Latest news with #DXB
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Travel, transformed: How the UAE Is leading smart and AI-powered travel
In a country that's synonymous with futuristic skylines and hyper-connected infrastructure, it's no surprise that the UAE is redefining what it means to travel. From the moment a trip is planned to the final post-travel review, artificial intelligence (AI), biometrics, and automation are increasingly at the heart of the experience. Airports are becoming smarter, travel planning is more personalised than ever, and reliability is being re-engineered by the minute. A New Era of Intelligent Travel Dubai International Airport (DXB) is leading the charge when it comes to next-gen travel experiences powered by AI. As the world's busiest international hub, the pressure to deliver smooth, secure, and swift passenger journeys is immense and technology is rising to the occasion. 'AI is revolutionising the UAE travel journey from start to finish,' says Omar Bin Adai, Chief Technology and Infrastructure Officer of Dubai Airports. 'At DXB, biometric smart gates offer seamless passport control with facial verification, eliminating manual checks. Our new 'Unlimited Smart Travel' takes this further, enabling up to 10 guests to complete immigration in just 14 seconds using facial recognition alone.' Beyond passenger flow, AI is working hard behind the scenes. According to Adai, predictive maintenance and AI-driven baggage systems are ensuring near-perfect operations. 'In Q1 2025 alone, DXB processed over 21 million bags with a 99.8% accuracy rate and one of the world's lowest mishandling rates – 1.95 per 1,000 passengers.' These numbers aren't just impressive—they represent a growing commitment to using data and intelligence to deliver exceptional guest experiences. 'This strategic integration of AI across every touchpoint exemplifies how the UAE is setting a global standard for intelligent, customer-centric travel infrastructure,' Adai adds. While airports are getting smarter, so too is the way travellers plan their trips. Platforms powered by generative AI such as ChatGPT and Gemini are transforming the discovery phase of travel, giving users the ability to explore destinations, craft itineraries, and make informed decisions faster than ever before. 'We're seeing strong uptake of AI-powered tools that support travellers, particularly during the research and planning phases of a trip,' says John Bevan, CEO of dnata Travel Group. 'Platforms like ChatGPT have made travel information more accessible, helping users generate ideas and structure itineraries in seconds.' Still, the technology has room to grow. 'These platforms can struggle with the complex logistics of a full travel journey – managing bookings across multiple suppliers, handling real-time availability, and dynamic pricing. But the potential is enormous, especially in hyper-personalisation,' Bevan notes. At dnata, the focus is on using AI to augment human expertise, not replace it. 'We're excited about this future. We're integrating AI not just for efficiency, but to amplify the knowledge of our travel consultants – making it faster and smarter to deliver relevant, high-quality advice at scale.' Technology is reshaping customer service like never before. Mobile apps, chatbots, and virtual assistants have become vital touchpoints, offering travellers personalised, real-time support that transforms uncertainty into confidence. Bin Adai highlights the profound impact: 'In today's travel landscape, the real game-changer has been placing instant, personalised support directly into passengers' hands. Mobile apps and virtual assistants, particularly intuitive tools like DXB's wayfinding app, have reshaped how travellers interact with airports.' Among these innovations is DXB Express Maps, a dedicated app for Dubai International Airport that provides travellers with interactive 3D maps and a user-friendly interface to easily find gates, dining options, and other facilities. 'Instead of uncertainty, travellers now effortlessly navigate complex terminals, access timely flight information, and manage their journeys seamlessly,' Bin Adai adds. Complementing this is Pocket Flights, an app that gives instant access to real-time flight updates by simply scanning a QR code on flight status screens. Available in both English and Arabic across DXB and DWC airports, it delivers comprehensive information including gate changes, walking distances, wait times, and departure details — all at travellers' fingertips. The Airport Community App, affectionately dubbed the 'mini-AOCC in your pocket,' supports over 59,000 users across 170+ entities in the oneDXB community. It merges user-driven features with operational tools designed to enhance guest experience and streamline airport efficiency. 'This initiative strengthens internal communication and positions the app as an essential daily platform for the entire airport community,' Bin Adai explains. Looking ahead, AI-driven recommendation engines are set to raise the bar even higher. 'These systems are increasingly sophisticated, anticipating traveller preferences with precision and offering tailored, trusted suggestions,' says Bin Adai. 'Ultimately, it's about empowering the traveller with technology that feels human and intuitive, ensuring they always feel supported, understood, and confident at every step.' Bevan echoes this sentiment but underscores the balance between speed and reliability: 'Customer service today is increasingly being defined by immediacy and availability, especially in the travel sector where support is expected instantaneously – whether a person is booking a flight at midnight or making last-minute changes during a layover.' While dnata is exploring consumer-facing chatbots as part of its future roadmap, its current AI investments focus on backend operations. 'We're already using AI to support training and quality assurance, including automated call listening capabilities that help us monitor service levels, identify pain points, and continuously improve our customer experience,' Bevan explains. He adds that AI is also automating time-consuming manual processes, freeing teams to engage in higher-value interactions. 'As we continue evaluating advanced communications technologies, accuracy and reliability remain key considerations. It's not just about speed – it's about ensuring the tools can provide relevant, context-aware support.' Smart Journeys Ahead No longer content with just convenience and punctuality, today's traveller expects more — more control, more personalisation, and a more immersive experience from the moment a trip is imagined to the moment it ends. According to Bin Adai, the shift is unmistakable. 'Travellers in the UAE are increasingly expecting journeys that are not just seamless, but also smart, personalised, and immersive,' he says. 'There's a clear shift from traditional travel touchpoints to tech-enabled experiences that feel intuitive and engaging.' This evolution is powered by technologies like facial recognition for smoother immigration, AI-generated travel suggestions, and mobile-first tools that allow real-time support and bookings at the swipe of a screen. Airports like DXB have already embraced wayfinding apps and digital integration to deliver convenience with minimal friction. But the transformation doesn't end at the airport gates. 'Travellers want digital convenience from planning to post-travel feedback,' Bin Adai notes. 'Mobile-first platforms, immersive booking tools, and real-time support are no longer luxuries; they're the baseline.' This growing appetite for tech-forward travel solutions is not without its caveats. While AI and automation are streamlining the experience, the demand for human-centric service remains strong. 'Technology is elevating convenience and efficiency, but the human touch remains essential,' he adds. 'Dubai Airports continues to prioritise hospitality and in-person support, ensuring that travellers receive empathetic, culturally attuned service alongside advanced digital solutions.' While echoing the sentiment, Bevan highlights an important distinction: modern travellers aren't only looking for fast and easy experiences, they're looking for assurance and options. 'Travellers in the UAE today expect more than just convenience – they want control, flexibility, and confidence throughout their journey,' he explains. 'What we're seeing is a shift toward multi-channel and tech-enabled planning, where people want the freedom to engage with travel brands on their own terms — whether that's online, in-store, through an app, or over the phone.' For providers like dnata, that means maintaining consistency across all platforms and understanding that one solution won't fit all. 'Different age groups and lifestyles require different touchpoints, and it's our responsibility to meet those needs with consistency, safety, and reliability,' says Bevan. 'That means offering a seamless, secure experience whether a customer is booking through a chatbot at midnight or sitting down with an agent in one of our retail shops.' He also underscores a key concern in this new era of digital interaction: trust. 'As travellers share more information to receive personalised recommendations, they also expect us to handle that data with the highest levels of security,' Bevan notes. 'Ultimately, it's about building confidence, combining immersive and tech-integrated tools with the trust and assurance people need to feel good about their travel choices.' What's Next? Over the next five to ten years, the country is poised to lead a radical shift toward intelligent, hyper-connected travel experiences that prioritise both ease and personalisation. 'Over the next decade, the UAE is poised to lead a global shift toward smarter, fully connected travel,' says Bin Adai. 'Biometric and contactless journeys will soon become the norm, enabling passengers to move through airports without ever presenting a document.' This vision is being woven into the very blueprint of the UAE's next aviation mega-project — the expansion of Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC). 'The new airport will set a new benchmark for efficiency, capacity, and traveller-centric design,' Bin Adai adds. From personalised service delivery and proactive customer support to predictive maintenance and operational efficiency, AI will touch every corner of the travel experience. 'Our new digital experience project will cater to the latest AI technologies, helping elevate guest services to an entirely new level,' says Bin Adai. Looking further ahead, he sees the seamless integration of autonomous air taxis, high-speed ground transit, and eco-conscious infrastructure as part of a broader mobility ecosystem cementing the UAE's place as a global hub for future-ready travel. Bevan shares a similarly bold outlook. 'Looking ahead, we see technologies like AI-generated itineraries, biometric-enabled travel, and predictive pricing engines becoming standard across the UAE's travel landscape,' he says. 'These tools are already beginning to take shape and in a region as digitally advanced and globally connected as the UAE, adoption will only accelerate.'
Arabian Business
02-08-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai Duty Free smashes all-time July sales record by nearly 6%
Dubai Duty Free (DDF) broke its all-time sales record in the month of July by nearly six per cent after posting sales of AED638.8 million (US$174 million). Its year-to-date sales of AED4.734 billion (US$1.29 billion) are up 5.86 per cent on the same period last year. The increase is notable given that passenger growth for the same period was less than 3 per cent. Dubai Airports said last month that passenger traffic at DXB, the world's busiest international aviation hub, served 46 million people across 222,000 flights through to the end of June, an increase of 2.3 per cent, despite the disruptions in the region. Dubai Duty Free on a high The previous record for July was AED602.8 million (US$164.1 million) set in 2023. DDF's sales are 9.7 per cent higher than July 2024 sales of AED582.26 million (US$158.6 million). This places July 2025 in ninth place amongst the Top 10 months in Dubai Duty Free's history. The company has achieved sales records in five out of seven months so far this year. Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, commented: 'We are delighted to report another strong sales month in what is already proving to be an exceptional year. 'This outstanding performance reflects the resilience of our retail operation and the continued demand for world-class shopping experiences. Achieving nearly 10 per cent sales growth in a month when we estimate passenger traffic remained relatively flat, is a testament to our team and product offering.' Sweet success Confectionery sales grew an incredible 57 per cent from July last year, and it made it to the Top five categories of DDF. Sales of watches increased 18.4 per cent and Precious Jewellery grew 16.8 per cent, but they still could not make it to the Top five categories, which was occupied by Perfumes, Liquor, Gold, Tobacco and Confectionery. Perfume sales rose by 10.3 per cent over the same month last year, Liquor sales rose by 1.7 per cent, while Tobacco saw a 2.2 per cent increase. Gold sales rose by 15.5 per cent. DDF said July's sales surge was fuelled in part by a growing appetite for iconic luxury brands. The company's CA and CB Fashion Boutiques, home to some of the world's most sought-after luxury labels, grew 11.36 per cent. Flagship brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Cartier were standout performers, reflecting sustained demand for high-end fashion and accessories at DXB. Cidambi added: 'Given the recent media reports outlining the difficulties facing global luxury brands, we are happy to buck that trend in our luxury Boutiques, where we are seeing continued demand for select brands.' Lure of Rolex DDF's pre-loved luxury boutique, REKLAIM, launched in December 2024, continued to grow. Located in Concourses A, including in the Emirates First Class Lounge, Concourse B and D, REKLAIM offers a curated selection of authenticated pre-owned watches and handbags from top-tier luxury brands. In just over seven months, REKLAIM has generated more than AED14.3 million (US$3.9 million) in sales of which AED1.6 million (US$440,000) was generated in July alone. Rolex was the stand-out performer, with a total of 176 sold since the launch of REKLAIM, with 16 sold in July alone.
Khaleej Times
31-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Airport confessions with Paul Griffiths — What not to do at DXB
In this episode, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, reveals what it takes to run DXB, one of the world's busiest hubs. He discusses the challenges, innovations like AI and biometrics, and how Dubai is redefining global aviation with a focus on people over infrastructure.
Time Out Dubai
31-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
The future of DXB: All operations to move to Al Maktoum by 2032
Every single service at the world's busiest international airport will eventually move to Al Maktoum, according to the Dubai Airports CEO. And the latest target states that Dubai Airports bosses plan to move all operations from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as DWC, by 2032. As DXB continues to break its own record passenger numbers, the capacity of the airport can only stretch to a maximum of about 110-115 million per year – even with the many technological advancements introduced in recent years. In contrast, DWC will eventually have the capacity for 260 million passengers annually once it has been completed. While all operations are expected to move to DWV by 2032, the full megaproject is unlikely to be completed until the 2050s. Dubai Airports is encouraging airlines to make a phased migration from DXB to DWC, with airlines taking up slots at DWC when DXB isn't available. What happens to DXB once operations move to Al Maktoum? A render of plans for Al Maktoum International Airport (Credit: Dubai Media Office) Speaking at Arabian Travel Market earlier in 2025, CEO Paul Griffiths was asked about plans for DXB once all operations move to Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as DWC. Although the move is still some time in the future, Griffiths stated that there would be 'little sense' in having two airports the size of Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport operating at the same time when they're both so close to each other. If you like this: Al Maktoum International Airport to have underground train system In addition, he also discussed that the assets at Dubai International Airport would require renovation by the time the move to Al Maktoum is made, so keeping DXB open would be tricky unless they invested huge sums of money. Dubai news: New images from the architects behind Al Maktoum International Airport show what we can expect when it is built (Credit: Coop Himmelb(l)au) Griffiths said: 'The current thinking is that when DXB gets to a point where we've got enough capacity created at DWC (Al Maktoum International Airport) to make the complete transition that we will move every single service from DXB to DWC, there's little sense in operating two major airport hubs in such close proximity, within 70 kilometers of each other. 'The other point to remember is that by then, if we've done our sums of calculations right, every single asset at DXB will be close to the end of its useful operating life. 'So the economics of keeping DXB open will not really be possible to do unless we invest a huge amount of money.' (Credit: DXB) Although it was mentioned that multiple Dubai developers 'would love to get their hands on that site', an official redevelopment plan for the DXB site has not been confirmed. However, Griffiths added that moving the airport to the Dubai South area could have a great impact on traffic around the city. He added: 'If you think about it, that's where the growth of Dubai will be, because we're right up against the Sharjah border in the north. 'So it will spread the city out and actually make it perhaps a little easier than the traffic problems that we've got today. So that's the future.' Dubai nostalgia 8 pictures of what Global Village used to look like from the 90s car park to today The history of Dubai's favourite family day out 19 pictures showing what DXB Airport used to look like From 200 passengers a day to Emirates launch 20 pictures that show how much Dubai has changed from the 1950s to today. Take a look at these unrecognisable photos of the city
Mid East Info
30-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
DXB marks busiest H1 with 46m guests despite regional headwinds - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai International DXB welcomed 46 million guests in the first six months of 2025, marking its busiest first half on record. The 2.3% year-on-year growth underscores DXB's resilience, the continued strength of Dubai's aviation sector and the airport's ability to maintain high performance despite temporary regional airspace disruptions in May and June. This achievement reinforces DXB's vital role in connecting Dubai to the world and supporting the city's broader economic progress. In the second quarter alone, DXB served 22.5 million guests, an increase of 3.1% over the same period last year. April emerged as the busiest month of the quarter and the most active April on record, with 8 million guests passing through the terminals. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: 'DXB's continued growth through a period of regional challenges highlights the strength of Dubai and the UAE, the agility of our operations, and the commitment of our airport community. The oneDXB mindset once again enabled us to manage disruption while elevating the guest experience and ensuring seamless global connectivity. As we enter the second half of the year, travel activity is expected to accelerate, beginning with the late-summer peak and leading into a winter season filled with high-profile events across entertainment, sport, and business. A standout moment will be the Dubai Airshow 2025, which is set to surpass previous records and showcase the bold vision shaping the future of aviation and aerospace. Based on our performance to date and a positive outlook, we expect the annual traffic to reach 96 million this year, bringing us closer to the symbolic 100 million milestone.' Performance and Efficiency: Average monthly traffic in H1 stood at approximately 7.7 million, with daily volumes averaging 254,000. January was the busiest month of the period and also set a new monthly record, with 8.5 million guests. DXB handled 222,000 total flights during the first half of the year, while the load factor reached 76%. A total of 41.8 million bags were processed, with 91% delivered within 45 minutes on arrival. The mishandled baggage rate remained low at just 2 bags per 1,000 guests, significantly outperforming the 2024 industry average of 6.3 reported by SITA. The airport is on track to process over 85 million bags by year-end, surpassing its previous record of 81.2 million set in 2024. The busiest baggage days were between January 3-5, with daily volumes reaching 300,000 bags. Efficiency at key guest touchpoints also remained consistently high. In the first half, 99.2% of guests cleared departure passport control in under 10 minutes, 98.4% cleared arrivals in under 15 minutes, and 98.7% passed through security checks in under 5 minutes. * Top Markets and Destinations: India remained DXB's largest country market in H1 with 5.9 million guests, followed by Saudi Arabia with 3.6 million, the United Kingdom with 3.0 million, Pakistan with 2.1 million, and the United States with 1.6 million guests. London was the busiest city destination with 1.8 million guests, followed by Riyadh with 1.5 million, Mumbai with 1.2 million, Jeddah and New Delhi with 1.1 million each, and Istanbul with 982,000 guests. Cargo and Connectivity: DXB handled just over 1 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2025, reflecting a marginal increase of 0.1% compared to the previous year. The airport remains a key contributor to global trade and logistics. Currently, DXB is connected to more than 269 destinations in over 107 countries, served by a network of over 92 international carriers. This breadth of connectivity continues to underpin Dubai's appeal as a hub for tourism, commerce, investment, and long-term growth. Outlook: With the second half underway, Dubai is preparing for a surge in global travel and events, with DXB playing a central role. From the late-summer travel rush related to reopening of schools, to a packed winter calendar, activity is set to intensify. The upcoming Dubai Airshow 2025 is expected to be a landmark event, reflecting not only the scale of aviation in the region but also the vision shaping its future.
