Selim Bouri, President for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) at SITA, has announced that UAE airports, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have set new global standards in innovation, efficiency, and passenger experience.

He reported the UAE’s strong commitment to digitalisation and the use of advanced technologies. This comes as airports face the growing challenge of managing increasing passenger volumes.

In a statement to Emirates News Agency (WAM), Bouri revealed that SITA is working closely with UAE airports. The goal is to understand their unique needs and deliver tailored technology solutions.

One key initiative is the Smart Travel system at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. This integrated platform uses biometric identity processing to streamline passenger journeys.

According to Bouri, the system reduces congestion and waiting times. It also improves the airport’s ability to handle more international flights.

Zayed International Airport saw significant growth in flight traffic in 2024. As a result, adopting digital solutions became essential.

Since the launch of its new terminal in November 2023, over one million passengers have been processed using facial recognition. Each traveller now has a unique digital identity, enabling a seamless journey from check-in to departure. This includes border control in under 12 minutes.

Bouri said the success of the Smart Travel system in Abu Dhabi could lead to its adoption at other airports across the UAE.

He also revealed that UAE airports will soon expand biometric processing at checkpoints. This will support a fully contactless passenger experience.

He highlighted that self-service technologies will become a key focus in the coming years:

• Self-check-in kiosks
• Automated baggage drop
• Smart boarding gates

These innovations aim to reduce congestion and simplify travel processes.

Bouri noted that cybersecurity remains a top priority in UAE’s digital airport strategy. He stressed that smart solutions will enhance safety, reduce delays, and improve overall efficiency.

He predicted that the next decade will see a rise in next-generation communication technologies in airports. This includes creating a highly integrated smart airport ecosystem.

He also discussed the benefits of 5G, enabling seamless device-to-device communication. This enhances ground connectivity for passengers, systems, and operations.

Looking ahead, Bouri mentioned support for future technologies such as sixth-generation networks and advanced wireless internet services.

He reported that airports, airlines, and governments across the Middle East are investing heavily in technology. Their goal is to boost passenger experience and improve operational efficiency.

Technologies like biometric systems and e-gates are now backed by strategic initiatives and major funding.

Bouri emphasized the growing importance of artificial intelligence and big data in flight management. These tools help reduce delays and improve decision-making.

He added that airports and partners generate large volumes of data. However, not all of it is fully used. He expects that over the next decade, future-ready airports will increasingly rely on:

• Predictive analytics
• Big data platforms
• Advanced operational tools

He clarified that AI and robotics do not replace humans. Instead, they support smart collaboration between people and technology.

Finally, Bouri announced that AI in aviation will expand to more sectors. It will enhance flight scheduling, automate baggage handling, support operations centres, and improve fuel efficiency.

AI will also strengthen airport security by improving threat detection and providing multilingual assistance.

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