UAE, Bahrain ease airport procedures

The United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain have launched the pilot phase of the “One-Point Air Travelers” Project, aimed at simplifying air travel between the two countries.

The initiative allows citizens traveling between the UAE and Bahrain to complete entry procedures at their departure airport through pre-departure clearance. 

Using electronic connectivity, biometric verification systems, e-gates, and advanced passenger data processing, travelers’ information is verified before arrival, reducing waiting times and congestion at destination airports.

The first phase covers Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain International Airport. In the UAE, the project is implemented by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, while in Bahrain it is led by the Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the GCC General Secretariat and other relevant entities.

Officials described the project as a major step toward smarter mobility within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The project is also expected to boost tourism and bilateral trade, strengthen customs and security cooperation, and position both airports as leading regional transit hubs. Authorities see it as a scalable model that could be expanded across the GCC in the future.