Dubai unveils ultra-fast 12-second immigration system

DUBAI: Dubai has launched a new high-speed biometric immigration system aimed at making airport border procedures faster and reducing waiting times for travellers.

The new service, called “Click and Travel,” uses facial recognition, electronic passport technology and automated security checks to verify passengers’ identities.

Authorities say the system can complete the immigration process in as little as 12 seconds, potentially making it one of the fastest automated entry procedures available at the airport.

The technology was tested during a pilot phase from May to August. More than 31,000 passengers used the system during the trial period, allowing authorities to assess its performance before the official launch.

According to Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), a total of 31,373 passengers were processed during the pilot programme.

Under the new system, eligible travellers do not need to rely on the traditional immigration counter for every stage of the process. Their faces can be scanned through biometric technology, while electronic passports are read automatically.

The system then carries out automated checks to confirm the traveller’s identity and complete the immigration process.

Authorities are introducing the service across different terminals at Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.

The system is available to a broad range of travellers, including UAE citizens and residents, Gulf Cooperation Council nationals and international visitors.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, director general of GDRFA Dubai, announced the launch during a briefing at Dubai International Airport.

Officials said the new technology is designed to improve the passenger experience while maintaining effective immigration and border controls.

The introduction of automated processing is also expected to help reduce congestion during busy travel periods. By allowing eligible passengers to complete identity verification electronically, authorities aim to move travellers through immigration more efficiently.

The launch is part of Dubai’s wider push towards digital services and the use of advanced technology at its airports.