Dubai’s three international gateways are bracing for one of their busiest periods in recent memory. In a statement released on 25 July 2026, Dubai Customs said it expects about three million travellers to pass through Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) during the first half of July alone. To keep queues moving the authority has rolled out 19 new high-speed baggage-screening systems and 77 smart detection units across all terminals, cutting manual-inspection scan times to as little as seven seconds. The technology upgrade sits at the heart of a wider “integrated operational plan” drawn up jointly with Dubai Airports, GDRFA-Dubai and airline station managers. The emphasis is on friction-free flow: electronic risk-profiling pushes most bags straight through, while officers focus on suspect consignments. Travellers are being nudged to use Smart Gates with biometric passports or Emirates ID, further reducing clerical checks at immigration. Dubai Customs is also introducing dedicated, climate-controlled inspection rooms for travellers flying with pets, a first for the region. Officials believe the facility will encourage more expatriates to relocate with companion animals and help Dubai maintain its edge as a pet-friendly hub for long-haul stopovers. For corporates the message is clear: the emirate is investing heavily to avoid the airport gridlock that plagued several rivals after the Iran conflict disrupted regional airspace earlier this year. Faster throughput means smaller buffer times between connecting flights and less productive time lost for business travellers. Trade lanes also benefit; a revised passenger guide now permits duty-free gifts worth up to AED 3,000, reducing paperwork for executives hand-carrying prototypes or promotional material. Travel-management firms advise clients to remind staff that prohibited items—from recreational drones to some pharmaceutical opioids—still trigger hefty fines despite the accelerated screening. Firms moving talent into Dubai this summer are equally urged to schedule pre-booked ‘Red Carpet’ immigration channels for C-suite assignees while availability lasts.
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)
