• Close to six million passengers have passed through the smart gates at Dubai International Airport during the first seven months of this year. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
    Close to six million passengers have passed through the smart gates at Dubai International Airport during the first seven months of this year. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The use of smart gates has drastically cut waiting times at the busiest airport in the world.
    The use of smart gates has drastically cut waiting times at the busiest airport in the world.
  • There are 122 smart gates located throughout the airport.
    There are 122 smart gates located throughout the airport.
  • The airport recorded a 50 per cent increase in people using smart gates this year.
    The airport recorded a 50 per cent increase in people using smart gates this year.
  • A passenger passes through a smart gate at Dubai International Airport.
    A passenger passes through a smart gate at Dubai International Airport.
  • Last year, GDRFA-Dubai launched the fast-track biometric passenger journey at all 122 smart gates, which uses face and iris recognition technology.
    Last year, GDRFA-Dubai launched the fast-track biometric passenger journey at all 122 smart gates, which uses face and iris recognition technology.
  • Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the department also introduced the ‘Smart Tunnel’ that allows passengers to clear Passport Control within a few seconds.
    Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the department also introduced the ‘Smart Tunnel’ that allows passengers to clear Passport Control within a few seconds.
  • The airport is expecting 125,000 travellers per day during the busy summer season.
    The airport is expecting 125,000 travellers per day during the busy summer season.
  • Passengers wait at passport control.
    Passengers wait at passport control.
  • Passengers at Terminal 3 in Dubai International Airport.
    Passengers at Terminal 3 in Dubai International Airport.

Dubai International Airport expects 2.1 million passengers during half-term school break


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About 2.1 million passengers are expected to pass through Dubai International Airport during the half-term school holidays, between October 21 and October 30.

Schools in the UAE are currently on their mid-term break but those in the UK and many in Europe will have their holidays next week.

Dubai Airports issued an advisory alerting travellers of the rush, as passenger numbers are rising rapidly towards pre-Covid-19 levels.

With pandemic restrictions lifted in many parts of the world, families are opting to travel again.

The total average daily traffic at the Dubai airport is expected to reach 215,000 passengers.

October 30 will be the busiest day, with daily traffic set to exceed 259,000 passengers.

Dubai Airports said it was working closely with airlines, control authorities and commercial and service partners to ensure a smooth airport experience for arriving and departing passengers.

Passengers were advised to be aware of the latest travel regulations for their destination and to have all necessary documents before reaching the airport.

Those travelling with families with children aged over 12 were advised to use the smart gates to speed up the passport control process.

Passengers flying out of Terminal 1 have been encouraged to arrive at the airport three hours before departure.

Those flying out from Terminal 3 can use Emirates’ early and self-service check-in.

Racecard

6pm: The Pointe - Conditions (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,400m

6.35pm: Palm West Beach - Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (T) 1,800m

7.10pm: The View at the Palm - Handicap (TB) Dh85,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

7.45pm: Nakeel Graduate Stakes - Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m

8.20pm: Club Vista Mare - Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,900m

8.55pm: The Palm Fountain - Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,200m

9.30pm: The Palm Tower - Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,600m

Squad for first two ODIs

Kohli (c), Rohit, Dhawan, Rayudu, Pandey, Dhoni (wk), Pant, Jadeja, Chahal, Kuldeep, Khaleel, Shami, Thakur, Rahul.

How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE

When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.

Updated: October 21, 2022, 7:35 AM