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Face Recognition Tech Rolls Out In Abu Dhabi Hotels
The facial recognition technology will boost security and streamline guest check-ins, aligning with the UAE’s push toward digital innovation.
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) has launched a new facial recognition system for hotels in the emirate, aiming to improve both guest experience and overall safety. The move is part of a broader effort to position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in secure, tech-forward hospitality.
Managed by DCT Abu Dhabi’s Licensing & Regulatory Compliance Department, this initiative supports the city’s long-standing reputation for safety — including holding the top spot in Numbeo’s Safety Index for nine years in a row.
Introduced during the Arabian Travel Market event, the technology focuses on making hotel check-ins faster and more efficient. It works by capturing biometric data during check-in, which is then securely encrypted and stored in a centralized database overseen by DCT Abu Dhabi. The data handling complies with UAE regulations around cybersecurity and personal privacy. According to the department, this information is strictly used to improve safety and streamline hotel operations.
H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, stated: “This initiative reflects our commitment to leveraging innovation to enhance the guest experience while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security for both guests and hospitality sector employees”.
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This is the first government project in the emirate to integrate facial recognition technology directly within hotel operations. The system is currently being piloted in select locations, with an initial focus on five-star properties in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. A second rollout will bring the technology to four-star hotels, with further expansion planned down the line.
To ensure a smooth roll out, DCT Abu Dhabi is actively working with hotel operators — offering tech support, training, and detailed guidance. The aim is to increase operational efficiency while providing a modern, touchless check-in and check-out experience for guests.
This system is part of a broader agreement between DCT Abu Dhabi and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). The collaboration promotes digital innovation within tourism, including joint pilot projects, cybersecurity enhancements, and integrated data systems — all aligned with the UAE’s national digital transformation goals.
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Lebanon Ministers Meet Visa Over National Digital Payment Platform
Finance and technology ministers say a comparative study and roadmap will follow before any decision on adopting a model.
Lebanon’s finance and technology ministers met representatives from Visa last week to discuss a proposed unified national digital payment platform for government services, according to a readout from the Ministry of Finance.
The meeting brought together Finance Minister Yassin Jaber, Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence Kamal Shehadeh, a Visa delegation, and experts from both ministries. Discussion focused on whether Lebanon could establish a single platform through which citizens and institutions would pay taxes, fees, fines and other official transactions electronically, using mobile phones and other digital channels.
The Visa delegation presented examples from countries that have adopted unified government payment platforms, including the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Estonia and Jordan. According to the readout, the examples were presented as having increased collection rates and expanded financial inclusion.
Talks covered settlement mechanisms, direct transfer to the treasury account, financial reconciliation, risk management, cybersecurity, fees, and an operational model that would involve the private sector. The parties agreed to continue technical and institutional consultations, prepare a comparative study, and develop an implementation roadmap before any decision on adopting a model for Lebanon.
Jaber said the Ministry of Finance had already enabled citizens to pay using credit cards and e-wallets through transfer companies, but described the proposed platform as a further step. He framed the development of electronic payment and collection systems as a priority within the ministry’s modernization plan.
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Shehadeh outlined the citizen-facing concept as a single mobile application through which users could settle obligations to ministries, government institutions and other bodies.
“The idea, in short, is that any citizen downloads an application on their mobile phone, through which they can pay all service obligations for all ministries, government institutions, or those owned by the Lebanese state, and others as well, as the platform is not limited only to state institutions,” he said.
Shehadeh added that the platform would not displace banks and money transfer companies that currently provide collection services to the state, calling it complementary to their work.
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