Dubai: Dubai Police secured the journeys of 95.2 million passengers and more than 86.75 million pieces of baggage through Dubai airports in 2025, as the force continues to expand artificial intelligence, smart technologies and advanced security solutions to keep pace with the rapid growth in air travel.

Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, said the continued development of Dubai airports’ security ecosystem is a key priority, supporting passenger growth while enhancing the travel experience and reinforcing Dubai’s global position as a model for security, service quality and operational efficiency.

Annual Inspection

Lt. General Al Marri made the remarks during his annual inspection of the General Department of Airport Security, accompanied by Major General Hareb Mohammad Al Shamsi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Affairs; Major General Marwan Julfar, Assistant Commandant for Ports Affairs; Expert Brigadier Hamed Al Hashimi, Director of the General Department of Airport Security; Brigadier Hamad bin Dilan, Deputy Director; Brigadier Dr Ibrahim bin Sabaa, Deputy Director of the General Department of Excellence and Pioneering; Brigadier Ahmad Al Muhairi, Director of the Control and Inspection Department; Lieutenant Colonel Dr Abdulrazzaq Abdulrahim, Head of the Inspection Section; and several senior officers.

At the start of the inspection, Lt. General Al Marri reviewed the department’s key strategic and operational performance indicators.

95.2 Million Passengers

The General Department of Airport Security successfully secured 95.2 million passengers through Dubai airports during 2025, reflecting both the continued growth in passenger traffic and the scale of the security operations required to maintain smooth movement at high levels of safety and efficiency.

Al Marri stressed the importance of keeping pace with this growth by continuously developing security operations, strengthening readiness, and investing in technology and human capabilities.

He said these efforts are essential to maintaining the highest levels of security and safety while providing passengers with a seamless and exceptional travel experience.

86.75 Million Bags Secured

Dubai Police also secured more than 86.75 million pieces of baggage during 2025 through an integrated security and operational system combining precise procedures with modern technologies.

The figures demonstrate the scale of responsibility handled by airport security teams and their ability to process millions of bags annually while balancing speed, accuracy and compliance with the highest recognised national and international security standards.

AI Powered Airport Security

During the inspection, Al Marri viewed a presentation on advanced security systems used throughout the passenger journey, from entering the airport through the various stages of travel until departure.

He reviewed AI enabled systems supporting passenger screening, the detection and handling of unattended baggage, and the analysis of camera feeds and visual data, alongside other smart solutions designed to enhance monitoring, analysis and rapid response capabilities.

Al Marri called for the wider adoption of AI across security operations to increase efficiency, accelerate procedures and support decision making. He said these technologies strengthen proactive policing and help Dubai keep pace with future developments in aviation security.

Nine Development Projects

Al Marri also reviewed nine development projects being undertaken by the General Department of Airport Security to enhance the passenger journey and streamline procedures from airport entry through departure.

The projects aim to improve operational efficiency, reduce processing times, and deliver greater convenience and smoother passenger movement by integrating smart technologies and innovative solutions throughout the travel journey.

 Al Marri stressed that passengers must remain at the centre of service development, with data and technology used to anticipate their needs and deliver faster, easier and more efficient services.

27 Improvement Opportunities Completed

The department also presented 27 identified improvement opportunities, all of which have been addressed, achieving a 100% completion rate.

The measures form part of a continuous improvement approach focused on identifying opportunities and transforming them into practical procedures and initiatives that enhance service quality and the passenger experience.

Al Marri said achieving high levels of passenger satisfaction is an ongoing responsibility, requiring continuous innovation, attention to customer feedback and the ability to anticipate future expectations.

100% Compliance for Seven Consecutive Years

The General Department of Airport Security achieved 100% compliance with national and international civil aviation security standards in internal and external audit reports for the seventh consecutive year.

Al Marri praised the achievement, saying it reflects the professionalism of airport security personnel, their commitment to the highest global standards, and their ability to maintain an advanced and sustainable security ecosystem.

He called for continued progress through the adoption of global best practices and the latest developments in aviation security to ensure Dubai airports remain prepared for future changes and challenges.

Investing in People

Dubai Police also continued investing in the capabilities of airport security personnel, with approximately 4,542 employees receiving training during 2025 through specialised programmes designed to develop skills, enhance readiness and improve the passenger experience.

The department recorded 96% internal employee happiness and a 100% employee motivation rate.

Al Marri said human talent remains a cornerstone of sustainable security excellence, stressing the importance of continuously training and empowering employees to use the latest technologies and tools required for the future of security operations.

Dubai as a Global Model

Al Marri said Dubai has established itself among the world’s leading cities in security, tourism, aviation and services, and maintaining that position requires an integrated approach capable of keeping pace with the emirate’s rapid growth.

“Dubai airports are among the emirate’s most important gateways to the world, and the experience passengers have from the moment they arrive at the airport is an essential part of the image Dubai presents as a global city built on security, efficiency, innovation and quality of life,” he said.

He added that the General Department of Airport Security’s role extends beyond security itself, making it a key partner in strengthening Dubai’s competitiveness and reinforcing the confidence of millions of passengers in its services.

Al Marri said Dubai’s global leadership in aviation and passenger traffic has been built through a clear vision and sustained investment in infrastructure, technology and human capabilities.

He affirmed that Dubai Police will continue developing its security ecosystem and adopting smart solutions and AI technologies to support the emirate’s future ambitions and deliver a global model combining the highest security standards with efficient procedures and an exceptional passenger experience.

He added that Dubai’s ambition extends beyond preserving existing achievements to setting new standards for excellence through continuous development, anticipation, innovation and close cooperation with partners.

Recognising Airport Security Teams

Al Marri praised personnel at the General Department of Airport Security for their role in securing one of Dubai’s most vital gateways.

He said the results reflect the teamwork, commitment and sense of responsibility demonstrated by employees across different specialisations, and urged them to build on these achievements and continue raising performance standards.

Field Tour

Concluding the inspection, Al Marri toured several airport facilities, including the operations room, where he reviewed mechanisms for monitoring and managing security operations and coordinating between teams and relevant entities.

He also reviewed procedures and initiatives designed to improve passenger flow and accelerate processes while maintaining the highest security requirements.

The tour included smart gates dedicated to employees, which use technology to manage entry and exit while enhancing security and operational efficiency, as part of the department’s broader drive to expand smart solutions and develop a future ready security ecosystem aligned with the global standing of Dubai airports.