Checking into a hotel in Abu Dhabi is about to get a major tech upgrade.
The Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi has announced a new facial recognition system, to be introduced across hotels in the emirate. Unveiled during the Arabian Travel Market 2025, this new facial recognition system is part of a wider move to improve safety, simplify check-ins, and enhance the overall guest experience.
Launched in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the system is now being tested at select hotels and will first roll out to five-star properties in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra before expanding to four-star and other categories.
When guests check in, their face is scanned to verify identity using secure, encrypted biometric data linked with the ICP. The process is designed to be fast, safe, and fully compliant with UAE data protection laws. So, for guests, this would mean faster check-ins and check-outs and an overall easy experience. For hotel staff, it also reduces paperwork and improves operational efficiency.
This is Abu Dhabi’s first government-led face recognition system for hotels, and it reflects the emirate’s status as the world’s safest city according to Numbeo’s Safety Index for nine years running.
The move also supports the UAE’s broader digital transformation goals and its vision to become a global leader in smart, secure tourism.