The Airport Show 2026, taking place from October 12–14 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will showcase the latest biometric and passenger-centric innovations.

The event will feature more than 150 exhibitors from over 30 countries, alongside conferences including the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF), Airport Security Middle East, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) Forum, and the Women in Aviation (WIA) Middle East Conference.

The Middle East aviation region, a key global connector between Africa, Europe and Asia and home to leading international hubs, is accelerating the adoption of advanced biometric technologies to streamline airport operations, as passenger numbers are projected to reach 240 million in 2026.

Airports across the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt are investing heavily in digital identity systems aimed at reducing document checks, shortening queues and improving passenger facilitation, while strengthening security.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), replacing manual checks with biometric identity confirmation can reduce processing times by up to 40 percent, significantly boosting efficiency at high-traffic hubs.

Dubai International (DXB), the world’s busiest airport for international travellers since 2014, has introduced an AI-powered “Red Carpet” Smart Tunnel capable of processing more than 10 passengers at a time, reflecting the region’s shift toward automated passenger movement.

The UAE aviation sector continues to expand despite regional challenges, with the Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA) development progressing on schedule for 2032 operations.

The multi-billion-dollar project has achieved major milestones, including runway works and terminal foundations, with AED13 billion ($3.5 billion) in contracts under execution and over AED55 billion planned for future phases.

Highlighting progress, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the project remains on track for 2032 operations, underscoring the strategic importance of the development for Dubai’s long-term aviation growth.

Within the sector, digital transformation remains a top priority.

Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Dubai Airports, remarked: “Dubai Airports is focused on delivering consistent, measurable improvements in how guests move through our terminals. Through continued investment in biometric and digital solutions, we are strengthening the efficiency of our operations while handling sustained growth.” He added: “We remain committed to driving efficiency across every touchpoint through technology, collaboration, and operational discipline.”

In Abu Dhabi, Zayed International Airport has implemented facial recognition across five of nine passenger touchpoints, while the UAE plans full integration of Emirates ID with Smart Gates by 2026.

Airlines, including Emirates and Etihad Airways, are expanding biometric systems across check-in, lounges and boarding, with Emirates operating more than 200 biometric boarding cameras across DXB.

May Ismail, Event Manager at RX Middle East, said: “Biometric technology is undoubtedly transforming airport operations, offering heightened security and passenger convenience. For airport operators, biometrics are a strategic answer to effectively and satisfactorily handle ever-rising passenger volumes. Biometric technology is transforming the entire airport operations and offering heightened security and passenger convenience.”

She added: “The Middle East countries, including the Arabian Gulf hubs, are competing to attract more connecting traffic and working to ensure faster passenger facilitation. Airports are seeing new travel innovations like biometrics as an opportunity to grow and expand rather than an obstacle and hindrance. Airports are rapidly and enthusiastically adopting biometrics to create a seamless, secure, and touchless passenger experience.”

Industry forecasts highlight rapid growth, with the global biometric travel market expected to expand significantly by 2030.

Over 43 percent of airports already use biometric boarding systems, while adoption is expected to accelerate further, with three-quarters of airports projected to use biometrics across multiple touchpoints by 2027.

With over 67 percent of Middle East passengers already using biometrics—the highest globally—the region is positioning itself as a leader in seamless, technology-driven travel experiences. -TradeArabia News Service