The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) demonstrated a high level of efficiency in managing peak travel movement during the New Year holiday, spanning from 29 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, through a flexible operational framework and advanced digital services that ensured smooth traffic flow and seamless entry and exit procedures across all ports of the emirate.
During this period—one of the busiest times of the year in terms of passenger movement—Dubai’s air, land, and sea ports collectively handled a total of 1,370,440travelers, reflecting the efficiency and operational readiness of the integrated system for managing travel flows during peak periods.
In this context, Dubai’s air ports handled 1,272,246 travelers. These figures include users of smart gates and the Smart Corridor system, directly reflecting the role of digital solutions in easing pressure on frontline operations and accelerating clearance procedures during peak periods.
Meanwhile, sea ports recorded 21,135 travelers during the same period, under unified operational procedures focused on speed of completion and service continuity. Hatta Land Port also experienced active movement, with 77,059 travelers, supported by a high level of field readiness that helped maintain smooth traffic flow despite increased demand.
In this regard, His Excellency Lt. General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, stated that managing the New Year peak reflects GDRFA Dubai’s ability to handle operational pressure periods with efficiency and a proactive approach. He emphasized that the focus goes beyond accommodating large numbers to ensuring a smooth and secure travel experience, noting that the integration between digital systems and field teams achieved a balance between speed of procedures and quality of service during one of the busiest times of the year.
For his part, Major General Talal Ahmed Al Shanqiti, Assistant Director General for Airport Affairs, explained that the expanded use of smart gates and smart corridors played a pivotal role in managing passenger flows during the New Year holiday. He affirmed that these solutions have become a core component of operational readiness during peak periods, contributing to enhanced frontline efficiency and reduced waiting times.
Meanwhile, Major General Salah Ahmed Al Qamzi, Assistant Director General for Land and Sea Ports Affairs, confirmed that operational readiness and continuous coordination among relevant entities enabled teams to smoothly manage increased travel movement through land and sea ports, while maintaining speed of procedures and operational flexibility throughout the holiday.
The outcomes of the New Year holiday peak period reflect GDRFA Dubai’s approach to proactive preparedness and efficient management of exceptional seasons, supporting continuity of movement, reinforcing traveler confidence, and affirming the readiness of the ports ecosystem to handle varying levels of demand throughout the year.
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