UAE’s Summer Break Ending: Airports Gearing Up for Busy Return. As the two-month summer break in the UAE nears its end, airports are gearing up to receive thousands of returning residents. Expect heightened activity at airports, especially Dubai International (DXB), the world’s largest airport.
DXB is preparing to welcome 3.3 million travelers in the next 13 days alone.
For families, passengers aged 12 and above can utilize smart gates to expedite passport control. Younger travelers, aged 4 to 12, can independently stamp their passports using dedicated passport control counters.
Passengers opting for smart gates experience quick immigration clearance, with 9 million travelers having used this system in the first half of the year. These gates make up 36% of DXB’s passenger traffic.
DXB boasts 120 smart gates that use facial recognition, obviating the need for document scanning. Registered passengers can pass through by simply facing the green light atop the gate’s cameras.
Eligibility: UAE and GCC citizens, residents, visa-on-arrival recipients, and pre-issued visa holders can use smart gates. Eligible users should be registered and taller than 1.2 meters.
Check Eligibility: Dubai Airports indicates most recent DXB arrivals are likely registered for smart gate use. Additionally, the GDRFA website offers a feature to verify eligibility.