The Abu Dhabi airport launches a biometric service in the UAE that requires no passports or tickets. Through the introduction of cutting-edge AI into travel, the airport will emerge as the first international airport with such technological capabilities at all customer touchpoints.
The launch of this biometric initiative at the Abu Dhabi International Airport marks the first phase of the employment of AI solutions for various passenger touchpoints including boarding passes, boarding gates, and more. An Abu Dhabi-based tech company, NEXT50, will provide its cutting-edge AI solutions in congruence with global artificial intelligence and technology solutions partners IDEMIA and SITA employed at self-service baggage checkpoints, boarding gates, and immigration e-gates in particular before such AI spreads across all customer checkpoints at the airport.
“Abu Dhabi Airports is trialing advanced biometric technology to create a seamless, touchless traveler verification system, further enhancing the passenger journey @AUH and highlighting the emirate’s transition to a future-focused innovation economy,” the Abu Dhabi media office posted in a tweet.
Ibrahim Al Mannaee
Ibrahim Al Mannaee is the CEO of NEXT50 and here is what he had to say about what such biometric technology holds for the future of airport experiences:
“Once the project is fully realized, the airport will be the only airport in the region with biometric solutions implemented across all customer touchpoints, contributing to Abu Dhabi Airport’s vision to become the operator of the most technology-driven airport in the world, providing a seamless journey to all its passengers. We are proud to join forces with IDEMIA and SITA and offer our expertise in artificial intelligence and data sciences to make this initiative a reality.”
The project’s aim is to offer a more convenient, simplified, contactless, and hygienic experience for travelers from ‘curb to gate.’ It also allows for more efficiency as passengers waste less time in long lines and queues.
Eng Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri
Eng Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri is the MD (Managing Director) and CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Abu Dhabi airports who said:
“The phase one deployment of advanced biometrics at Abu Dhabi International Airport further cements our commitment to shaping the future of airport experiences by delivering innovation and technology that drives efficiency, convenience, and service excellence. Upon final completion of the project, Abu Dhabi will be home to the world’s first airport to include every touch point in the biometric journey, providing travelers with a seamless, safe and secure passenger experience.”
The new systems will use advanced biometric cameras to verify passenger details along passenger touchpoints in the airport including passport controls, business class lounges, boarding gates, and self-service baggage drops.
Hani El Assaad
Hani El Assad is the CEO of president Middle East and Africa, SITA, expressed his views on high-tech biometrics and its impact on future airport protocols:
“The airport of the future will be driven by technology that enables safe, seamless, and easy travel every step of the way. This latest deployment showcases the power of Smart Path to deliver a fluid journey where a passenger’s face becomes their boarding pass, from check-in to boarding.”
Osama Al Makharmeh
Osama Al Makharmeh is the executive director of IDEMIA and commented:
“This partnership harnesses contactless biometric technology that gives users an unrivalled airport experience without letting up one jot on security. This bears out our capacity to constantly innovate to safeguard passenger trust and help pave the way for even smoother and more secure future travel.”
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