DXB (Dubai International) has laid claim to being the world’s first ‘smart reading airport’ after striking a partnership with digital newsstand platform Magzter. The move is the latest in a series of collaborations that aim to deepen Dubai Airports’ digital engagement with customers. From last week, customers flying through DXB can have free access to Magzter’s collection of more than 7,000 leading magazines, newspapers, journals and comics. A contactless and paperless digital experience – using geo-fencing satellite technology – the Magzter partnership enables travellers to download publications on their own devices, to read in the airport and onboard their flights. DXB’s ‘Smart Reading Zone’ is accessed by logging onto the airport’s wifi network, which acts as a gateway to Magzter’s collection of publications. These include regional names Forbes Middle East, Vogue Arabia, What’s on Dubai and Emirates Woman, as well as international titles such as Cosmopolitan, Elle, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar and Reader’s Digest. Dubai Airports Executive Vice President – Commercial Eugene Barry commented: “We’re delighted to partner with Magzter to offer another world-class digital experience at DXB, at a time when travellers are seeking minimum contact, customised choices and ultra-convenience.

Dubai Airports Executive Vice President – Commercial Eugene Barry

“The addition of Magzter bolsters the growing range of lifestyle experiences available via DXB’s super-fast wifi network, following our existing partnerships with OSN for streaming movies and TV shows and Anghami for music playlists. We’re looking forward to unveiling more game-changing digital experiences in the near future.” Magzter Inc CEO Girish Ramdas added: “Being a frequent flyer, I have always felt the need for compelling value-added services at airports to engage travellers, especially something that works both inside the airport as well as downloadable to be used inflight. In this direction, we’re delighted to turn Dubai International into the first smart reading airport in the world. We’re confident that millions of passengers will enjoy reading their favourite magazines and newspapers with Magzter at Dubai International, which will also make their flights out of Dubai more entertaining.”