# Middle East airport digital and passenger experience updates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/middle-east-airport-digital-and-passenger-experience-updates > Updated: 2026-08-22T06:14:05.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. Major aviation hubs in the Middle East are implementing digital and hospitality initiatives to improve operational efficiency and the passenger experience. In Saudi Arabia, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has begun the first phase of its ‘Silent Airport’ project at Terminal 5. This initiative seeks to reduce public audio announcements by transitioning flight information to digital screens, mobile services, and targeted gate announcements. In the United Arab Emirates, Dubai International Airport (DXB) has introduced several programs to manage post-summer travel surges. These include the ‘Dubai Historic Doors’ cultural experience and the ‘Dubai Welcome’ initiative, which features Arabian hospitality through live music and personalized welcome stations. To improve efficiency, Dubai Customs has deployed the digital ‘iDeclare’ service and increased staffing to reduce clearance times from 45 minutes to under five minutes. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-22: Dubai prepares for new school year as teachers return and retail sales launch Dubai prepares for the new academic year as over 27,000 private school teachers return to work and retailers launch major back-to-school sales across the UAE. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dubai-international-airport-enhances-passenger-experience-and-customs-efficiency ### 2026-08-20: Middle East airports implement new passenger experience and digital initiatives Airports in Dubai and Riyadh are introducing new technologies and cultural initiatives to improve passenger experiences, including Dubai’s heritage-themed arrivals and Riyadh’s ‘Silent Airport’ project. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aviation-industry-shifts-toward-digital-and-green-technologies --- Cite as: Middle East airport digital and passenger experience updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/middle-east-airport-digital-and-passenger-experience-updates