Abu Dhabi hotels are set to enhance safety and efficiency across the sector through the rollout of an advanced Face Recognition System, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced during the Arabian Travel Market.
Implemented by the Licensing & Regulatory Compliance Department, this system aims to elevate guest experiences in Abu Dhabi hotels, bolster security, and improve operational processes across the emirate’s hospitality industry.
The new initiative follows a cooperation agreement between DCT Abu Dhabi and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). The Face Recognition System will allow for seamless guest verification in Abu Dhabi hotels, drastically reducing check-in times while ensuring high standards of security, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s recognition as the world’s safest city by Numbeo for nine consecutive years.
“This integration reflects our commitment to smart tourism and innovation,” said H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi. “By working with ICP, hotel partners, and national authorities, we are delivering a safer and more connected visitor experience.”
Currently in a pilot phase at selected hotels, the system will first be deployed across five-star properties in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, and the Al Dhafra region. A second phase will later bring the technology to four-star hotels, with plans for wider adoption across all hotel categories.
The facial recognition technology captures and encrypts biometric data during guest check-in, which is then securely integrated with a centralized system managed by DCT Abu Dhabi.
This process is in full compliance with UAE cybersecurity and data privacy laws. The data will solely be used to improve guest safety and streamline operations.
To support the rollout, DCT Abu Dhabi is offering direct hotel engagement, technical guidance, and staff training. The initiative forms part of a broader digital transformation strategy in collaboration with ICP, focusing on data protection, cybersecurity, and smart tourism services, further contributing to the UAE’s vision for a digitally advanced hospitality sector.
