Visitors coming to Dubai now can zip through immigration in a matter of records due to the huge improvement of the city’s Smart Gate system. The new upgraded Smart Gates, as informed by Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), have processed immigration up to 10 times faster, shortening waiting time and improving passenger experience overall.
The upgrade is part of Dubai’s broader strategy to merge cutting-edge technology with public service. “We aim to empower communities through knowledge and innovation,” said Al Marri, emphasizing that the initiative aligns with the UAE’s vision for a smarter, more connected future.
Smart Gates employ biometric information and facial recognition through artificial intelligence to confirm identities, enabling qualified passengers to finish passport clearance in less than 10 seconds without ever speaking to immigration officers. The service is already being offered to UAE nationals, residents, and selected foreign visitors.
Dubai Airports and GDRFA are also set to roll out the service to a larger segment of travelers in the next few months, representing a major milestone in establishing Dubai as a world leader in streamlined travel.