Dubai launches citywide biometric contactless hotel check-ins

Dubai has introduced a citywide one-time contactless hotel check-in solution, marking a major leap in visitor convenience and digital innovation under the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.

Announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the initiative is set to transform arrival processes across the emirate’s hotels and holiday homes.

Developed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and available through several independent providers, the biometric and digital capability is now ready for immediate integration.

It enables guests to bypass in-person check-in procedures entirely, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure.

Dubai biometric hotel check-in

The new solution allows visitors to complete all check-in formalities in advance from their mobile phones.

By uploading identification documents and biometric data once, guests benefit from significantly reduced or eliminated check-in times.

The securely held data remains valid until the identification document expires, allowing future visits to start with a quick authentication, such as facial recognition.

Complementing Dubai’s repeat visitation rate—where repeat visitors make up almost a quarter of total annual arrivals—the solution enhances loyalty by making return stays faster and more seamless.

Sheikh Hamdan said: “Guided by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, our city continues to lead the way in embracing innovation and creating unparalleled experiences.

“By leveraging cutting-edge solutions, we are not only enhancing the visitor journey, but also strategically positioning Dubai for sustained tourism growth.

“Aligning perfectly with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, the rollout of this technology is a testament to our vision for a smart, seamless, and secure urban environment and reflects our commitment to further consolidating Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure.”

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET,  said: “The introduction of this citywide one-time contactless check-in solution is a pivotal moment for Dubai’s hospitality industry and a clear demonstration of our progress towards achieving the goals of the D33 agenda.

“Furthermore, it showcases the transformative power of collaboration across the public and private sectors in Dubai, delivering benefits to both stakeholders and visitors.

“Guided by our city’s visionary leadership, we continue to pursue opportunities to facilitate the continued growth of the city’s tourism ecosystem and further elevate its vital contribution to the emirate’s economy.”

Future biometric tech in Dubai

Participating hotels and holiday homes can integrate the solution into their existing apps or web platforms.

Beyond hospitality, the technology holds potential for broader tourism use cases, such as car rental services, supporting Dubai’s vision for a fully integrated, smart visitor journey.

The initiative builds on the emirate’s wider adoption of transformative technologies, including smart tunnels at Dubai International Airport, which have reduced passport control processing to just seconds.

Dubai’s hospitality sector remains a cornerstone of its global tourism success, with world-class service available across 820 hotels and hotel apartments.

The city welcomed 15.7m international overnight visitors in the first ten months of 2025, up 5 per cent year-on-year, with guests spending 36.71m room nights at hotels across the emirate.