Dubai Airports is developing a “red carpet” travel experience for passengers at Al Maktoum International Airport, where they will no longer need passports, check-in desks, or queues. A senior official shared the update during the Dubai Airshow 2025.
Ismail Polat, senior vice president for development at Dubai Airports, said the new system will allow passengers to walk through immigration without presenting passports. Sensors will verify traveller identities seamlessly.
Dubai has already tested the concept at Dubai International (DXB) with a smart “Red Carpet” corridor that clears immigration in six seconds. Passengers simply walk along the carpet while hidden sensors scan their faces. Seven government agencies are connected to the system to ensure full security checks.
All operations from DXB will shift to Al Maktoum International (DWC) in the early 2030s. The new Dh. 128-billion terminal will handle 260 million passengers annually and fully replace DXB.
Polat said the goal is a frictionless, queue-free journey powered by AI and strong coordination with government agencies. He noted that predictive AI already identifies passengers who may need assistance within a 50-minute window.
He added that the new airport will focus on personalisation. Processes will be designed around each traveller’s needs, rather than forcing passengers into a standard system.
