Face recognition technology at all entry ports soon

Abu Dhabi National security will get a shot in the arm with the introduction of biometric face recognition technology that will soon be deployed across the UAE, a senior official said on Sunday .

Comparing features

The system verifies the identity of a person from a digital image or a video frame by comparing selected facial features from the image and a facial database. It analyses the relative position, size and shape of the eyes, nose, cheekbones and jaw. It also identifies a face from a range of angles, including a profile view.

The highly advanced technology, launched by General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, at Abu Dhabi International Airport last Monday, is the first of its kind, said Major Dr Fawwaz Khalil Dawood, head of the committee in charge of the system at the Interior Minister's office.

"A total of 46 cameras and an enrolment centre have been installed at the Abu Dhabi International Airport in the first phase," Dawood said. He said the system will integrate the iris recognition system, currently being deployed at 35 land, sea and air border points across the UAE.