If you live in Dubai, chances are you plan airport trips with military precision. You leave early, check traffic twice, and still brace yourself for queues once you reach the terminal. Dubai International Airport is the world’s busiest for international travel, and during peak hours, it shows.
That experience could soon change.
Dubai has approved a major new City Terminal project that will allow passengers to check in for their flights from locations across the city, rather than only at the airport. The initiative aims to make travel faster, smoother, and far less stressful for residents and visitors.
The project has been approved by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation.
In simple terms, Dubai wants to move part of the airport experience into the city itself.
Hamdan bin Mohammed: The Dubai 10X Initiative has driven an exponential leap in Dubai’s government operations, embedding a culture of innovation and collaboration among government leaders and employees and encouraging a shift from traditional practices to comprehensive innovation… pic.twitter.com/NN3AQAKiGO
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 28, 2026
What does the City Terminal project actually mean?
The City Terminal project will allow travellers flying from Dubai International Airport (DXB) or Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) to complete their check-in procedures at designated locations around Dubai.
Passengers will be able to check in, hand over their baggage, and complete pre-flight formalities before being transported directly to the airport departure halls in secure vehicles.
Instead of reaching the airport hours early to queue at counters, travellers can arrive closer to departure time and head straight towards boarding.
This approach is designed to reduce congestion at airport terminals, improve passenger flow, and make the overall travel experience more comfortable.
For a city where efficiency is part of daily life, the idea fits right in.
Who is behind the project?
The City Terminal plans are being led by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, with support from key government entities and industry partners.
These include Dubai Police, Dubai Airports, GDRFA – Dubai, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Emirates and e&.
While official locations have not yet been announced, the range of organisations involved points to a highly coordinated system that blends aviation, security, immigration, and digital services.
This also suggests that the project is being built with both scale and long-term use in mind, rather than as a limited pilot.
Why does this matter for people living in Dubai?
For many residents, airport travel is part of routine life. Weekend getaways, business trips, school holidays and visiting family back home all add up to frequent airport runs.
During busy seasons, traffic around DXB can become unpredictable. Long check-in lines can quickly eat into travel time, especially for families or first-time visitors.
The City Terminal project aims to ease these pressure points.
Checking in closer to home or work could save time, reduce stress, and make departures more predictable. For tourists staying in hotels, it could mean smoother exits without last-minute rushes.
This shift also supports Dubai’s long-term plan to gradually move more operations towards Al Maktoum International Airport, which is expected to handle increasing passenger volumes in the future.
Part of a bigger vision for the city
The City Terminal project is one of three future-focused initiatives approved by Sheikh Hamdan under the Dubai 10X Initiative.
The initiative aims to place Dubai ten years ahead of other global cities by adopting advanced government models and services.
Alongside City Terminal, two other projects were approved:
- A 20-Minute City plan, designed to ensure residents can reach essential services within 20 minutes
- An Early Disease Detection System, focused on identifying health risks before symptoms appear
These projects were selected from 79 ideas developed by over 120 employees representing 33 government entities. Each proposal was assessed for impact, speed of implementation, and improvement to quality of life.
Together, they reflect Dubai’s ongoing push to make daily life smoother, safer, and more efficient.
What happens next?
At this stage, Dubai has not shared exact timelines or confirmed where City Terminal check-in points will be located.
More details are expected in the coming months, including:
- Potential check-in locations across the city
- Which airlines and routes will be included initially
- How passengers can access and use the service
As with many large-scale projects in Dubai, the rollout is likely to be phased, with gradual expansion once systems are tested and refined.
What future holds?
Dubai has a track record of rethinking systems people once considered fixed. From smart immigration gates to paperless government services, the city consistently looks for ways to save time and reduce friction.
The City Terminal project follows that same mindset.
By moving airport check-ins beyond the terminal walls, Dubai is not just easing congestion. It is reshaping how travel fits into daily urban life.
For frequent flyers and occasional travellers alike, that could make a noticeable difference.
Dubai’s upcoming City Terminal project promises to change how people start their journeys, shifting check-in from crowded terminals to convenient city locations.
It is a practical, people-first idea that reflects how the emirate continues to plan for growth without losing sight of everyday comfort.
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