Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) aimed at transforming border control across the emirate’s airport network. The agreement, announced 24 November and confirmed on 25 November, will deploy ICP’s Smart Travel platform—facial and iris recognition corridors that let passengers clear immigration in as little as seven seconds.
Smart gates will interface directly with airline departure-control systems and customs screening, supporting ADAC’s “gate-to-kerb in 12 minutes” vision for the newly re-branded Zayed International Airport and four regional airfields. Passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi’s airports has grown at double-digit rates for 17 consecutive quarters, intensifying pressure on legacy counters.
![Abu Dhabi Airports and ICP ink ‘Smart Travel’ deal to roll out one-ID biometrics at five airports]()
For corporate travellers the upside is faster minimum-connection times, reduced missed-flight risk and a smoother experience for frequent-flyer staff shuttling between Gulf capitals. The biometric programme aligns with IATA’s One-ID standard, meaning travellers who pre-enrol once can reuse their profile across participating airlines and airports. Mobility managers should add ICP registration to relocation checklists and brief employees on data-privacy implications.
Border-security stakeholders say the MoU also strengthens data-sharing protocols between immigration, customs and police—enhancing risk assessment without adding manual inspection layers. Implementation will proceed in phases through 2026, starting with international departures at Zayed International and expanding to arrivals and transit e-gates by mid-year.
Smart gates will interface directly with airline departure-control systems and customs screening, supporting ADAC’s “gate-to-kerb in 12 minutes” vision for the newly re-branded Zayed International Airport and four regional airfields. Passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi’s airports has grown at double-digit rates for 17 consecutive quarters, intensifying pressure on legacy counters.
For corporate travellers the upside is faster minimum-connection times, reduced missed-flight risk and a smoother experience for frequent-flyer staff shuttling between Gulf capitals. The biometric programme aligns with IATA’s One-ID standard, meaning travellers who pre-enrol once can reuse their profile across participating airlines and airports. Mobility managers should add ICP registration to relocation checklists and brief employees on data-privacy implications.
Border-security stakeholders say the MoU also strengthens data-sharing protocols between immigration, customs and police—enhancing risk assessment without adding manual inspection layers. Implementation will proceed in phases through 2026, starting with international departures at Zayed International and expanding to arrivals and transit e-gates by mid-year.
