Abu Dhabi hotels to introduce facial recognition system

Dubai: Hotels in Abu Dhabi will have a ‘face recognition system’ for guests and employees, done to raise efficiency and safety across properties in the emirate.

The first phase of the rollout will start at 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi city, the Al Ain Region, and the Al Dhafra Region, followed later by a second phase targeting four-star hotels, with gradual expansion to all remaining hotel categories.

This was confirmed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and will be overseen through its Licensing & Regulatory Compliance Department.

“The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s number one ranking globally in safety and security, holding the title of world’s safest city in Numbeo’s Safety Index for nine consecutive years,” said a statement.

The face recognition system will enhance the guest verification processes and simplify procedures and significantly reduce check-in time. It was launched following a cooperation agreement between DCT Abu Dhabi and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).

“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,” said Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General for Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi.

This is the ‘first government-led initiative in Abu Dhabi to introduce face recognition technology in partnership with hotels’, according to the statement.

It is in a pilot phase at a handful of select hotels in the emirate.

“DCT Abu Dhabi is working closely with hotels to ensure a smooth rollout of the system,” the statement added. “This includes direct communication, detailed system briefings, and the provision of technical and training support.”