A technology company in Abu Dhabi is working to make passengers' airport experience fully contactless.
Next50 said the first phase of its Smart Path project was under way and would eventually result in passengers using biometric data, such as face scans, in place of boarding passes, passports and any other documents required to fly.
The project is being carried out in collaboration with a French identity-related security services company named Idemia, and Swiss aviation IT company Sita.
Next50 uses artificial intelligence and next-generation biometric technology that will initially be employed at various 'touchpoints' across the airport.
These include self-service baggage counters, electronic immigration gates and boarding gates.
The technology will eventually be used at all touchpoints, eliminating the need to exchange boarding passes and passports with staff.
Currently, biometric data is used at e-gates at Abu Dhabi airport but passengers must still present their passport.
“We are excited to be leading the biometrics project at the UAE capital’s state-of-the-art international airport as part of the emirate’s digital transformation vision,” said Next50 chief executive Ibrahim Al Mannaee.
“Once the project is fully realised, 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 be joining forces with Idemia and Sita, and offering our expertise in artificial intelligence and data sciences to make this initiative a reality.”
Once the project is completed, passengers will have a completely contactless “kerb to gate” journey through the airport, reducing wait times and shortening queues.
Initiatives such as these have been fast-tracked since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, which prompted companies to search for contactless alternatives to daily tasks.
“The airport of the future will be driven by technology that enables safe, seamless and easy travel every step of the way,” said Hani El Assaad, Sita's Middle East and Africa president.
“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.”
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
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TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
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Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
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Countries have been coming up with ways to restrict and monitor the use of non-commercial drones to keep them from trespassing on controlled areas such as airports.
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New measures have now been taken to monitor drone activity, Geo-fencing technology is one.
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The UAE has drawn serious measures to ensure users register their devices under strict new laws. Authorities have urged that users must obtain approval in advance before flying the drones, non registered drone use in Dubai will result in a fine of up to twenty thousand dirhams under a new resolution approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Mr Ahmad suggest that "Hefty fines running into hundreds of thousands of dollars need to compensate for the cost of airport disruption and flight diversions to lengthy jail spells, confiscation of travel rights and use of drones for a lengthy period" must be enforced in order to reduce airport intrusion.
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Rating: 3/5
