Dubai Airports Launch ‘Click and Travel’ System
Dubai: Dubai has launched a new system to complete immigration procedures without having to queue at smart gates or passport counters. The ‘Click and Travel’ mobile immigration service, which allows immigration officers to come to passengers during busy hours and emergencies, has been officially launched at Dubai airports. The world’s first innovative project was officially announced by Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), at a press conference held at the international airport’s Terminal 3.
Usually, passengers go to immigration counters and smart gates. However, with the advent of ‘Click and Travel’, instead of passengers going to seek services, passport control officers will approach passengers with pocket-sized mobile devices.
Secure mobile devices linked to the GDRFA centralized database have been deployed for this purpose. This system will be able to complete the entry-exit process within 12 to 15 seconds by verifying the passenger’s information and identity using state-of-the-art biometric technology.
This will be of great help in avoiding congestion at the counters during times of sudden increase in passenger flow at airports. Instead of waiting for officials at designated centers, the travel procedures can be expedited by directly sending officials to the places where more people are stuck.
This will enable airport teams to effectively cope with operational pressure and significantly reduce the waiting time of passengers. This mobile system also facilitates the rapid redeployment of officials and technical resources in emergency situations.
The project, which was launched on a pilot basis last May, has successfully completed 31,373 transactions till August 31. The GDRFA stated that this achievement proves that the project is 100% effective in the actual operational conditions of the airport. The service is currently available to everyone, including UAE citizens, residents and visitors, who are traveling. However, the initial phase includes UAE citizens and residents among passengers arriving in Dubai. The service will be extended to more passengers in the future, depending on operational needs.
Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Head of GDRFA, said that we are redefining the passenger experience by putting people at the center of the development process and utilizing cutting-edge technologies. Instead of passengers coming to search for services, services come to them. The Lt. Gen. stated that this will help further strengthen Dubai’s global leadership and digital advancement. Maj. Gen. Talal Ahmed Al Shanqeeti, Assistant Director General for Airports at GDRFA Dubai, stated that this project will enable us to respond quickly to operational situations, reduce pressure on waiting areas and ensure high security standards.
GDRFA Assistant Director General for Digital Services, Colonel Expert Khalid bin Midiya Al Falasi, also pointed out that it is more than just a mobile device, but a comprehensive digital integration system.
