Dubai airports have rolled out a mobile passport control service that enables border officers to clear travelers in roughly 12 seconds using portable, biometric-enabled devices.
According to a report by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), published via TV BRICS, the system was developed by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai). Rather than requiring passengers to line up at fixed immigration counters, officers can now bring passport checks directly to travelers across high-traffic areas during peak hours and unexpected rushes.
For outbound flights, the mobile service is open to all passengers, including international tourists, residents, and citizens. For arriving flights, the option is currently limited to UAE citizens and residents, though officials plan to expand access to international visitors in the future.
The official launch follows a trial period running from May through August 2026, during which border staff successfully completed more than 31,000 passenger transactions. Looking ahead, authorities intend to expand the handheld devices' capabilities to assist travelers with additional airport services beyond entry and exit clearance.