Dubai International (DXB), Dubai World Central (DWC) operator Dubai Airports and Dubai Police General Department of Dubai Security have signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airports Council International (ACI) to become part of their joint initiative on smart security.

The smart security programme will focus on better utilisation of technology, process innovation, and risk-based security concepts to bring specific improvements in security effectiveness, operational efficiency and passenger experience at airport security checkpoints.

“It is imperative that we look to new technologies and processes to significantly reduce wait times and avoid queuing wherever possible.”

Dubai Airports Security vice-president Buti Qurwash said: “We manage the world’s busiest international airport with more than 90 million passengers passing through our facilities annually.

“To achieve our vision of being the best in customer experience, as well as to provide the capacity to accommodate ongoing and future growth, it is imperative that we look to new technologies and processes to significantly reduce wait times and avoid queuing wherever possible.”

Along with airlines, control authorities, regulators and solution providers, the MoU will pave the way for Dubai Airports to benefit from the knowledge and lessons learned through trials and research activities at other participating airports.

IATA Africa and the Middle East regional vice-president Muhammad Ali Albakri said that the deployment of new smart security solutions such as advanced screening equipment, lane automation and centralised image processing will improve the passenger experience.

The efficiency of the security process will also be improved and airports in Dubai will have a security solution that can be adapted to meet the expected growth in passenger traffic over the next 20 years.

The programme is expected to make security checkpoints more efficient, making the entire travel process more enjoyable for travellers.