Dubai’s ‘Red Carpet’ Clears Travellers in 3.4 Seconds

Dubai is continuing its push toward fully digital travel experiences with the expansion of its AI-powered “Red Carpet” smart airport service, which allows eligible passengers to clear immigration in just seconds without showing any travel documents.

Launched by General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai), the system uses biometric technology and artificial intelligence to identify travellers as they walk through designated smart corridors at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3.

Unlike traditional airport immigration procedures, passengers using the Red Carpet service do not need to stop at counters, present passports or scan boarding passes. Instead, advanced cameras and biometric systems automatically verify identities while travellers continue walking through the corridor.

According to GDRFA Dubai, the system can process up to 10 passengers simultaneously and has reduced airport crossing times by more than 60 per cent. Officials said eligible travellers can complete immigration procedures in as little as 3.4 seconds.

The service is currently available for selected travellers using Terminal 3 and has already been expanded to arrival halls for UAE nationals and residents over the past year.

Nearly 800,000 passengers have used the Red Carpet service since its launch, with adoption among eligible travellers reaching 83 per cent by the end of April 2026, according to officials.

The project forms part of Dubai’s wider efforts to build a seamless digital travel ecosystem powered by artificial intelligence and smart infrastructure.

Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, said the initiative is designed not only to speed up procedures but also to create a more comfortable and welcoming travel experience.

The Red Carpet project has also received international recognition, winning awards for innovation in government services and artificial intelligence-driven travel technology.

Officials said plans are now being studied to expand the service further by adding new smart corridors as part of future development at Dubai International Airport.

The initiative supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading destinations for business, tourism and innovation.