With the implementation of the AI-based Red Carpet Smart Tunnel in Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport, passengers no longer need to present their documents or use manual check-in points for their border immigration clearance. The innovation is the brainchild of a collaboration between the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and Dubai Airports and has been serving more than 800,000 passengers since its debut.
he sophisticated biometric technology enables eligible travellers to move freely through the special lane as fast camera systems conduct real-time authentication of identities. The average time taken by an individual traveler is just 3.4 seconds, while that of groups of up to ten persons varies from 6 to 14 seconds.
The system completely eliminates physical contact points, passport scanning, and manual stamping, creating a fully digital border clearance process.
Originally introduced in 2025 within Terminal 3’s business class departures, the service underwent strategic expansions to serve broader passenger demographics. GDRFA extended the technology to arriving UAE nationals in October 2025, followed by UAE residents in March 2026. The corridor is currently accessible to both citizens and residents across all travel classes, supported by newly upgraded biometric cameras integrated into first and business-class departure lounges.
To utilise the service, travellers must complete a one-time biometric profile registration. Passengers can register by uploading a selfie via the official Emirates mobile app prior to departure or by undergoing standard photo capture during their initial manual entry at immigration arrivals desks. Once registered, passengers traverse the smart tunnel without showing physical documentation.
The initiative supports the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, strengthening the emirate’s position as a global technology hub and smart city leader. The project recently gained international acclaim, winning the Distinguished Innovation by Public Sector award at the Global Distinguished Innovator Awards. Immigration authorities are currently evaluating a second expansion phase to integrate additional biometric smart corridors across ongoing Terminal 3 infrastructure developments.
