Dubai Airports is creating a “red carpet” travel experience at Al Maktoum International Airport, eliminating the need for passports, check-in desks, and queues. The new system, revealed at the Dubai Airshow 2025, will allow passengers to walk through immigration without presenting passports, with sensors verifying their identities seamlessly.
Ismail Polat, senior vice president for development at Dubai Airports, explained that the concept had already been tested at Dubai International (DXB) through a smart “Red Carpet” corridor that clears immigration in just six seconds. Passengers walk along the carpet, while hidden sensors scan their faces. The system is connected to seven government agencies to ensure comprehensive security checks.
As part of a larger plan, operations from DXB will shift to Al Maktoum International (DWC) in the early 2030s. The new Dh. 128-billion terminal is expected to handle 260 million passengers annually and will fully replace DXB. Polat emphasized that the airport’s focus will be on personalisation, designing processes around individual traveler needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
