By Staff Reporter
Red Carpet biometric system cuts immigration processing time to just 3.4 seconds as DXB handles 25.8 million passengers
DUBAI — Dubai’s artificial intelligence-powered Red Carpet biometric border clearance system processed 745,188 travellers during the first eight months of 2026, allowing passengers to clear immigration as they walk through a designated corridor without presenting passports, boarding passes or physical documents.
The system recorded a 100 per cent stop-free travel rate between January and August, as Dubai continues to expand automated and contactless immigration services at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
More than 25.8 million passengers passed through DXB during the period, with 9,382,814 travellers using smart gates to complete immigration procedures within seconds. More than 60 per cent of passengers used smart gate systems, according to figures released by Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
The figures were announced during a briefing at DXB attended by Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, and senior Airport Passport Sector officials.
Processing time cut to 3.4 seconds
The Red Carpet system uses facial recognition and artificial intelligence to verify travellers in real time as they move through the designated corridor.
The technology has reduced the average border processing time from 12.5 seconds to 3.4 seconds, representing a significant improvement in processing speed. Up to 10 travellers can be processed simultaneously, while physical and paper-based procedures are eliminated.
The project has also generated international attention, recording an estimated 3.2 billion media impressions worldwide and 446 million social media impressions during the first eight months of the year.
Millions use smart gates
Smart gates remain a major component of Dubai’s automated immigration infrastructure.
Between January and August, 9,382,814 passengers used the gates, enabling eligible travellers to complete entry and exit procedures without conventional passport-control processing.
Officials said the increasing use of automated immigration services reflects growing passenger confidence in digital border systems while helping Dubai manage rising passenger volumes and reduce waiting times.
More than 200,000 children served
Dubai is also operating a dedicated passport platform designed specifically for children, creating a more engaging environment for young travellers while maintaining immigration security and efficiency.
The platform has served 2,066,195 children since its launch, including 212,746 during the first eight months of 2026.
Services expanded for People of Determination
The Airport Passport Sector has also strengthened support for People of Determination through dedicated facilities, accessible immigration lanes and trained personnel.
A total of 263 passport officers and facilitators have been trained to provide assistance, including through hearing-support systems and other accessibility services.
The sector hosted 15 specialised assessment delegations during the period to evaluate accessibility standards and service quality.
Dubai’s border model draws international interest
Dubai’s smart border system is attracting attention from governments and organisations seeking to develop similar technologies.
During 2026, the Airport Passport Sector received 51 regional and international delegations interested in studying Dubai’s immigration systems.
The sector also received 15 local and international awards for innovation and excellence in border management, including recognition for artificial intelligence and smart-government initiatives.
Dubai is continuing to invest in biometric and AI technologies as part of its drive to make international travel faster, more seamless and increasingly contactless while maintaining high security standards.
