It took me about 6 minutes to get my gold card activated for e-gate in DXB. I went to the egates in the arrival level but was informed by the man sitting there that I would have to exit and go to departures.

I did that and, apart from the very long walk, had no trouble in getting my card activated. When I asked about the fees, the guy told me that it is complimentary.

On the whole it was a straightforward transaction and all the people I encountered were polite and efficient.

I am not a resident in UAE and I hold a passport from a visa waiver country.