Tests will begin in January 2018 as part of the Dubai Future Accelerator project, which aims to bring the latest innovations to the Gulf state.

UK firm ObjectTech, which specializes in identity systems for the banking, security and healthcare industries, has developed the groundbreaking technology. It works by scanning each passenger’s face as they walk through a short corridor. A 3D image is then compared to a ‘digital passport’ held on computer.

Paul Ferris, chief executive of ObjectTech, said the system could do away with lengthy queues at immigration control, and may even spell the end of the physical paper passport.

“This is an identity that is fit for the digital age. Not only will it make international travel quicker and safer, but it also gives people back control of their personal digital data, which over the last decade is something that has increasingly become the property of third parties,” he said.

Dubai airport is predicting 20 million travellers will pass through it every month by 2020 and the technology will be vital in managing its expansion.

“Dubai is really committed to improving the lives of their citizens and visitors through technology and we’re very excited to be a part of making that a reality,” said Ferris.