Over 9 million passengers clear Dubai airport immigration in six months via Smart Gates; clearance time drops to 3.4 seconds

Dubai's AI-powered Smart Travel ecosystem processed more than 9.4 million passengers during the first half of 2026, with over 9 million travellers completing immigration through Smart Gates, according to the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai).

The authority said a total of 9,464,057 passengers used its digital travel services between January and June. Of these, 9,024,736 travellers cleared immigration through Smart Gates, while 439,321 used the AI-powered Travel Without Borders - Red Carpet service.

AI cuts immigration clearance time

The Red Carpet service allows eligible arriving and departing passengers to complete immigration procedures without presenting travel documents or interacting with immigration officers.


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Powered by artificial intelligence and biometric recognition technology, the system has reduced average immigration clearance time from 12.5 seconds to 3.4 seconds. It can process up to 10 travellers simultaneously while eliminating paper documents and physical touchpoints.

Smart Gates handle majority of passengers

Smart Gates remained the primary immigration channel at Dubai airports during the six-month period. Using biometric verification, the gates enable eligible passengers to complete immigration formalities within seconds without manual checks.

According to GDRFA Dubai, the system has improved airport capacity, operational efficiency, security and passenger flow.

Travellers advised to pre-register

The authority has advised eligible travellers to complete Smart Gate pre-registration before arriving at Dubai airports. Passengers can verify their eligibility through the Smart Gate Registration Inquiry service on the GDRFA Dubai website, allowing them to use biometric verification for faster immigration clearance.

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Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, said the Smart Travel ecosystem reflects the UAE's focus on using artificial intelligence and innovation to improve government services and strengthen Dubai's position as a global hub for travel, business and investment.

Major General Talal Ahmed Al Shanqiti, Assistant Director General for the Airports Affairs Sector, said the integration of Smart Gates with the Red Carpet service demonstrates the continued expansion of Dubai's intelligent airport ecosystem while maintaining high security standards.

GDRFA Dubai said the Smart Travel ecosystem also supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by enhancing seamless mobility and strengthening the emirate's position as a global destination for business, tourism and living.