234,000 use Emirates ID smart gates at DXB

A new service that enables the use of Emirates ID cards to pass through automated immigration gates at Dubai International Airport (DXB) has recorded more than 234,000 users.

Free of charge and requiring no pre-registration for residents, the service is available on all 127 Smart Gates across all three terminals at Dubai International.

Upon inserting the Emirates ID Card into the Smart Gate, the system can quickly, accurately and efficiently confirm the identity, travel plans and eligibility of UAE residents to enter and depart the country.

General Mohammad Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, said: “Creating a system that enhances both security and passenger convenience is a breakthrough for managing the borders in the UAE, and responds to calls from our leadership to provide services that make the passenger journey as smooth as possible.”

Emirates ID Smart Gate Dubai International Airport

Paul Griffiths CEO of Dubai Airports, added: “With a transaction time that averages 10-15 seconds this is clearly a smarter way to travel. It speeds up the immigration process significantly and shortens queues. Our focus going forward is to get more residents using it.”

Smart gates provide the dual benefit of improving service whilst boosting capacity, both of which are critical elements of Dubai Airports’ DXB Plus programme which aims to expand the airport’s capacity to 118 million by 2023.

All UAE residents holding a valid Emirates ID card who are older than 18 years can take advantage of the new system by using the card at any of the self-service gates at arrivals and departures across all three terminals at DXB.

Families travelling with children below the age of 18 can approach the manned counter adjacent to the smart gates to complete the immigration process.