The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), through its Licensing & Regulatory Compliance Department, announced that it is deploying a cutting-edge face recognition system to further enhance efficiency and safety across the emirate’s hotels, for both guests and employees.
Announced during Arabian Travel Market 2025, the face recognition system aims to enhance guest verification processes, improve the overall guest experience, simplify procedures and significantly reduce check-in time. It was launched following the signing of a cooperation agreement between DCT Abu Dhabi and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).
“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. By working closely with ICP, and our hotel partners and national authorities, we are ensuring a seamless, safer and more connected journey for every visitor,” stated Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, director-general for tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi.
First phase to commence across five-star hotels
This announcement marks the first government-led initiative in Abu Dhabi to introduce face recognition technology in partnership with hotels, highlighting a forward-looking approach to security and hospitality. The system is now in a pilot phase at a handful of select hotels in the emirate.
The first phase of the full rollout will commence across five-star hotels across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, followed later by a second phase targeting four-star hotels, with gradual expansion to all remaining hotel categories.
DCT Abu Dhabi said it is working closely with hotels to ensure a smooth rollout of the system. This includes direct communication, detailed system briefings and the provision of technical and training support. By streamlining check-in and check-out procedures, the technology also enhances operational efficiency and provides guests with a seamless, tech-enabled experience.
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DCT Abu Dhabi, ICP partnership to streamline hotel operations
The facial recognition system captures and analyzes biometric data during guest check-in. The data is securely encrypted, retrieved from ICP and transmitted to a centralized database managed by DCT Abu Dhabi. The operation will run in accordance with UAE cybersecurity and data privacy regulations. Hotels will use the data exclusively for enhancing guest safety and streamlining operations, while strictly adhering to legal and ethical standards.
The cooperation agreement between DCT Abu Dhabi and ICP covers several strategic areas aimed at supporting digital transformation in Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector. The agreement involves pilot projects, the development of data protection mechanisms and ensuring system integration between the two parties.
The collaboration seeks to promote innovation, improve operational efficiency and achieve the highest standards of cybersecurity and privacy, contributing to better tourism service quality and supporting the UAE’s digitalization efforts.
