DCT Abu Dhabi rolls out advanced face recognition system across hotels

UAE – The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is introducing a state-of-the-art Face Recognition System across the emirate’s hotels, aimed at enhancing both operational efficiency and safety for guests and staff.

The Face Recognition System is aimed at transforming guest experiences while reinforcing the emirate’s global reputation for safety.

Ranked the world’s safest city by Numbeo’s Safety Index for nine consecutive years, Abu Dhabi is now leveraging advanced biometric technology to align its tourism services with its security leadership.

Revealed during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, the initiative follows a strategic cooperation agreement between DCT Abu Dhabi and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).

The system is designed to streamline guest verification, reduce check-in times, and elevate the guest experience while ensuring top-tier safety standards.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to leveraging innovation to enhance the guest experience while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security,” said Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi.

“By working closely with ICP and our hotel partners, we are ensuring a seamless, safer and more connected journey for every visitor,” he added.

This is the first government-led hospitality initiative in Abu Dhabi to introduce facial recognition technology in collaboration with hotels.

The system is currently in its pilot phase, operating at a select number of hotels.

The initial full rollout will begin with five-star hotels in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, followed by four-star properties and eventually expanding to all hotel categories.

DCT Abu Dhabi is coordinating closely with participating hotels through training programs, technical support, and ongoing communication to ensure a smooth implementation.

The system captures and securely encrypts biometric data at check-in, which is accessed from ICP and stored in a centralized DCT database.

Usage of this data complies fully with UAE data protection and cybersecurity laws and will be limited to guest verification and operational efficiency improvements.

The wider agreement between DCT Abu Dhabi and ICP also includes pilot programs, data protection mechanisms, and seamless system integration, all intended to advance digital transformation across Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector and support the UAE’s broader innovation agenda.

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