Dubai is testing a new City Terminal service that could allow passengers to complete check-in, baggage handover, security screening and immigration before reaching Dubai International Airport (DXB). Led by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) under the Dubai 10X Initiative, the project reportedly reduced the passenger journey from around two hours to 45 minutes during its trial. However, a permanent launch date, participating airlines and city locations have not yet been confirmed.
Dubai’s City Terminal project aims to move key airport procedures into the city, helping departing passengers spend less time completing formalities at DXB. The trial supports Dubai’s wider efforts to improve airport efficiency and prepare for the future expansion of its aviation network.
- Location: Dubai, with procedures completed before reaching DXB
- Organisation: Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP)
- Status: Trial completed; regular passenger service not confirmed
- Who is affected: Potentially departing air travellers using Dubai airports
- Business impact: Could improve passenger processing and airport access
- What’s next: Further details on locations, airlines and a possible rollout are awaited
How does Dubai’s City Terminal service work?
The City Terminal concept allows passengers to complete several airport formalities at a designated location in Dubai before travelling to the airport. Instead of handling every step at DXB, travellers could finish these procedures in the city and arrive at the departure area ready for their flight.
According to the project details published by Dubai Media Office in January 2026, passengers would complete check-in at a city location and then travel directly to the airport departure halls in secure vehicles.
The reported trial also included baggage handover, security screening and immigration, including passport control. This means passengers could potentially avoid several queues at the airport itself.
However, the exact locations, operating arrangements and eligibility requirements have not been announced for a permanent service. Travellers should continue to follow their airline’s existing check-in and airport arrival instructions.
City Terminal trial reports a reduction in processing time
The trial’s reported results are the main reason the project is attracting attention.
According to the report published on October 14, the pilot reduced the passenger journey from approximately two hours to 45 minutes. The findings were presented by Abdullah Al Shamsi, Senior Manager of Future of Things at DAEP, during the 25th Airport Show at Dubai World Trade Centre.
The reported time saving could make a difference for passengers who regularly travel through DXB, particularly during busy travel periods. However, the 45-minute figure relates to the trial and should not be treated as a guaranteed airport arrival time for future users.
DAEP has not yet announced whether the concept will become a regular service, how much it might cost or whether all airlines would participate.
Which organisations are behind the City Terminal project?
Dubai approved the City Terminal project in January 2026 as part of the third phase of its Dubai 10X Initiative, which focuses on developing new approaches to government services.
The project is led by DAEP and involves several organisations working across aviation, security, immigration and telecommunications.
The confirmed project partners include:
- Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP)
- Dubai Airports
- Dubai Police
- Dubai Civil Aviation Authority
- General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA Dubai)
- Emirates
- e& Group
The collaboration is important because moving airport procedures outside the terminal requires coordination between different parts of the travel process. Check-in, baggage handling, immigration clearance and security checks must work together before passengers reach their departure gates.
The initiative also reflects Dubai’s wider approach to government innovation. The Dubai 10X Initiative, launched in 2017, encourages government entities to develop services and operating models that move beyond traditional processes.
How does the project connect to Al Maktoum International Airport?
The City Terminal project comes as Dubai prepares for a major expansion of its aviation infrastructure.
Dubai International Airport remains a major gateway for international travel, but the emirate is also developing Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central. According to the Dubai Government’s June 2026 update, the first phase of the airport development programme remains on course to commence operations in 2032.
The wider development plan includes new passenger terminals, runways, aircraft stands and transport connections. At full development, Al Maktoum International Airport is planned to handle more than 260 million passengers annually.
City Terminal represents a different part of this long-term planning. Rather than expanding airport facilities alone, it explores whether some passenger procedures can take place away from the main airport complex.
The concept could help Dubai rethink how travellers reach their flights as passenger demand and airport infrastructure continue to develop. However, no official announcement has confirmed that City Terminal will be rolled out specifically for the future airport or that its current trial arrangements will continue unchanged.
Why It Matters for Dubai residents and travellers
For UAE residents, the most immediate potential benefit is convenience. Completing check-in and other formalities before reaching DXB could reduce the time spent moving through airport procedures.
Business travellers may also benefit from a more streamlined departure process, while visitors could find it easier to plan their journeys if the service eventually becomes widely available.
There are practical questions to resolve before passengers can rely on the concept. These include where city terminals will operate, how luggage will be transported, which flights will qualify and how much time travellers must allow for the journey to the airport.
The next step is for the relevant authorities to clarify whether the pilot will lead to a permanent service and what the passenger experience will look like.
FAQs about Dubai’s City Terminal project
What is Dubai’s City Terminal project?
It is a pilot project that allows passengers to complete airport procedures at a location in Dubai before travelling to the airport in secure vehicles.
Can travellers use the City Terminal service now?
A permanent passenger service has not been confirmed. Travellers should continue using their airline’s existing check-in arrangements until the authorities announce a public rollout.
Does City Terminal include passport control?
The reported trial included immigration procedures, including passport control, alongside check-in, baggage handover and security screening.
How much time could City Terminal save?
The October 14 report says the trial reduced the passenger journey from around two hours to 45 minutes. This is a reported trial result, not a guaranteed time saving for future passengers.
Which airport is the project designed for?
The initiative is intended to improve passenger processing at Dubai’s airports, with the supplied report focusing on Dubai International Airport (DXB). The authorities have not confirmed the permanent service’s locations or full operating arrangements.
What happens next?
Dubai’s City Terminal trial offers a potential new way to handle airport procedures by moving some of them into the city. While the reported time savings are promising, travellers will need to wait for an official rollout announcement before making plans around the service.
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