NEOM, a futuristic city being developed in Saudi Arabia, recently showcased new technology that will allow travellers to pass through its airport eGates without relying on human interaction.
The technology features biometric scanners and high-resolution cameras that capture each traveller’s biometrics, allowing for a smooth and contactless experience for international visitors.
Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al Yahya, Director General of Passports, recently visited NEOM and was received by NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al Nasr. During his visit, Al Yahya and his delegation toured NEOM Bay Airport, the project’s command-and-control centre, and other key NEOM facilities.
One of the highlights of the visit was the expanded NEOM Bay Airport, where Al Yahya was briefed on the latest technologies and initiatives, including the future contactless eGates for passport control. This automated border control system, currently on trial, is being developed in cooperation with Jawazat, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), and the National Information Center, among other government agencies.
The ongoing partnership between NEOM and Jawazat aims to strengthen knowledge exchange between the two organisations while improving the overall traveller experience. As Jawazat provides a range of services across Saudi Arabia for passengers arriving at and departing from airports, the directorate was invited to NEOM to see the progress made to date.
Lieutenant General Al Yahya’s visit also included the operations room at the 24/7 command-and-control centre, where he inspected NEOM’s integration of real-time analytics AI and predictive systems into the safety and security of NEOM’s residential communities.
With NEOM’s self-service eGate system, Saudi Arabia joins a shortlist of countries investing in and offering travellers contactless automated border control systems at airports. Thanks to these technological advancements, international visitors to NEOM can now enjoy a seamless and efficient travel experience without relying on human interaction.
