Sharjah Airport Authority has launched an awareness campaign introducing their Smart Gates to travelers. The campaign, which will run till the end of July, aims to provide travelers with the required information to register and use the Smart Gates and highlights the importance of this facility for passengers to save time and enjoy a new travel experience. The Smart Gates, which were installed in collaboration with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Sharjah, have been highly praised since they were first rolled out in October 2016.

The authority announced that over 850,000 passengers have passed through the 16 Smart Gates available at the departure and arrival terminals in Sharjah International Airport. Travelers can now get through passport control within 20 seconds, reflecting the pioneering services provided by the authority as part of its continuous efforts to contribute to the development of the aviation sector in the UAE.

The Smart Gates use a highly efficient, quick and accurate system that read and scan passport information, capturing biometric data using a high-accuracy camera and comparing the information given, with the passenger details saved in the system. Since they were initially introduced nine months ago, the Smart Gates have helped speed-up the procedures, cut waiting time and reduce congestion.

H.E Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, commented: “The Smart Gates have proven to reduce the passenger rush during peak hours, ensuring a smooth travel experience; passengers are now able to complete passport control within 20 seconds. This facility is part of the airport’s strategy which focuses on making travel easier for all passengers by providing the best internationally recognized services”.

The launch of the Smart Gates at Sharjah International Airport is part of a series of development projects carried out by the airport to address the increasing growth in the number of passengers which is a result of the growing tourist flow and business activities in the Emirate of Sharjah.