Smart Gate update
 

There has been a little bit of discussion of Smart Gate here... this is not the same as 'e-gate', which is at the left hand side of the main immigration hall and functions with an RFID card (the Skywards gold card among them, subject to eligibility restrictions and a sign-up procedure).

Smart Gate is located at the right hand side of the hall and works on the same principle as the RFID-passport systems common in the EU.

There is an audio recording on ICE at the moment of an interview with a Dubai immigration chief who explains the new system.

Key points, from my hazy memory:
-System jointly funded by Airport Authority, EK and possibly DNRD?
-Target processing time is 15 seconds per passenger
-Will be made fully operational over the next 12-18 months in three phases. Phase 1 = UAE passports, Phase 2 = GCC, Phase 3 = Visa waiver countries.

I very much hope Phase 3 is reached as soon as possible!

I listened to this ICE interview and I was wondering if it was in use for many passengers yet.

Does anybody already tried that service ?

Thanks for the update father_ted. I haven't tried it but was told to try it next time by the immigration officer last time I came through the egate barriers.

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!