers during the first six months of the year. Using advanced biometric technology, the Smart Gates allow eligible passengers to complete immigration formalities within seconds, reducing waiting times and improving passenger flow at Dubai International Airport.
The GDRFA encouraged eligible travellers to complete Smart Gate pre-registration before arriving at the airport. Registration status and eligibility can be verified through the Smart Gate Registration Inquiry service available on the GDRFA website. Completing the registration in advance allows passengers to bypass conventional immigration counters and proceed directly through automated clearance.
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, said the achievements of the Smart Travel ecosystem reflect the UAE’s commitment to using artificial intelligence and innovation to deliver world-class government services.
He noted that improving the travel experience goes beyond reducing waiting times, describing it as an investment in quality of life that strengthens Dubai’s global competitiveness and reinforces its status as one of the world’s leading destinations for tourism, business and investment.
Major General Talal Ahmed Al Shanqiti, Assistant Director General for the Airports Affairs Sector, said the integration of Smart Gates with the Red Carpet service demonstrates the continuous evolution of Dubai’s airport ecosystem through intelligent technologies that combine convenience with the highest standards of security.
GDRFA Dubai said it will continue investing in artificial intelligence and digital innovation to support growing passenger numbers while enhancing border security and operational excellence.
The authority added that the Smart Travel ecosystem also supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for travel, business and innovation.
