UAE and Bahrain launch pilot allowing citizens to complete immigration clearance before flying/Image: WAM

The United Arab Emirates has launched the pilot phase of a new cross-border travel initiative with Bahrain designed to streamline entry procedures and reduce airport waiting times. The “One-Point Air Travellers” Project allows citizens of both countries to complete entry formalities before departure, marking a significant step towards deeper regional integration and smarter mobility across the Gulf.

The initiative enables Emirati and Bahraini passengers flying between the two countries to complete entry procedures at their departure airport rather than on arrival.Through pre-departure clearance, traveller’s movements are verified and documented before landing at their final destination. This is intended to:

The system relies on electronic connectivity between authorities in both countries and incorporates:

The first phase of implementation covers Zayed International Airport and Bahrain International Airport.

In the UAE, the project is being implemented by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.In Bahrain, it is led by the Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council and relevant entities in both countries.The initiative reflects coordination at multiple institutional levels, combining immigration, customs and security systems across borders.

Officials say the project is expected to:

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, described the project as an innovative initiative reflecting the commitment of Gulf Cooperation Council countries to facilitating passenger journeys while ensuring a safe and convenient travel experience.He said the authority remains committed to strengthening cooperation and partnerships at local, regional and international levels through electronic connectivity, advanced technologies and data exchange systems. According to him, the initiative enhances customer journeys and improves overall quality of life.He added that the project would help transform both airports into key departure hubs, stimulating travel, tourism and economic activity, while positioning them as preferred transit gateways within the region.

Mohammed Ahmed Al Kuwaiti, Acting Director-General of Ports at the authority, stated that the project reflects a high level of strategic integration between the UAE and Bahrain, embodying a shared vision to facilitate mobility through digital transformation and governmental integration.He stated that electronic connectivity and the advance exchange of integrated data ensure high standards of accuracy, security and procedural efficiency, while safeguarding privacy and data protection.He described the initiative as a qualitative step towards the future of smart mobility within the GCC and a scalable regional model, given its expected impact on tourism, business travel and the positioning of both countries’ airports as advanced smart gateways.