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Emirates To Phase Out Paper Boarding Passes In Dubai Hub
Passengers checking in for flights at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 will need to use mobile devices to check in from May 15th.
After we reported on Emirates adopting robotic check-in assistants to increase check-in efficiency at Dubai International Airport, the world’s largest long-haul airline is now taking further steps to boost its sustainability credentials and embrace an all-digital future.
On Monday, May 15th, paper boarding passes will be scrapped for passengers departing from Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, and passengers will be required to use electronic alternatives instead.
Emirates passengers will receive email or SMS passes after the weekend, and online check-ins will also be compatible with Apple and Google Wallets and be available in the Emirates app — including receipts for checked bags.
“This initiative will significantly reduce paper waste while simultaneously offering a convenient and speedy digitized check-in experience for passengers departing Dubai [reducing] the risk of lost or misplaced boarding passes, giving passengers peace of mind when traveling,” says Emirates in an official statement.
The move is part of ongoing efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability, though many travelers already prefer to use digital documents and smartphone apps in place of paper equivalents. The company confirmed that mobile boarding passes could be used throughout the travel journey, including at duty-free stores, security, and boarding.
Also Read: Dubai Launches The World’s Largest Ocean Restoration Project
Some exemptions to the new rules include those traveling with infants or people requiring special assistance. All passengers traveling to the United States will also need physical boarding passes, and certain passengers who will use connecting services.
The option to print boarding passes is available by request at check-in desks if passengers do not have a mobile device or cannot access their travel details for any reason.
Emirates has taken several steps towards future-proofing its services and boosting sustainability credentials, including a recent $200 million research and development project focused on advanced fuel systems that could reduce the airline’s environmental impact.
News
Samsung Smart Glasses Teased For January, Software Reveal Imminent
According to Korean sources, the new wearable will launch alongside the Galaxy S25, with the accompanying software platform unveiled this December.
Samsung appears poised to introduce its highly anticipated smart glasses in January 2025, alongside the launch of the Galaxy S25. According to sources in Korea, the company will first reveal the accompanying software platform later this month.
As per a report from Yonhap News, Samsung’s unveiling strategy for the smart glasses echoes its approach with the Galaxy Ring earlier this year. The January showcase won’t constitute a full product launch but will likely feature teaser visuals at the Galaxy S25 event. A more detailed rollout could follow in subsequent months.
Just in: Samsung is set to unveil a prototype of its augmented reality (AR) glasses, currently in development, during the Galaxy S25 Unpacked event early next year, likely in the form of videos or images.
Additionally, prior to revealing the prototype, Samsung plans to introduce…
— Jukanlosreve (@Jukanlosreve) December 3, 2024
The Galaxy Ring, for example, debuted in January via a short presentation during Samsung’s Unpacked event. The full product unveiling came later at MWC in February, and the final release followed in July. Samsung seems to be adopting a similar phased approach with its smart glasses, which are expected to hit the market in the third quarter of 2025.
A Collaborative Software Effort
Samsung’s partnership with Google has played a key role in developing the smart glasses’ software. This collaboration was first announced in February 2023, with the device set to run on an Android-based platform. In July, the companies reiterated their plans to deliver an extended reality (XR) platform by the end of the year. The software specifics for the XR device are expected to be unveiled before the end of December.
Reports suggest that the smart glasses will resemble Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in functionality. They won’t include a display but will weigh approximately 50 grams, emphasizing a lightweight, user-friendly design.
Feature Set And Compatibility
The glasses are rumored to integrate Google’s Gemini technology, alongside features like gesture recognition and potential payment capabilities. Samsung aims to create a seamless user experience by integrating the glasses with its broader Galaxy ecosystem, starting with the Galaxy S25, slated for release on January 22.