UAE airports are redefining the future of air travel with groundbreaking digital transformations, according to Selim Bouri, President for the Middle East and Africa at SITA.
Bouri praised airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for setting new global benchmarks in innovation, efficiency, and passenger experience.
Bouri highlighted the UAE’s commitment to smart airport solutions amid rising international passenger volumes. He pointed to the successful rollout of the Smart Travel system at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport—a fully integrated biometric platform that processes passengers from check-in to departure in under 12 minutes.
Since the launch of its new terminal in November 2023, the airport has processed over one million travellers using facial recognition, significantly reducing congestion and wait times. The technology not only enhances capacity but also creates a seamless, contactless journey.
SITA continues to collaborate closely with UAE airports, offering tailored digital solutions to meet operational needs. Bouri noted that the Smart Travel model in Abu Dhabi will likely be adopted across other airports in the country.
Looking ahead, UAE airports plan to expand biometric processing at all checkpoints, introducing self-check-in kiosks, smart boarding gates, and automated baggage services. Cybersecurity remains central to these developments.
Bouri also outlined the growing role of 5G and upcoming sixth-generation networks in enabling efficient, real-time communication between airport systems and devices. He added that artificial intelligence and big data will be key to improving flight management, security, and operational performance.
“The next decade will be defined by smart, data-driven ecosystems,”
Bouri said, adding that UAE airports are well-positioned to lead the global shift toward intelligent, tech-integrated travel experiences.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
