Dubai's airports served a huge number of travelers and baggage in 2025. Dubai Police ensured the safety of 95.2 million passengers and over 86.75 million units of baggage by expanding the use of artificial intelligence and smart technologies in airport security.
These figures highlight the scale of operational security activities supporting Dubai's rapidly growing aviation sector. Furthermore, the police are focused on reducing processing times and improving the passenger experience.
During an annual inspection by the General Department of Airport Security, Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Head of Dubai Police, reviewed current developments. He noted that continuous investment in both technology and personnel is necessary to keep pace with the growth in passenger numbers while maintaining a high level of security.
During the inspection, Al Marri examined advanced security systems operating at all stages of the passenger journey—from entering the airport to departure. These include AI-based passenger screening systems, devices for detecting and handling unattended baggage, as well as video stream and visual data analysis technologies to enhance monitoring and accelerate response.
Al Marri called for broader implementation of AI across all security operations, stating that this technology can increase efficiency, speed up procedures, and support decision-making. These efforts are underway as airport security teams manage millions of passengers and baggage to ensure smooth movement through terminals.
According to Dubai Police, over 86.75 million units of baggage were secured during 2025 thanks to a system combining established security protocols with modern technologies.
Major General Al Marri also reviewed nine development projects aimed at optimizing the passenger process and integrating smart solutions from arrival to departure. He emphasized that passengers must remain central to service development, using data and technology to predict their needs and provide faster, more efficient services.
Parallel to technological development, Dubai Police continues to invest in staff responsible for airport security systems. In 2025, approximately 4,542 employees underwent specialized training focused on skill development, readiness enhancement, and improving the passenger experience. The department reported a 96% satisfaction rate among internal staff and a 100% staff motivation level.
Al Marri stated that human potential remains a key element of sustainable security excellence, stressing the need for continuous training and empowering staff to work with new technologies and tools. The department also reported that all 27 identified areas for improvement have been implemented, achieving a 100% completion rate.
These measures are part of ongoing efforts to transform passenger feedback and operational observations into practical improvements.
Another significant milestone noted during the inspection was the department's 100% compliance with national and international civil aviation safety standards for seven consecutive years, confirmed by internal and external audit reports. Al Marri noted that this result reflects the professionalism of airport security staff and their commitment to international norms, while calling for the continued adoption of best global practices and new aviation safety technologies.
For Dubai, the focus is not only on ensuring the safety of one of the world's busiest aviation hubs but also on the experience passengers have while passing through it. He stated: 'Dubai's airports are some of the emirate's most important gateways to the world, and the experience passengers have from the moment they arrive at the airport is an integral part of Dubai's image as a global city built on safety, efficiency, innovation, and quality of life.'
Al Marri added that Dubai's position in global aviation has been built on continuous investment in infrastructure, technology, and human capital. He concluded that Dubai Police will continue to develop its security ecosystem, including the use of AI and other smart solutions, as the emirate prepares for future passenger traffic growth. This approach, he said, aims to combine high safety standards with efficient procedures and an increasingly seamless passenger experience.