Dubai recently launched a new fast-track passport control service that uses face and iris-recognition technologies. 

 

The new biometric systems deployed at 122 smart gates at arrival and departure terminals in Dubai airports enable passengers to complete passport control procedures between 5 and 9 seconds depending on the movement and steps of the passenger. 

 

This system contributed to enhancing travellers’ confidence in the emirate, as such precautionary measures in light of the pandemic formed a safety umbrella for them, said Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, General Directorate of Residency & Foreign Affairs - Dubai (GDRFA-D). 

 

He said the department was able to continue its work to translate the visions of the wise leadership in developing government services and their service channels in a way that contributes to enhancing the quality of life and achieving happiness for the customer.

 

In his welcome address at the Airport Security Forum at the Dubai Airport Show 2021, Gen Al Marri highlighted the UAE’s efforts in protecting and security of its ports and providing an exceptional experience for the travellers.

 

The UAE has provided a unique model to be emulated in various fields until it becomes the most wanted living, residency, and work destination, in addition to the list of competitive indicators including safety and security index. 

 

“Without the determination of the UAE’s wise leadership and its continuous endeavor to establish the country’s leadership in providing happiness and security for all, it would not have been possible. Today’s aviation sector today is considered one of the most critical sectors that achieved a quantum leap over the past years, as it is considered a major engine for economic growth in the world.

 

“The country’s efforts have contributed to harnessing all capabilities and introducing the best innovative technologies to ensure excellent services that enhance the passenger experience through its airports, which placed it at the forefront of international airports in international travellers.

 

“The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly affected aviation traffic globally. We are part of this world, but despite the complete halt of air traffic worldwide, the flights in the UAE were only for the evacuation and return of nationals of the UAE, Departure flights were conducted for citizens of other countries who were residents in the UAE who wish to leave to their homelands in coordination with

the competent authorities.”

 

The interest of the wise leadership, in the past and present period, is to develop the systems and programmes that operate for passports (airports) at Dubai airports in terms of ensuring that the systems are linked and facilitating entry and exit procedures according to high security standards, and strengthening the leadership of Dubai at the regional and international level to improve the level of services that make the customer experience smooth and fast.

 

Since the start of the pandemic, GDRFA Dubai has been keen to secure all its air, sea and land ports to limit the spread of the virus, and has joined forces with the UAE’s efforts to take all precautionary measures. “We made every effort to facilities and services for the safety of employees and travellers at all Dubai international airports, and to preserve the health of its employees and the safety of its passengers,” he added.

 

Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management has set security and safety requirements that all airports in the UAE and its strategic partners work to ensure the safety of everyone.

 

The requirements include obtaining a negative (PCR) test result before arriving at Dubai Airport (72 hours) issued by one accredited laboratory.  Commitment to wearing masks throughout the stay at airports, and do another test upon arrival at the airport.

 

The UAE in general and Dubai in particular are on the verge of receiving the most important event, the Expo 2020 Dubai, which was postponed last year due to the pandemic. 

 

“Today we assure everyone that Dubai is fully prepared and ready to receive visitors to the Expo in October this year, according to preventive measures that guarantee their safety. We at the GRDFA Dubai are working to provide all facilities for issuing visas and residency stamping for international participants and exhibitors in Expo 2020 Dubai and giving everything that contributes to the success of this event in cooperation with all concerned parties.”

 

Dubai passport control officials are considered the impregnable fortress for all ports of the emirate of Dubai, and we have many trained employees who are able to detect any forged documents or passport, enhance the reputation of the UAE and spread the concepts of tolerance and good reception. 

 

“We assure everyone that we are fully prepared to receive and facilitate procedures for travelers arriving at Dubai airport,” he added.