I was unaware of the Smart Gate until last night. I have e-Gate access tied to my UAE ID but as part of my residency renewal I had received the new residency visa but not a new ID card before a trip to Beirut. I therefore was queuing in the 'Residents and Visa on arrival' queues and then someone approached directing residents to the smart gates. The machines are somewhat similar to the biometric machines in the UK, you scan your passport, the gate opens, you step inside and are prompted to look into the camera. At this point the side gate opened up and I was directed to the counter. This was the case for all people using the two gates they had operational and we were told that now the details were recorded it would work automatically next time. Would be good if it do as it would negate me getting my renewal ID card registered for e-Gate access!