The UAE is rolling out a new digital identity system for tourists, allowing them to open a bank account and access financial services within minutes of arriving in the country. This initiative, a collaboration between government authorities and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), integrates biometric verification with mobile banking to remove traditional onboarding hurdles for visitors.
Quick Facts
- Provides visitors with a verified digital ID upon entry.
- Onboard with ADCB’s mobile app in minutes.
- Grants immediate access to digital debit cards.
Biometrics Powering Onboarding
The “Tourist Identity” initiative provides visitors with a verified digital ID as soon as they enter the country. The system is powered by advanced biometrics and facial recognition technology developed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
As a core component of the UAEKYC framework, the system facilitates secure and paperless identity verification, eliminating the need for physical documents. By integrating directly with ADCB’s mobile app, travelers can complete the entire onboarding process digitally and gain immediate access to essential banking services.
Major General Suhail Juma Al Khaili, Acting Director-General of Citizenship at ICP, explained the system’s foundation. “This is achieved through the adoption of advanced biometric identification technologies, supported by artificial intelligence algorithms, within the Authority’s newly developed UAEKYC biometric identification framework.”
He added, “This system is one of the leading initiatives at the regional level, enhancing the overall visitor experience by enabling seamless and efficient access to a wide range of services across the country.”
Driving a Digital Payments Society
The initiative directly supports the national leadership’s goal of building a digital payments society, aiming to reduce cash dependency while improving security and efficiency. It also reinforces the UAE’s standing as a major global financial center and aids its ambitious tourism targets for 2026.
Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at the CBUAE, commented on the launch. “The successful launch of the Tourist Identity initiative reflects the UAE’s strong commitment to developing an advanced and secure digital financial ecosystem.”
Al Dhaheri noted that the system connects visitors to the UAE’s national payment infrastructure, including the ‘Jaywan’ payment scheme and the ‘Aani’ instant payment platform, which “enhances ease of doing business and delivers a seamless and secure banking experience.”
Ala’a Eraiqat, Group Chief Executive Officer of ADCB, highlighted the initiative’s strategic fit. “This initiative marks an important milestone in the continued evolution of the UAE’s financial sector, aligning banking innovation with the broader ambitions of the nation’s tourism economy.”
About Tourist Identity
Tourist Identity is a UAE government-led initiative that provides visitors with a verified digital ID upon entry. Integrated with banking partners like ADCB, it uses advanced biometrics and facial recognition to allow tourists to instantly open a bank account and access financial services through a secure, paperless process.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
