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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
Influencer Growth Fuels Saudi Creator Economy Surge
The Kingdom’s creator economy grew over 32% in Q1 2025, fueled by TikTok, UGC, and cost-per-action (CPA) influencer models.
Saudi Arabia’s creator economy saw a significant 32.37% growth in the first quarter of 2025, driven by an uptick in influencer marketing, content-driven e-commerce, and the increasing influence of user-generated content (UGC). These insights come from a recent study by Admitad and the Stllr Network.
Much of this momentum is coming from video-based platforms, where brands are leaning on creators who feel more relatable than polished ad campaigns. The trend shows a clear preference for authenticity, as audiences gravitate toward content that feels real and personal.
Mohannad Alzahrani, Co-founder and VP KSA of Stllr Network, highlighted the shift: “The rise of user-generated content (UGC) is changing the way brands engage with consumers. Audiences trust real creators more than traditional advertising, making UGC a key driver of authenticity and sales”.
TikTok remains the dominant platform in this space, reportedly reaching 88% of the Saudi population. It also showed the sharpest rise in influencer-led transactions. Other platforms followed with solid, if less dramatic, growth: X was up 17%, Instagram increased by 12%, and Telegram by 10%.
In terms of content niches, beauty led the pack with a 56% growth rate, followed by lifestyle at 45.8% and fashion at 18.2%. Tech content also showed healthy traction at 10.6%, while entertainment, food, fitness, parenting, and gaming posted smaller — but still positive — gains.
Also Read: Top E-Commerce Websites In The Middle East In 2025
The report analyzed more than 300,000 influencer-driven purchases. These efforts translated into a 15% year-on-year jump in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and a 5% increase in the number of orders in 2024. Influencers themselves are seeing the benefit, with average order values hitting $54 and creator earnings rising by 14%.
A noticeable trend is the move away from fixed-rate deals. More influencers in Saudi Arabia are embracing hybrid compensation models — especially cost-per-action (CPA) setups that tie their earnings directly to performance.
As Anna Gidirim, CEO of Admitad, explains, “The CPA model brings much-needed transparency to influencer marketing. Brands only pay for actual results, and influencers benefit by securing long-term partnerships while offering their audiences exclusive promo codes and special discounts”.
However, the ecosystem still shows a gender imbalance. The data indicates that 63% of creators in Saudi Arabia are men, while women account for just 37%.
Influencer Growth Fuels Saudi Creator Economy Surge
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