since 2008, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has provided 139,000 passports with a 24/7 airport renewal service.

since 2008, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has provided 139,000 passports with a 24/7 airport renewal service.

In a significant leap towards enhancing travel convenience and security, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has launched an AI-powered immigration corridor at Dubai International Airport. This state-of-the-art system allows passport-free and document-free passenger clearance, revolutionising the immigration process for travellers.

The innovative corridor uses advanced facial recognition and biometric data to verify the identity of passengers within seconds, eliminating the need for passport presentation. Capable of processing up to 10 passengers simultaneously, this AI-driven system significantly reduces wait times and congestion, offering a smoother travel experience.

This initiative forms part of Dubai's broader "Travel Without Borders" strategy, aiming to create a seamless, faster, and more secure travel experience. The system employs pre-arrival data matching to verify passengers in real-time, automatically flagging any irregularities for specialist review, thereby enhancing security while maintaining speed and convenience.

Currently, this AI-powered service is available exclusively for First and Business Class passengers at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport. However, plans are underway to expand the service to all passengers in the near future. Moreover, Dubai has introduced an AI-driven digital platform to facilitate quicker visa renewals, complementing the airport's technological advancements in travel document management.

In a separate development, UAE citizens gained the ability to renew their passports up to a year before expiry, starting August 18, 2025. This change further streamlines the passport renewal process nationally.

The GDRFA's passport renewal service at Dubai International Airport, launched in 2008, provides instant passport service to travellers in urgent situations, such as when a citizen discovers their passport has expired just before travelling. The service is accessible through various channels, including the Airport Services Center, and operates daily, 24 hours a day, using advanced technological systems and mechanisms.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the GDRFA in Dubai, stated that the passport renewal service delivers seamless service to citizens. Dubai Residency teams are fully prepared to handle incoming passenger traffic, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience for all.

The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has positioned Dubai as a global leader in providing innovative government services. This latest development in the passport renewal and immigration processing service at Dubai International Airport underscores Dubai's commitment to becoming a global leader in smart, AI-driven travel infrastructure.

1. The AI-driven passport renewal service in Dubai International Airport, first launched in 2008, provides a seamless, instant solution for urgent situations, demonstrating Dubai's continuous focus on technology in government services.
2. As part of the broader "Travel Without Borders" strategy, Dubai is planning to extend the AI-powered immigration corridor service to all passengers, aiming to provide a faster, more secure, and convenient travel experience for everyone.
3. In conjunction with the AI advancements in travel document management, UAE citizens can now renew their passports a year before expiry, reflecting Dubai's smart, AI-driven approach to enhancing health (passport validity) and facilitating travel.

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