Dubai event to showcase next-generation airport innovations amid growing investment in seamless passenger experiences
Dubai: The 25th edition of Airport Show 2026, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 12 to 14 October, will spotlight advanced biometric technologies and passenger-focused innovations as airports across the region accelerate digital transformation.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, the exhibition is expected to bring together more than 150 exhibitors from over 30 countries, alongside 120 hosted buyers and more than 7,000 visitors from around the world.
The event will feature a series of industry conferences, including the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF), Airport Security Middle East, Air Traffic Control (ATC) Forum, and the Women in Aviation (WIA) Middle East Conference.
Airport Show 2026 will connect aviation leaders, airport operators and technology providers to explore the latest innovations reshaping passenger journeys and airport operations across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. The event will also provide opportunities for suppliers to engage directly with decision-makers overseeing major airport expansion and modernisation projects.
Biometric technology takes centre stage
The Middle East, home to some of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, is increasingly investing in biometric technologies to create seamless passenger experiences. Passenger traffic across the region is expected to reach 240 million travellers by 2026, driving demand for faster and more efficient airport processes.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), replacing manual checks with biometric identity verification can reduce passenger processing times by up to 40%, helping airports boost operational efficiency while reducing queues and wait times.
UAE airports lead innovation
Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, has introduced its AI-powered “Red Carpet” smart tunnel, which can process more than 10 travellers simultaneously.
Meanwhile, work continues on the first phase of Al Maktoum International Airport, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2032. The next-generation airport will feature a highly integrated, AI-driven ecosystem focused on personalised services and smarter passenger-flow management.
Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, said: “Dubai Airports is focused on delivering consistent, measurable improvements in how guests move through our terminals. Through continued investment in biometric and digital solutions, we are strengthening operational efficiency while managing sustained growth.”
In Abu Dhabi, Zayed International Airport has already implemented facial-recognition biometric solutions at five stages of the passenger journey.
Regional push towards seamless travel
The UAE remains at the forefront of biometric adoption. Emirates was among the first airlines globally to introduce biometrics in 2017, deploying more than 200 biometric boarding cameras at Dubai International Airport as part of an AED85 million investment. Registered passengers can complete check-in, immigration, lounge access and boarding through facial recognition.
Etihad Airways is currently testing AI-powered facial identity verification for boarding and lounge access, while flydubai is integrating biometric features into check-in systems and self-service kiosks.
Three UAE airports are also linked to a smartphone application that enables eligible travellers to complete immigration procedures before departure through a one-time registration process.
Rapid market growth
The organisers noted that the global biometric technology market is expected to reach US$150.58 billion by 2030, while the airport biometrics services market is forecast to grow to US$276.56 billion by 2032.
According to travel technology company SITA, more than 43% of airports worldwide already use biometric-enabled boarding systems, while over half expect to deploy integrated digital identity management solutions within the next three years. By 2027, around 75% of airports are expected to use biometrics across key touchpoints including check-in, baggage drop, boarding and border control.
May Ismail, Event Manager at RX Middle East, said biometric technology is transforming airport operations by enhancing security, improving passenger convenience and enabling airports to manage rising traveller volumes more efficiently.
She added that airports across the Middle East increasingly view biometrics as a strategic opportunity to deliver a faster, more secure and fully touchless travel experience.
