e-Gate fast tracks immigration offering greater traveler convenience in Dubai, says DNRD official

"The e-Gate project has significantly accelerated passport control procedures at Dubai International Airport, introducing a much-needed comfort factor for regular travelers," said Lieutenant Colonel Khalid Lootah, Head of IT at Dubai Naturalisation & Residency Department (DNRD).

Delivering the keynote address on "Fast Track Immigration - the Dubai International Airport e-Gate" recently at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) IT Forum, Lieutenant Colonel Lootah said: "In these times of increasing airport traffic and stringent security requirements, Dubai International Airport has succeeded in reducing the time at passport control down to approximately five seconds, due to the novel concept of e-Gate, developed by the IT department of DNRD. Dubai International Airport is the first airport in the region and the third in the world to adopt such a hi-tech passenger clearance system."

e-Gate is open to pre-registered users through an e-Card, issued by DNRD. The system is fail-safe because it uses the fingerprint scan for identification and instant information retrieval. Within seconds, the computer confirms the record and provides or denies access of the user. Travelers can register for the e-Card at counters set up at the Dubai International Airport and the DNATA office on Sheikh Zayed Road.

"The e-Gate project is an ideal example of the Dubai rulers' vision to leverage technology for easing the lives of people," said Lieutenant Colonel Lootah. "Technology has provided the answers to the frustration of long queues at airports. As a department committed to simplifying procedures, DNRD took up this challenging project to introduce an innovation at Dubai International Airport. The in-house IT department developed the system using state-of-the-art technology, demonstrating the capabilities of young UAE nationals, in creating world-class solutions for complex problems."

"We are pleased to report that the number of registered users of e-Gate are ever increasing. The system has not only accelerated the movement of passengers but also helped detect and prevent fraudsters from leaving the country," said Lieutenant Colonel Lootah. "The success of e-Gate has prompted us to introduce enhanced innovations to the system to make it accessible to people who are unable to provide a fingerprint scan."