UAE airports set global benchmark in digital efficiency
Abu Dhabi: Selim Bouri, President for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) at SITA, a global leader in air transport IT and communications, has confirmed that 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.
In remarks to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), 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 over 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, enhancing flight scheduling, personalised communication with passengers, operations centre support, predictive maintenance, multilingual assistance, automated baggage handling and reduced fuel consumption for autonomous vehicles. AI will also be used by airports and governments to improve security screening and increase the accuracy of threat detection.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
17 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Royal Academy of Management announces new international advisory board of global leaders
Muscat: The Royal Academy of Management (RAM) has announced the formation of its newly reconstituted International Advisory Board, comprising a distinguished group of global leaders and renowned experts in leadership, management, and innovation. This strategic development marks a major milestone in RAM's ongoing efforts to elevate executive education and leadership development. The establishment of the Board reinforces the Academy's unwavering commitment to excellence, international collaboration, and alignment with the national priorities outlined in Oman Vision 2040. On this occasion, Dr Ali bin Qassim Al Lawati, President of The Royal Academy of Management, stated: 'We are proud to welcome this outstanding group of global thought leaders and experts to RAM's International Advisory Board. Their diverse insights, extensive experience, and international outlook will significantly contribute to shaping RAM's strategic direction. "The board will play a vital role in enriching our programmes, offering forward- looking perspectives on leadership and innovation, and strengthening our global partnerships to enhance the Academy's international standing.' His Excellency also extended his gratitude to the outgoing members of the previous board, acknowledging their, foundational role: 'We are deeply grateful to our former Board members for their invaluable contributions. Their vision, insight, and dedication played a pivotal role in shaping the Academy's early direction and advancing the development of its flagship initiatives and programmes. Their support has helped lay a strong foundation for RAM's emergence as a national leader in executive education and a beacon of leadership excellence.' Reflecting on the board's importance, he added: 'We are confident that the newly formed International Advisory Board will build on this legacy. It is worth noting that the former board had the distinguished honour of meeting His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik—may God protect him—during the Academy's official inauguration under the gracious Royal Patronage. That moment underscored the strategic importance of the advisory role in supporting RAM's national mission.' Dr Al Lawati concluded by stating: 'We look forward to close collaboration with our new International Board members. Their collective wisdom and global expertise will be invaluable in advancing RAM's strategic goals and strengthening its impact within Oman and beyond.' The newly appointed board comprises a distinguished group of professionals with significant global influence and a proven track records of excellence across government, academia, and industry. It includes Dasho Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan; Enda Kenny, former Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland; and His Excellency Eng. Abdullatif bin Ahmed Al Othman, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at King Abdulaziz University, former Senior Vice President at Saudi Aramco, and former Governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority. The board also includes Lim Hwee Hua, former Minister for Finance and Transport in the Republic of Singapore; Yoshito Hori, CEO of GLOBIS and President of GLOBIS University in Japan; and Carola Schouten, Mayor of Rotterdam in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Joining them are Raymond Watt, Global Chairman Emeritus of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO); Professor Soumitra Dutta, Dean of Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford; and Arturo Bris, Director of the IMD World Competitiveness Center at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD).The International Advisory Board serves as a strategic advisory body that offers insight into a wide range of fields including governance, leadership development, global disruptions, and future-readiness. It supports RAM's long-term vision by contributing international perspectives and recommendations on matters related to leadership ecosystems, institutional excellence, and global trends.
Observer
19 hours ago
- Observer
ADNOC Drilling enters Oman market in $112m deal
Muscat : In a strategic move set to reshape Oman's upstream oilfield services landscape, ADNOC Drilling has acquired a 70% stake in SLB's land drilling rigs business in the Sultanate, marking the UAE-based firm's first operational entry into the Omani market. The deal involves the transfer of six fully operational land rigs in Oman, all under contract with national operators, including Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). The acquisition is part of a wider $112 million agreement between ADNOC Drilling and SLB (formerly Schlumberger), and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. 'This acquisition provides ADNOC Drilling with an immediate footprint in Oman's high-growth drilling market, supported by long-term contracts and a stable operating environment,' the company said in a statement. The rigs are currently deployed in core oilfields that form part of Oman's energy backbone. ADNOC Drilling aims to scale up operations, introduce digital drilling optimisation tools, and enhance rig performance through AI-enabled platforms. The deal aligns with Oman's Vision 2040 goals to attract regional investment, boost in-country value (ICV), and enhance efficiency in hydrocarbon production. It also comes as the Ministry of Energy and Minerals accelerates upstream development, particularly in mature oil blocks requiring enhanced recovery and cost-effective drilling. Industry analysts say ADNOC Drilling's entry is a significant vote of confidence in Oman's upstream sector. With a majority of the assets located in Oman, the acquisition reaffirms the Sultanate's importance as a strategic energy partner in the Gulf. 'Beyond rig deployment, ADNOC Drilling's model includes integrated drilling services, digital workflows, and regional supply chain development—bringing advanced capabilities to Oman's oilfields,' said an energy analyst based in Muscat. The investment is expected to support Omani SMEs and contractors through subcontracting and local procurement. It could also generate new employment opportunities for Omani nationals in rig operations, logistics, and technical services.
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Times of Oman
Speaker of Arab Parliament congratulates Shaikha Al Nowais on her election as UNWTO Secretary General
Cairo: Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi, Speaker of the Arab Parliament, has congratulated Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais on her election as Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for the term 2026-2029. This historic achievement marks her as the first woman from the region to assume this position since UNWTO's founding in 1975, representing another milestone that reinforces the UAE's leadership position on the global tourism map. In a statement issued on Saturday, Al Yamahi praised this major accomplishment, which embodies the exceptional successes achieved by Emirati women both regionally and internationally. He attributed these successes to the unlimited support and insightful vision of the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who gives great attention to empowering women and creating a supportive environment for them to play a central role in the UAE's comprehensive development across all sectors. He added that this achievement is also a reflection of the tireless efforts of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), in supporting and empowering Emirati women across all fields of work and leadership, enabling them to reach the highest regional and international positions. Al Yamahi emphasised that the election of Shaikha Al Nowais to this high-level international position highlights the UAE's prestigious position in the field of global tourism and its international leadership in the sector. It adds to the nation's honourable track record in various global forums. He stated that this achievement is a source of pride not only for the UAE but for all Arabs. It strengthens the presence of Arab women in global decision-making positions and proves the capability of Emirati professionals to lead international organisations with competence and distinction.
