AI-powered biometric technology cuts clearing times to 3.4 seconds for ‘Red Carpet’ travelers.
DUBAI, July 6, 2026 – Dubai has solidified its status as a global leader in smart aviation ecosystem infrastructure, processing over 9.4 million passengers through its advanced automated immigration channels during the first half of 2026. Figures released by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai show that exactly 9,464,057 travelers used the emirate’s seamless digital border control facilities to bypass traditional manual verification lines.
The massive surge in smart travel adaptation comes amidst growing passenger volumes at Dubai International Airport (DXB). According to the GDRFA data, the vast majority of these digital border crossings—amounting to 9,024,736 individuals—were completed via the airport’s integrated Smart Gates. Additionally, 439,321 passengers utilized the newly deployed ‘Travel Without Borders – Red Carpet’ project, which represents the latest iteration of contactless biometric transit.
The ‘Red Carpet’ corridor utilizes high-speed Artificial Intelligence (AI) and facial recognition capabilities to completely eliminate physical document handovers and direct interactions with immigration officials. The system is fully paperless and capable of simultaneously scanning and processing up to 10 moving passengers. This integration has cut the average processing time per passenger from 12.5 seconds down to just 3.4 seconds, yielding a 60% increase in efficiency.
Lt. General Mohammed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, stated that the continuous development of the smart travel ecosystem aligns directly with the UAE’s broader national vision to deploy world-class government operations powered by future technologies. He emphasized that the initiative enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors while driving Dubai’s economic competitive edge on a global stage.
Major General Talal Ahmed Al Shanqiti, Assistant Director General of the Airport Affairs Sector, remarked that the synergy between the Smart Gates and the Red Carpet service highlights the ongoing digital evolution of the airport’s operations. He confirmed that the department will continue expanding its technological infrastructure to adequately manage escalating numbers of international travelers without compromising stringent security measures.
Officials have noted that this digital transformation supports the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) by reinforcing the city’s profile as a premier international hub for business, tourism, and innovation. To experience these expedited border processes, the GDRFA advises eligible travelers to complete their pre-registration protocols online using the dedicated Smart Gate Registration Inquiry portal before heading to the airport terminals.
