Biometric check-in soon for non-residents too

Emirates will soon offer international travellers the opportunity to speed up their airport experience by consenting to the use of biometric data.

Biometric recognition technology will help travellers breeze through Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 check-in, lounges, boarding and immigration at highspeed as the AI systems recognise their unique facial features and link them to their passport for instant identity verification.

A privilege previously only enjoyed by UAE residents and GCC nationals, international passengers will be able to avail of the service in 2023 by providing official consent in a couple of clicks through the Emirates app, at its self-check-in kiosks, or in person at the check-in desks.

The first agreement of its kind globally, the strategic partnership between the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai (GDRFA) and Emirates is a cooperative effort to further improve the travel experience of Dubai visitors. The agreement between the two parites was signed by Lieutenant-general Mohamed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA in Dubai, and Adel Al Redha, Emirates' Chief Operating Officer, in the presence of several senior officials from both sides.

The move will improve passenger traffic procedures inside Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 and ensures a faster and more efficient airport experience for travellers transferring to connecting flights, as well as those who arrive in Dubai as their final destination.

Commenting on how the agreement will develop best-in-class services for travellers, Lt-gen Al Marri said: “Dubai is one of the world's most aspirational destinations, and 2022 has already seen more than eight million tourists arrive to the city. We continue to support our key partners with best-in-class services as we strive for excellence and innovation in positioning Dubai as the world's leading business hub and tourism destination.”