Skip Queues at Dubai Airport: Emirates Installs 200 Facial-Recognition Cameras at Terminal 3
Travellers flying Emirates through Dubai International Airport (DXB) can now experience a passport-free journey as the airline rolls out more than 200 biometric cameras across Terminal 3, part of a Dh85 million investment designed to make travel faster, smoother, and more secure.
Developed in collaboration with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigner Affairs Dubai (GDRFA), the new facial-recognition system enables registered passengers to complete check-in, immigration, lounge access, and boarding simply by looking at a camera — eliminating the need to show physical travel documents.
Adel Al Redha, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer, said:
“With our latest Biometrics Path development, Emirates has invested in further innovations to enhance the customer travel experience, providing remarkable speed, efficiency, and accuracy at Terminal 3. Since 2017, we have been working in collaboration with the GDRFA to upgrade our equipment and implement the latest technologies, ensuring that our customers enjoy a world-class, seamless journey.”
The system recognises travellers from up to one metre away, allowing uninterrupted movement through multiple checkpoints. UAE residents, citizens, and visitors can register for the service through the Emirates app, self-service kiosks, or check-in counters. Once registered, they can use dedicated biometric lanes every time they fly from or through Dubai.
How to Skip Queues Using Facial Recognition
Step 1: Register
Sign up via the Emirates app or at check-in. Travellers must be Emirates Skywards members, scan their passport, and consent to biometric use. (Available for individuals aged 18+.)
Step 2: Check-in
Use facial recognition at kiosks instead of physical documents. The feature will soon be available for transit passengers as well.
Step 3: Immigration
Pass through GDRFA Smart Gates at Terminal 3 using facial recognition. Eligible travellers include UAE citizens and residents, GCC nationals, and visa-on-arrival visitors with biometric passports.
Step 4: Lounge Access
Access Emirates Lounges in Concourse B via facial recognition at five gates.
Step 5: Boarding
Selected departure gates across Concourses A, B, and C now allow biometric boarding, eliminating the need for a boarding pass.
Data Privacy and Security
For travellers who already have a biometric record with GDRFA Dubai, Emirates matches it automatically upon registration. New visitors receive a temporary biometric profile, which becomes permanent upon entry into Dubai — allowing continued use for future trips.
