Dubai International airport has announced plans to introduce biometric technology and automated border control gates at terminal 3 departures.

Designed to streamline check-in and immigration control, the technology is being launched immediately and expected to be complete within the next 18 months.

Dubai airport’s biometric technology uses facial recognition integrated with the UAE digital wallet service so that travellers can register and store their biometric data in a number of ways, such as taking a selfie on their mobile phones, or by using biometric registration kiosks at check-in and at Emirates lounges.

In addition, smart immigration gates will be launched at T3 departures, joining the existing e-gates and manned immigration counters. The smart gates let passengers into the country using stored biometric data, speeding up the processing time as they will no longer have to show their passports.

The project is a result of the “Together” initiative, launched in May by Emirates and Dubai Customs, Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai Police and Dubai Airports, which aims to improve passenger experience at Dubai International airport.

emirates.com; dubaiairports.ae