UAE airports slash check-in to departure times to just 12 minutes with facial recognition and AI
Airports in the UAE are using biometric technology, facial recognition and advanced AI to enhance passenger journeys and cut down waiting times.
Selim Bouri, President for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) at airport technology company SITA, said airports in the UAE, particularly those in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have established new global benchmarks in innovation, efficiency and passenger experience.
He noted the country's clear commitment to digitalisation and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, particularly in light of the increasing challenge of managing growing passenger volumes.
UAE airport technology
Bouri explained that SITA works closely with UAE airports to understand their unique needs and opportunities, providing tailored technology solutions, pointing to the implementation of the Smart Travel system at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi—a fully integrated platform for biometric identity processing.
This system, he noted, reduces congestion and waiting times while enhancing airport capacity to handle the rising number of international flights.
Zayed International Airport experienced strong growth in flight traffic in 2024, making it essential to adopt digital solutions to meet this surge.
Bouri described the airport's experience as a testament to the value of advanced biometric processing, highlighting that since the opening of its new terminal in November 2023, the airport has processed more than one million passengers using facial recognition.
This has created a unique digital identity for each traveller, enabling a seamless journey from check-in to departure, including border control, in under 12 minutes.
The success of the Smart Travel system at Zayed International Airport, he added, paves the way for its adoption at other airports across the UAE.
On future technologies passengers can expect at UAE airports, Bouri said that the country's travel experience is increasingly powered by smart solutions that provide efficiency and convenience.
He revealed plans to expand biometric processing across airport checkpoints, delivering a fully contactless passenger experience.
Self-service technologies, he said, will be a core focus area in the coming years. These include self-check-in kiosks, automated baggage-drop services, and smart boarding gates, all aimed at reducing congestion and streamlining travel procedures.
Cybersecurity also remains a top priority within the UAE's airport digital strategies. Bouri emphasised that smart innovations will play a key role in boosting efficiency, minimising waiting times, enhancing safety and reinforcing the UAE's status as a leader in smart, integrated airport systems.
He added that the coming decade will witness a significant increase in the deployment of next-generation communication technologies within airports.
This will create a highly integrated smart airport ecosystem and flight operation network.
Bouri discussed the impact of 5G networks on enabling seamless device-to-device communication, benefitting passengers, systems and operations through improved ground connectivity.
He also pointed to future support for sixth-generation network technologies and advanced wireless internet services.
Airports, airlines and governments in the Middle East, known for their leadership in innovation, are investing heavily in the latest technologies to enhance passenger experience and streamline airport operations.
These include biometric processing systems and e-gates backed by strategic initiatives and major investments.
Addressing the role of artificial intelligence and big data in improving flight management and reducing delays, Bouri explained that although airports, airlines and partners generate vast amounts of data, it is not always fully understood or leveraged.
Over the next decade, he said, future-ready airports will increasingly rely on big data, predictive analytics and advanced platforms to achieve peak operational efficiency.
The growing role of AI and robotics, he clarified, does not eliminate the human factor but rather fosters smart collaboration between people and technology.
Bouri concluded that the next decade will see AI extend to more sectors, including:
Enhancing flight scheduling
Personalised communication with passengers
Operations centre support
Predictive maintenance
Multilingual assistance
Automated baggage handling
Reduced fuel consumption for autonomous vehicles
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