Majid Al Joker, the Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, stated in an interview that Dubai’s airports continue to solidify their global leadership by heavily investing in advanced technologies. This initiative aims to significantly enhance the travel experience by utilizing smart solutions and digital systems that improve operational efficiency, streamline mobility procedures, and ensure that passengers enjoy a smoother and higher quality experience at every stage of their journey. He emphasized that handling large passenger volumes necessitates operational excellence throughout all stages of travel.
Al Joker elaborated that the “Red Carpet” pathway serves as an advanced point for passport processing, allowing travelers to complete their procedures within seconds without any direct interaction with staff or the need to present identification documents. This is made possible through facial recognition and biometric technologies. He pointed out that the system has high operational capacity, enabling it to handle more than 10 passengers simultaneously, and it is currently implemented in Terminal 3 for first-class and business-class departing passengers.
He mentioned that this initiative began as an operational trial for incoming passengers at Terminal 3, and it will gradually be expanded to other facilities based on the results of ongoing tests, with initial indicators proving to be very positive. He added that the next phase will require further discussions and coordination, as well as an agreement on a clear timeline for implementing this experience across the entire airport.
According to Al Joker, Dubai Airport currently features over 120 smart gates, and approximately 44% of the total 95 million passengers used these gates, reflecting travelers’ trust and the efficiency of the adopted smart solutions. He confirmed that the smart gates have significantly enhanced the flow of passengers within the airport, as crossing procedures take no longer than 10 to 14 seconds, marking a transformative improvement in the speed and ease of the travel experience.
He also noted that the construction at Al Maktoum International Airport is progressing according to the approved schedule, with several major contracts awarded, including the construction of a second runway and enabling projects, alongside tenders for a range of significant projects in various development phases. Al Joker explained that the transfer of operations to Al Maktoum Airport will follow a well-planned strategy that ensures optimal fluidity and continuity without impacting passengers or partners.
He emphasized ongoing discussions to determine the best methods for implementing this transition in an optimal manner, balancing operational aspects with the needs of all stakeholders, and reiterated the commitment to executing this phase smoothly.
Al Joker highlighted that Dubai Airport serves as a global promotional platform for the emirate, given the high level of services provided and the quality of the experience offered to travelers, which creates a positive and bright image of the emirate on the international stage.
He affirmed that the aviation sector plays a crucial role in supporting Dubai’s economy, both directly and indirectly, significantly contributing to employment and stimulating related sectors. He added that our role is to facilitate passenger movement and provide a world-class travel experience, noting that around 95 million passengers traveled through Dubai Airport, with future plans aimed at maintaining the current growth trajectory and expectations of exceeding 100 million passengers in the coming year.