Dubai launches ‘Click and Travel’ to speed up airport checks

PASSENGERS at Dubai airports can now have entry and departure procedures completed wherever they are inside the terminal under “Click and Travel”, a new mobile service launched by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai).

Described as the world’s first mobile service of its kind, Click and Travel allows passport control officers to move to passengers rather than requiring travellers to go to fixed service points. The service is designed for use particularly during peak travel periods, emergencies and situations requiring a rapid operational response.

About 31,373 transactions were completed during the pilot phase between May and August 31, 2026, demonstrating the service’s ability to operate within Dubai’s busy airport environment.

The service uses mobile devices connected to GDRFA Dubai’s systems and databases, together with biometric verification technology. Passenger identity can be verified and the required transaction completed in approximately 12 to 15 seconds.

Service comes to the passenger

"Click and Travel " changes the traditional approach to airport procedures by allowing passport control officers to reach passengers at their location inside the terminal.

Officers can verify passenger information and identity and complete entry or departure procedures without relying on fixed service counters. This gives airport teams greater flexibility in managing passenger flows and deploying resources according to operational needs.

The service can be activated when required, particularly during periods of heavy passenger traffic or operational pressure. It is also intended to support airport teams in responding quickly to emergencies and other situations where greater flexibility is needed.

For departing passengers, the service is available to UAE citizens, residents and visitors.

For arriving passengers, the first phase covers UAE citizens and residents, with the service expected to be gradually expanded in line with approved plans and operational requirements.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, said Click and Travel reflects a shift from simply improving procedures to redesigning the passenger experience.

“We place people at the heart of the development process and harness advanced technologies to create an easier and more efficient travel experience,” he said.

“With Click and Travel, instead of passengers having to look for the service, the service comes to them, enabling passport control officers to complete their procedures at their location quickly, securely and flexibly.”

Al Marri said the completion of more than 31,000 transactions during the pilot phase demonstrated the service’s readiness to operate efficiently in the airport environment.

He added that the results would support further development and expansion of the service, strengthening Dubai’s position in shaping the future of travel.

Dubai International Airport’s new ‘Click and Travel’ service will complement, rather than replace, smart gates and the Red Carpet tunnel.

Major General Talal Al Shanqiti, Assistant Director General for Airports at GDRFA Dubai. said the mobile service can be deployed when queues are long with priority given to families, children and people of determination.

“It’s a new step towards the future of travel. We can use the device when there are long queues, and priority will be for families, children and people of determination,” he said.

The service is available to all passengers departing from Dubai. For arriving passengers, it is currently limited to Emiratis and UAE residents, with plans to extend it to other categories, including visitors on tourist visas.

“Usually, passengers go to the passport counters. With this new service, we are bringing the counter services to the passenger,” Al Shanqiti said.

The service allows officers to complete passport-control procedures using mobile devices, enabling passengers to avoid waiting at traditional counters. This is expected to speed up processing and provide greater flexibility, particularly during busy periods.

Al Shanqiti said the service provides airport teams with greater flexibility in managing passenger movement.

“The importance of Click and Travel lies in bringing the service to wherever the passenger is, enabling a faster response to operational movement, reducing waiting points and ensuring smoother passenger flows, while maintaining the highest levels of security and efficiency,” he said.

Digital integration

Colonel Expert Khalid Bin Mediya Al Falasi, Assistant Director General for Digital Services at GDRFA Dubai, said the service demonstrates how digital technology can be integrated directly into field operations.

He said its value extends beyond the mobile device itself, relying on an integrated digital ecosystem that allows passport control officers to securely access and verify passenger information and complete procedures at the passenger’s location.

The system has also been designed to allow further development and the expansion of services that can be delivered through mobile devices, he added.

More services planned

GDRFA Dubai plans to continue developing Click and Travel and explore expanding its use beyond entry and departure procedures to other services linked to the passenger journey.

Any expansion will be carried out according to approved operational and security requirements.

The initiative forms part of GDRFA Dubai’s wider efforts to develop its smart ports ecosystem, improve operational efficiency and use digital technologies to provide more proactive, flexible and passenger-focused services.

The authority said the approach supports Dubai’s competitiveness and its global reputation for delivering a smooth and convenient travel experience.

Passenger feedback

Passengers who used the service on Monday praised its speed, convenience and seamless processing.

Sunil Pereira, who was travelling to Mumbai, described the experience as smooth and efficient.

“It was seamless and incredibly fast. The entire process was handled smoothly. It’s a brilliant service,” Pereira said.

William, who was travelling on an Emirates flight to London Heathrow, said the biometric service made his airport journey quicker and more convenient.

“This was my first time using the new biometric check-in service, and the experience was seamless from start to finish,” he said.

“The airport and Emirates teams were highly professional and efficient. The process was quick and easy, particularly for Business and First Class passengers, allowing us to move through the airport smoothly while receiving excellent service throughout.”

Yulia, who used the service for the first time, said she was impressed by the experience.

“This was my first time using Click and Travel, and the experience was excellent,” she said.