Latest news with #SITA
Gulf Business
18 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Inside airports in UAE: Facial recognition check-ins, 12-minute departures
Image credit: WAM/Website Airports in the UAE, particularly those in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have established new global benchmarks in innovation, efficiency and passenger experience. This was confirmed by Selim Bouri, President for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) at SITA, a global leader in air transport IT and communications. 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, a WAM report said. Smart Travel system at Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport 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. Read- 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 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 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. Role of AI, big date in flight management 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.
Hi Dubai
20 hours ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
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. Bouri praised airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for setting new global benchmarks in innovation, efficiency, and passenger experience. Bouri highlighted the UAE's commitment to smart airport solutions amid rising international passenger volumes. He pointed to the successful rollout of the Smart Travel system at Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport—a fully integrated biometric platform that processes passengers from check-in to departure in under 12 minutes. Since the launch of its new terminal in November 2023, the airport has processed over one million travellers using facial recognition, significantly reducing congestion and wait times. The technology not only enhances capacity but also creates a seamless, contactless journey. SITA continues to collaborate closely with UAE airports, offering tailored digital solutions to meet operational needs. Bouri noted that the Smart Travel model in Abu Dhabi will likely be adopted across other airports in the country. Looking ahead, UAE airports plan to expand biometric processing at all checkpoints, introducing self-check-in kiosks, smart boarding gates, and automated baggage services. Cybersecurity remains central to these developments. Bouri also outlined the growing role of 5G and upcoming sixth-generation networks in enabling efficient, real-time communication between airport systems and devices. He added that artificial intelligence and big data will be key to improving flight management, security, and operational performance. 'The next decade will be defined by smart, data-driven ecosystems,' Bouri said, adding that UAE airports are well-positioned to lead the global shift toward intelligent, tech-integrated travel experiences. News Source: Emirates News Agency
TECHx
3 days ago
- Business
- TECHx
UAE Airports Set New Global Standards with AI Integration
Home » Latest news » UAE Airports Set New Global Standards with AI Integration Selim Bouri, President for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) at SITA, has announced that UAE airports, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have set new global standards in innovation, efficiency, and passenger experience. He reported the UAE's strong commitment to digitalisation and the use of advanced technologies. This comes as airports face the growing challenge of managing increasing passenger volumes. In a statement to Emirates News Agency (WAM), Bouri revealed that SITA is working closely with UAE airports. The goal is to understand their unique needs and deliver tailored technology solutions. One key initiative is the Smart Travel system at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. This integrated platform uses biometric identity processing to streamline passenger journeys. According to Bouri, the system reduces congestion and waiting times. It also improves the airport's ability to handle more international flights. Zayed International Airport saw significant growth in flight traffic in 2024. As a result, adopting digital solutions became essential. Since the launch of its new terminal in November 2023, over one million passengers have been processed using facial recognition. Each traveller now has a unique digital identity, enabling a seamless journey from check-in to departure. This includes border control in under 12 minutes. Bouri said the success of the Smart Travel system in Abu Dhabi could lead to its adoption at other airports across the UAE. He also revealed that UAE airports will soon expand biometric processing at checkpoints. This will support a fully contactless passenger experience. He highlighted that self-service technologies will become a key focus in the coming years: Self-check-in kiosks Automated baggage drop Smart boarding gates These innovations aim to reduce congestion and simplify travel processes. Bouri noted that cybersecurity remains a top priority in UAE's digital airport strategy. He stressed that smart solutions will enhance safety, reduce delays, and improve overall efficiency. He predicted that the next decade will see a rise in next-generation communication technologies in airports. This includes creating a highly integrated smart airport ecosystem. He also discussed the benefits of 5G, enabling seamless device-to-device communication. This enhances ground connectivity for passengers, systems, and operations. Looking ahead, Bouri mentioned support for future technologies such as sixth-generation networks and advanced wireless internet services. He reported that airports, airlines, and governments across the Middle East are investing heavily in technology. Their goal is to boost passenger experience and improve operational efficiency. Technologies like biometric systems and e-gates are now backed by strategic initiatives and major funding. Bouri emphasized the growing importance of artificial intelligence and big data in flight management. These tools help reduce delays and improve decision-making. He added that airports and partners generate large volumes of data. However, not all of it is fully used. He expects that over the next decade, future-ready airports will increasingly rely on: Predictive analytics Big data platforms Advanced operational tools He clarified that AI and robotics do not replace humans. Instead, they support smart collaboration between people and technology. Finally, Bouri announced that AI in aviation will expand to more sectors. It will enhance flight scheduling, automate baggage handling, support operations centres, and improve fuel efficiency. AI will also strengthen airport security by improving threat detection and providing multilingual assistance.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
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.
Arabian Business
3 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
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
