This new technology was unveiled at the Arabian Travel Market and is part of a broader smart tourism initiative led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

The implementation will be supported by DCT Abu Dhabi, which will provide hotels with training, technical guidance, and direct communication to ensure a smooth rollout.

This initiative reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to maintaining its reputation as the world's safest city, having topped Numbeo's Safety Index for nine consecutive years.

In the first quarter of 2025, Abu Dhabi welcomed 1.4 million overnight visitors, generating Dh2.3 billion in hotel revenue, marking an 18% increase compared to the previous year.

Abu Dhabi is set to enhance its hospitality sector with the introduction of a facial recognition check-in system at hotels, aimed at improving both guest experience and security.

This partnership with ICP focuses on the digital transformation of Abu Dhabi's tourism sector, promoting operational efficiency and innovation through pilot projects and data protection.

The initial phase will target five-star hotels across Abu Dhabi city, the Al Ain Region, and the Al Dhafra Region, with plans to expand to four-star hotels and other categories in later phases.

All guest data collected through the system will be securely encrypted and managed in compliance with UAE privacy and cybersecurity laws, ensuring guest safety and operational integrity.

HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized that the system not only enhances the guest experience but also upholds high safety standards for both visitors and hospitality staff.

The facial recognition system captures and analyzes biometric data during check-in, which is securely stored in a centralized database managed by DCT Abu Dhabi, adhering to strict cybersecurity and data privacy regulations.

The project is a result of a cooperation agreement with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), which will support the system's implementation.

Hotel occupancy rates in Abu Dhabi reached 79%, even during Ramadan, with revenue per available room (RevPAR) increasing by 25% to Dh484, showcasing the resilience and growth of the tourism sector.