The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) launched the first phase of E-Passport gates at Terminals 3 and 4 of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Tuesday.
This pioneering initiative makes Riyadh airport the first in Saudi Arabia to offer biometric e-passport scanners, aiming to streamline passenger travel procedures and ensure a seamless experience for international travelers.
The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of key figures including Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) President Abdullah Alghamdi, General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, Director General of Jawazat Lt. Gen. Sulaiman Al-Yahya, and National Information Center (NIC) Director Esam Alwagait.
Lt. Gen. Al-Yahya emphasized that the introduction of e-gates aims to facilitate travelers' independent completion of travel procedures, saving time and effort for those with biometric characteristics stored in passport systems.
This rollout aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance travel procedures and improve services through efficient, smart, and digital solutions for citizens, expatriates, and visitors.
GACA Chief Al-Duailej highlighted the significance of self-service for passports, showcasing the civil aviation system's commitment to harnessing digitization and improving traveler experiences in line with international standards and national strategies.
Eng. Ayman Abu Abah, CEO of Riyadh Airports Co., emphasized the substantial impact of this service on the airport's digital transformation, enhancing passenger movement efficiency and overall experience.