Business

Dubai processed 25.8 million travellers in first eight months of 2026

More than 9.3 million passengers used smart gates, while over 745,000 travellers completed procedures through the 'Red Carpet' service.

By Saeed Al-Washahi Published: 2026-09-08T17:53:00+04:00 1 min read
According to the directorate, 9.382 million travellers used smart gates, reflecting the growing adoption of smart services that have helped reduce travel procedures and waiting times to just a few seconds. Picture used for illustrative purpose.
According to the directorate, 9.382 million travellers used smart gates, reflecting the growing adoption of smart services that have helped reduce travel procedures and waiting times to just a few seconds. Picture used for illustrative purpose.

Dubai: The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) announced that it completed travel procedures for 25,849,432 passengers through Dubai International Airport during the first eight months of 2026.

According to the directorate, 9.382 million travellers used smart gates, reflecting the growing adoption of smart services that have helped reduce travel procedures and waiting times to just a few seconds.

The data also showed that 745,188 travellers used the "Red Carpet" service, which enables identity verification while passengers move through the airport without having to stop or present travel documents, providing a faster and smoother travel experience.

His Excellency Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, said the figures reflect the ongoing transformation of Dubai's air gateways towards greater reliance on smart solutions.

He added that GDRFA Dubai continues to develop its technologies and services to deliver a more efficient and convenient travel experience that keeps pace with the continuous growth in passenger numbers.