Dubai-based carrier Emirates has introduced the ‘world’s first’ robot check-in assistant as part of a new city-based check-in and luggage drop facility, which opened in Dubai's financial district on Thursday (27 April).
The robot check-in assistant, known as Sara, can check passengers in via facial recognition and the guide them to the luggage drop area at the new City Check-in and Travel Store located in ICD Brookfield Place, an upmarket mixed-use space that includes offices and retail.
At the facility, travellers can also book tickets, browse travel merchandise, use self-serve kiosks (or Sara) to check in and drop luggage as early as 24 hours before a flight. Emirates travel consultants are also on hand to assist with managing bookings and purchasing upgrades.
Emirates passengers with a valid boarding pass will also have complimentary access to select lifestyle facilities at ICD Brookfield Place, which is located in the Dubai International Financial Centre, as well as discounts and special offers across a range of restaurants, gyms and luxury stores, according to the carrier.
From ICD Brookfield Place, travellers can connect to the airport via taxi, Emirates chauffeur service, or take a 10-minute walk to the Financial Centre Metro Station, where trains connect to the Airport Terminal 3 Metro Station.
Emirates chief operating officer Adel al Redha said the new City Check-in and Travel Store is “our latest addition to the Emirates travel experience”.
“Our new location is the first ultra-convenient check in and baggage drop facility conveniently located in the DIFC area. People can avoid busy periods at the airport and minimise queuing," he added. "We are pleased to collaborate with ICD Brookfield on this project and look forward to providing our customers with more technology-focused solutions in the future."