Abu Dhabi, ranked the world’s safest city, has begun implementing facial recognition technology across its hotels to streamline guest check-ins and reinforce security measures, officials revealed during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025. Find out all the latest news about facial recognition hotel check-in in Abu Dhabi below.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has initiated the rollout following an agreement with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), marking the first government-led facial recognition initiative in the emirate’s hospitality sector.

Smart Hospitality: Abu Dhabi Revolutionizes Hotel Check-Ins with Facial Recognition

“This initiative reflects our commitment to leveraging innovation to enhance the guest experience while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security,” said Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi.

Currently in its pilot phase, the technology is being trialed at select five-star hotels. It will gradually expand to four-star properties and eventually to all accommodation categories across Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain, and the Al Dhafra region.

During the check-in process, the system captures guests’ biometric data, encrypts it securely, and transmits it to a centralized database managed by DCT Abu Dhabi—fully compliant with UAE cybersecurity standards.

The initiative comes as Abu Dhabi maintains its position as the world’s safest city, according to Numbeo’s Safety Index, a title it has held for nine consecutive years. It also aligns with the UAE’s broader push toward digital identity services, where facial recognition is increasingly replacing traditional ID cards.

Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector is experiencing robust growth, welcoming 1.4 million overnight guests in the first quarter of 2025 alone. The industry is projected to contribute AED62 billion (approximately $16.9 billion) to the emirate’s economy this year, a 13 per cent increase from 2024, supporting around 255,000 jobs.

Cultural attractions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the recently opened teamLab Phenomena are driving visitor numbers, enhancing the emirate’s reputation as a cultural destination alongside its technological advancements.

Final thoughts about facial recognition hotel check-in in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s rollout of facial recognition hotel check-ins marks a pivotal step in the evolution of contactless hospitality and smart tourism infrastructure. By integrating biometric technology in alignment with national cybersecurity protocols, the emirate not only enhances the guest experience but also reinforces its reputation as the world’s safest city.

This move reflects a broader global trend where hospitality leaders are rapidly adopting facial recognition and digital identity verification tools to streamline operations. According to a 2024 report by Deloitte, over 42% of hotel chains worldwide have either piloted or implemented biometric check-in solutions, citing efficiency, personalization, and enhanced security as key drivers.

Internationally, major hotel groups are embracing similar innovations. Marriott International partnered with Alibaba’s Fliggy platform and deployed facial recognition kiosks in several properties across China as early as 2018. In the U.S., Hilton has invested in connected room technology with digital key features, while Accor is piloting biometric identity verification as part of its “Smart Room” initiative.

In the Middle East, the race toward digitized hospitality is intensifying. Dubai has already trialed biometric gates at hotels for seamless identity checks, and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy includes AI and biometric tools in its tourism blueprint for NEOM and Red Sea projects.

The implementation in Abu Dhabi is not just a technological upgrade—it’s a strategic alignment with global trends, responding to the demands of increasingly tech-savvy travelers who prioritize both convenience and privacy. As biometric adoption gains momentum, stakeholders must navigate privacy concerns, interoperability standards, and ethical considerations to ensure trust remains at the heart of innovation.

With this initiative, Abu Dhabi positions itself among the world’s most forward-thinking tourism destinations—one where cutting-edge technology and cultural richness coexist to redefine the future of travel.