Dubai unveils 'click and travel' service to fast-track airport passport checks

Dubai authorities have introduced a new "Click and Travel" service aimed at expediting airport passport checks and reducing queues for travelers. The service utilizes a portable device equipped with advanced biometric recognition technology, including facial and iris scans, to verify a traveler's identity in mere seconds. This device, connected to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai's smart platform and official database, enables spot checks without passengers having to wait in lines at counters.

Major General Talal Al Shanqiti, assistant director general for airport at GDRFA Dubai, explained that the device can serve as an alternative to smart gates and the Red Carpet tunnel, particularly during periods of high passenger volume. Priority will be given to families, children, and people with special requirements. Currently, the service is available for all passengers departing from Dubai airports, while arrivals are limited to Emiratis and UAE residents, with plans to expand in the future to include other categories like visitors.

The pilot program for "Click and Travel" began in October of the previous year, and it was officially launched at Dubai International Airport (DXB) on Monday. During the trial phase, over 31,000 passengers utilized the service. According to official data from GDRFA-Dubai, nearly 26 million passengers passed through Dubai airports by the end of August, with more than 9.4 million utilizing the smart gates.

Additionally, approximately 750,000 passengers have employed the Red Carpet service, an AI-powered biometric corridor enabling passport-free immigration clearance in mere seconds.