DWC Airport Unveils Futuristic Travel Experience Featuring AI, Robots and Seamless Check-In
Dubai is set to redefine air travel with a cutting-edge experience at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), where artificial intelligence, autonomous robots, and biometric systems will work together to create one of the most seamless airport journeys in the world.
Unveiled at The Airport Show in Dubai on Tuesday, the new system promises to streamline every step of the passenger journey—from luggage drop-off to immigration and boarding. The most striking upgrade is a 'smart corridor' that will allow travellers to clear immigration in seconds. Compared to the current smart gates at Dubai International Airport (DXB), the corridor will allow up to 10 passengers to pass through in the time it takes one person to clear DXB's system. 'Our future will be one of seamless travel,'
said Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreign Affairs. He emphasized how AI will handle passport verification automatically, eliminating the need for manual checks and stamping.
Despite these technological strides, Al Marri noted that Dubai Airports will retain personal touches, with special counters for children and prioritized services for mothers and the elderly. 'We have not forgotten about children,'
he said, 'and we have dedicated a special counter for them, which is the first of its kind in the world.'
The innovation continues outside the terminal. An intelligent traffic management system will monitor vehicles on their way to the airport, helping airlines anticipate arriving passengers. Once travellers reach DWC, the journey becomes entirely automated.
Passengers will be greeted by concierge robots at curbside, while self-bag drop robots handle checked luggage directly from their vehicles. Bags will be tagged automatically upon booking through an app, which also allows travellers to manage flight details, shop duty-free, and enter a virtual airport metaverse before even leaving home. 'The complete check-in experience starts the moment passengers enter their cars,'
said Abdulla Al Shamsi, Senior Director of Future of Things at Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects. 'The system will weigh bags in the car and autonomous robots will take it from there.'
Inside the terminal, immersive digital experiences will entertain travellers. Autonomous delivery bots will serve food, beverages, and duty-free purchases, while lounges will offer shopping, dining, and rest areas with door-to-seat delivery services. Children's play areas, mixed-use digital spaces, and biometric-enabled baggage claim kiosks will further enhance the futuristic experience.
Baggage claim itself will move beyond traditional conveyor belts. Instead, passengers can choose between biometric kiosks or home delivery via autonomous vehicles. Additionally, those flying through DWC may arrive via metro or bonded eVTOL aircraft—urban air taxis designed to reduce congestion and offer rapid access to the airport.
Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths previously confirmed that DWC will be built around eight smaller terminals, each offering a more intimate, efficient travel experience. Underground trains will connect terminals, while autonomous guided vehicles with immersive digital glass will transport passengers within the airport.
Set to become the world's largest airport, DWC is positioning itself as the benchmark for the future of air travel—where technology, convenience, and comfort intersect.
News Source: Khaleej Times
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hi Dubai
4 days ago
- Hi Dubai
The New Layover Luxury: How Airports Are Becoming Destinations in Themselves
The days of dreading long layovers are fading. For Dubai residents, who frequently jet across the globe through one of the world's busiest aviation hubs, the airport experience is no longer about racing to a gate or enduring endless queues. It's about savoring a moment. Airports, once sterile transit points, are transforming into vibrant destinations that rival the cities they serve. From gourmet dining to wellness spas and architectural marvels, the modern airport is redefining travel. For those living in Dubai, where aviation is a way of life, this evolution hits close to home. Dubai International Airport (DXB) already sets a high bar, but the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) promises to raise it even further. This shift reflects a broader trend. Airports worldwide are tapping into the experience economy, turning layovers into opportunities for luxury, leisure and even cultural immersion. Travelers are no longer just passing through. They're lingering, shopping, dining and relaxing in spaces designed to captivate. Explore how airports are becoming lifestyle hubs, mini-cities and luxury retreats. From stunning architecture to wellness zones and curated layover experiences, here's how airports are rewriting the travel narrative. The Rise of the Airport Experience Economy Dubai International Airport / Image Source: Emirates Airports have always been about movement, but today they're about moments. Global travel trends, longer layovers and the rise of mega-hubs like Dubai have shifted priorities. With passenger numbers soaring— DXB handled 92.3 million passengers in 2024 —airports see idle time as an economic opportunity. Instead of letting travelers twiddle their thumbs, they're encouraging them to spend on dining, shopping and entertainment. This is the airport experience economy, where every moment is a chance to engage. The concept of 'slow travel' is gaining traction. Travelers, including Dubai's jet-setting residents, are choosing longer layovers to explore airports or nearby cities. Airlines like Emirates and airports like DXB capitalize on this by offering curated experiences, from city tours to in-terminal perks. The economic impact is massive. Airports generate billions in non-aviation revenue like retail, dining and services. For instance, DXB's duty-free shops alone raked in AED7.9 billion in 2024. This shift isn't just about profit; it's about reimagining the airport as a destination where travelers want to linger. Architecture, Art & Aesthetics: Instagrammable Airports Singapore Jewel Changi Airport / Image Source: Architecture Digest Step into Singapore's Changi Airport, and you're greeted by a 40-meter indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex, surrounded by a lush forest. In Doha's Hamad International, a giant yellow teddy bear sculpture by Urs Fischer doubles as an art statement and a selfie magnet. Closer to home, Dubai Terminal 3 at DXB stuns with its sleek design, palm-lined atriums and shimmering gold accents. These airports aren't just functional. They're architectural masterpieces designed to dazzle. Modern airports are becoming part of a city's cultural branding. Dubai, a city synonymous with ambition, uses DXB to showcase its modernity. The terminal's open spaces, natural light and art installations reflect the emirate's futuristic ethos. Other airports follow suit. Changi's Jewel complex, with its glass-domed rainforest, is a tourist attraction in its own right. Hamad International's airy design and Qatari art collections scream sophistication. These spaces are built to be shared on social media, turning airports into Instagrammable landmarks that boost a city's global image. For Dubai residents, DXB's aesthetic is a point of pride; a gateway that mirrors the city's grandeur. The Hotel-ification of Terminals Oryx Airport Hotel at Hamad International Airport / Image Source: Qatar Airways Gone are the days of napping on hard airport benches. Today's terminals feel like boutique hotels. At DXB, Emirates' First Class Lounge offers private suites, fine dining and a spa with complimentary massages. Across the globe, airports are upping the ante. Doha's Hamad International boasts the Oryx Airport Hotel with a swimming pool and squash courts. San Francisco International has a yoga room for travelers to unwind. Sleeping pods, like those at DXB's Sleep 'n Fly lounges, provide cozy nooks for a quick nap. These amenities are a game-changer. Whether you're a frequent flyer or heading on a holiday, DXB's wellness offerings like in-terminal massages and quiet zones make layovers feel like mini-retreats. Other airports are catching up. Helsinki-Vantaa offers saunas, a nod to Finnish culture. Munich Airport has nap cabs and a rooftop terrace. These spaces prioritize comfort, turning the airport into a sanctuary rather than a stress zone. The result? Travelers arrive refreshed, not frazzled. Gaming Lounge at Dubai International Airport / Image Source: The National Airports have moved beyond duty-free liquor and perfume. Today, they're retail and culinary powerhouses. DXB's shopping scene rivals Dubai Mall, with designer boutiques like Chanel and Rolex. Dining has gone gourmet. DXB offers local flavors at places like Jones the Grocer alongside international chains like Shake Shack. Entertainment is evolving too. Incheon Airport in South Korea has a cinema and ice-skating rink. Los Angeles International features live music pop-ups. DXB's Zen Garden and gaming lounges keep travelers engaged. For Dubai residents, these options make layovers a chance to shop for luxury goods or enjoy a world-class meal without leaving the terminal. Airports are also embracing local culture. Qatar's Hamad International serves Arabic mezze, while Tokyo's Narita offers sushi bars. This blend of global and local creates a dining and shopping experience that feels like a destination itself. Wellness & Sustainability: A New Focus Be Relax at Dubai International Airport / Image Source: Dubai Airports Travel can be exhausting, but airports are prioritizing well-being. DXB's quiet zones and prayer rooms cater to spiritual and mental health. Natural lighting floods terminals, reducing stress. Oslo Airport's green roof and indoor plants improve air quality. Meditation zones, like those at San Francisco International, offer calm amidst the chaos. Sustainability is another priority. DXB aims to achieve 50% carbon neutrality by 2030 , with solar panels and eco-friendly food courts. Oslo Airport uses snow collected in winter to cool terminals in summer. Al Maktoum International, under construction, targets LEED Gold certification with energy-efficient designs. These efforts resonate with Dubai residents, who live in a city pushing for sustainability. Green initiatives not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance the traveler experience, making airports feel fresh and forward-thinking. The Business Traveler's Playground Image Source: Inc. Magazine For Dubai's business community, airports are more than transit points; they're workspaces. DXB offers ultra-fast Wi-Fi, co-working lounges and private meeting rooms. Emirates' Business Class Lounge includes workstations and shower suites. Other airports are following suit. London Heathrow's Plaza Premium Lounge offers nap pods and tech rentals. Singapore's Changi has dedicated business zones with high-speed internet. The rise of 'bleisure' travel, blending business and leisure, is shaping airport design. Travelers want to work efficiently and relax in style. DXB's concierge services, like baggage handling and fast-track immigration, save time. These amenities make business trips seamless, whether you're closing a deal or catching a quick nap before a meeting. Airports are becoming extensions of the office, tailored to the needs of the modern professional. Layovers as Mini-Vacations Image Source: Economy Middle East Savvy travelers, including Dubai residents, are turning layovers into mini-vacations. Why rush through an airport when you can enjoy its perks? Airlines like Turkish Airlines offer free Istanbul city tours for layovers over six hours. DXB's stopover packages include hotel stays and desert safaris. A 12-hour layover at DXB could look like this: start with breakfast at Giraffe World Kitchen, relax with a massage at the Be Relax Spa, shop at duty-free boutiques, and catch a movie in the Zen Garden's media lounge. If time allows, take a shuttle to Dubai Mall or Burj Khalifa for a quick city adventure. This trend is global. Singapore's Changi offers free city tours, including a heritage trail. Doha's Hamad International arranges desert excursions. These experiences turn layovers into opportunities to explore, making airports gateways to both the terminal and the city beyond. DXB's proximity to iconic landmarks makes it easy to blend airport time with a taste of the emirate's glamour. Al Maktoum Airport's Game-Changing Blueprint Dubai is no stranger to setting global benchmarks, and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is poised to redefine the airport experience. Set to be the world's largest airport by 2050 , DWC will span 70 square kilometers, five times the size of DXB. With a $35 billion investment, the first phase, due by 2032, will handle 150 million passengers annually. When fully operational, it will accommodate 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo yearly, making it a global logistics powerhouse. DWC's features are futuristic. Biometric immigration and smart gates will eliminate check-in counters. AI-driven baggage systems and robotics will streamline operations. An automated people mover will whisk passengers across two terminals and seven concourses with 400 aircraft gates. Sustainability is central, with LEED Gold certification and solar-powered infrastructure. The airport will integrate with Jebel Ali Port, creating a multimodal logistics hub connecting air, land and sea. Beyond functionality, DWC will be a lifestyle destination. Plans include luxury hotels, high-end retail and entertainment zones. An 'aerotropolis' will surround the airport, housing one million people and hosting global logistics firms. For Dubai residents, DWC will be a source of pride and convenience, located just 30 minutes from downtown. Emirates and flydubai will relocate to DWC by 2034, ensuring seamless transitions. This mega-hub will not only elevate Dubai's aviation status but also set a new standard for airports worldwide, blending luxury, technology, and sustainability. Airports have transformed from stress-filled transit zones to luxury getaways. No longer just a means to an end, they're destinations where travelers shop, dine, relax and even work. For Dubai residents, this evolution is especially meaningful. DXB already offers a taste of this luxury, but Al Maktoum International will take it to new heights, blending cutting-edge technology with unparalleled comfort. This shift reflects the modern travel ethos: it's not just about the destination but the journey itself. As airports like DWC redefine what's possible, your next favorite destination might not be a city—it might be its airport. Also Read: Revealed: Dubai's New Airport to Have Monorails, Mini Forest And More Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is poised to become a city within itself, boasting its own transportation network, green spaces, entertainment zones, and retail outlets. Things to do in your leisure time at Dubai International Airport (DXB) If you find yourself with some time to spare at DXB, here are some things you can do to make the most of your layover. UAE Airports Set Global Standard with Smart Travel Innovations UAE airports are redefining the future of air travel with groundbreaking digital transformations, according to Selim Bouri, President for the Middle East and Africa at SITA. DWC Airport Unveils Futuristic Travel Experience Featuring AI, Robots and Seamless Check-In Dubai is set to redefine air travel with a cutting-edge experience at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), where artificial intelligence, autonomous robots, and biometric systems will work together to create one of the most seamless airport journeys in the world. Al Maktoum International Airport to Begin Operations by 2032 Dubai's aviation landscape is set for a dramatic transformation as Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) moves closer to becoming the new aviation hub of the emirate.
Hi Dubai
5 days ago
- Hi Dubai
flydubai Resumes Daily Flights to Damascus, Restoring Air Link After 12 Years
flydubai has officially resumed its operations to Syria with the launch of daily flights to Damascus, re-establishing direct air connectivity between the UAE and Syria for the first time in over a decade. The inaugural flight, FZ 115, landed at Damascus International Airport on 1 June 2025 to a ceremonial water cannon salute, marking a significant milestone in regional aviation ties. The flight was welcomed by senior officials, including UAE Ambassador to Syria, Hassan Ahmed Al Shehhi, alongside Syrian aviation authorities. 'This milestone reflects the deep-rooted and fraternal relations between the United Arab Emirates and Syria,' said Ambassador Al Shehhi. 'It underscores the UAE's continued efforts to enhance air connectivity and strengthen economic and social ties between our nations.' The relaunch of flights signals a step forward in restoring broader air travel operations by UAE carriers to Syria. It also highlights the UAE's continued support for Syria's progress, stability, and reintegration into regional networks. flydubai's Chief Commercial Officer, Hamad Obaidalla, noted the airline's commitment to regional connectivity. 'We are very pleased to offer our passengers the opportunity to fly directly to Syria again. As an important cultural centre in the region, Damascus plays a key role in fostering travel, trade and tourism.' Daily flights will operate from Terminal 2 at Dubai International Airport to Damascus International Airport, offering travellers renewed access to the Syrian capital. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Gulf Business
30-05-2025
- Gulf Business
Full details: Inside the world's largest visa application centre in Dubai
Image credit: Supplied VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services that enable secure global mobility for governments and citizens, has announced the launch of its flagship visa application centre in Dubai's Wafi City. This marks the opening of the largest visa application facility in the world. The centre was inaugurated by Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism; Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai; and Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the VFS Global Group. 'This milestone is more than just an infrastructure achievement — it reflects the strategic direction Dubai is taking to enhance global mobility, unlock opportunities, and accelerate growth across our visitor and business economy. As we advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, seamless access to and from Dubai remains a priority. Visa facilitation is a key enabler of talent attraction, tourism development, and international partnerships — all critical components of our strategy to position Dubai as the world's most connected and future-ready city,' said Helal Saeed Almarri. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri commented, 'Today, we witnessed the inauguration of a new milestone in the UAE's journey of excellence, particularly for Dubai, with the opening of the world's largest Visa Application Centre. Located in the heart of a city that constantly redefines innovation, this achievement reflects our wise leadership's directives to reinforce the UAE's position as a global hub for smart services and to set a benchmark in efficient, high-quality government services. Continuous development is not optional — it is a commitment to a more prosperous future.' Zubin Karkaria added, 'Operating in the UAE since 2004, our journey has been shaped by an unwavering commitment and a strong connection with this dynamic nation and its visionary leadership. Over the past two decades, we have witnessed the UAE's spectacular growth into a global hub for business, innovation, and technology. Today, we are proud to launch the world's largest visa application centre, serving over 200 nationalities in this Year of Community. By collaborating with Emirati entrepreneurs and artists, the centre embodies the multicultural fabric of a country we are proud to call our Global Headquarters.' A next-gen experience for tomorrow's travellers Built to address rising outbound travel and growing expectations around security, accessibility, and convenience, the state-of-the-art centre in Dubai sets a new global standard. Spanning nearly 150,000 square feet, it can handle up to 10,000 visa applications daily — the highest capacity at any single location. The facility is supported by a team of over 400 trained professionals from more than 25 nationalities. Key features of the centre include: Tech-enabled self-service kiosks, secure lockers, photo booths, and photocopy stations for last-minute needs Touchscreen info kiosks, QR code-based check-ins, and automated feedback at each visa desk Over 400 on-site staff equipped with tablets, along with trained volunteers to assist with forms and kiosks Airport-style navigation with clear signage, spacious waiting areas, and a buggy service for easy movement Dedicated prayer rooms, kids' play areas, and multiple convenience zones to enhance the customer experience ESG-compliant design, with energy-efficient systems and fast-track lanes for seniors, families, and persons with disabilities With rising outbound travel from the UAE, personalised services like the Premium Lounge have become increasingly popular. Of the over 200 submission counters, 79 are exclusively designated as Premium Lounges. The centre is also one of the few worldwide — and one of only two in the UAE — to offer the Platinum Lounge, featuring a chauffeur service, end-to-end application support, and a calm, modern environment. At the core: AI and innovation From real-time document validation to advanced biometrics, the on-site AI Innovation Hub enables faster, more secure processing. Supporting this are a Digitisation Centre that transforms paper documents into secure digital records and a Global Resilience Center (GRC) that ensures 24/7 operational uptime, data security, and continuity for partner governments. VFS Global has embedded technology throughout the applicant journey to revolutionise the visa submission process. Visitors use QR code-based e-tokens for check-in, guided by a smart queue management system that includes electronic displays and mobile updates to reduce wait times and manage applicant flow — even during peak hours. By integrating cutting-edge innovation with human expertise, the centre delivers a visa application experience that is seamless, transparent, and efficient. A vision aligned with the UAE's future The launch of the world's largest Visa Application Centre in Dubai reinforces VFS Global's commitment to the UAE Government's 'We the UAE 2031' vision. Aligned with the Year of Community 2025, the centre not only sets a new global benchmark in service excellence but also celebrates Dubai's vibrant communities through Emirati cultural installations. This flagship facility represents a new model — one that blends breakthrough technology with local values to ensure a future of secure, connected, and community-driven travel. VFS Global has been associated with the UAE since 2002 as the official visa service provider for Emirates Airlines passengers and has maintained its global headquarters in Dubai since 2013.
