Facial Recognition Check-In Technology Rolled Out at Abu Dhabi Hotels

In the first phase, the new technology will be installed at select five-star hotels in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. It will then expand to four-star hotels before gradually reaching other categories. The system uses biometric facial scanning to verify guests during check-in, significantly reducing wait times and streamlining the arrival process.

The data for the facial recognition system is securely encrypted and sourced from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), ensuring compliance with UAE privacy and cybersecurity regulations. A new agreement between DCT Abu Dhabi and ICP will support hotels with the technical and operational requirements needed for the implementation.

The move comes as Abu Dhabi continues to focus on innovation and service enhancements across its tourism sector. The emirate was recently ranked the world’s safest city by Numbeo’s Safety Index for the ninth consecutive year, and the addition of biometric verification is expected to further strengthen security and improve the guest experience.