Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan announces contactless hotel check-in with biometrics

No more front desk hassle for visitors: Dubai is set to redefine the hotel experience with the launch of a citywide one-time contactless check-in system.

Developed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in collaboration with independent technology providers, this innovative system allows guests to complete all check-in procedures from their mobile devices before arriving at their hotel.

Recommended For You

Iran intensifying deadly crackdown under internet blackout cover, say rights groups

CATL opens Middle East’s largest new energy aftermarket facility in Riyadh

6.3 magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia, NCM says

Sharjah power outage: Watch how delivery riders guide cars as traffic lights fail

UAE: Woman duped in phone scam, court orders fraudsters to repay Dh40,900

 

On Tuesday, Dubai announced that Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, approved the implementation of contactless check-in technology in the emirate.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

How contactless hotel check-in work

The process allows guests to complete all check-in formalities prior to their arrival, directly from their mobile phones. By uploading essential identification documentation and biometric data once, the entire process is streamlined, significantly reducing or eliminating traditional check-in times. After arrival, guests can bypass the usual check-in desk formalities at the start of every stay at participating hotels.

The securely held data then remains valid until the identification document expires, meaning only a quick authentication, such as through facial recognition, would be required on subsequent visits.

Repeat visitors make up almost a quarter of total annual visitation to Dubai, and this new service welcomes them to the city with added convenience, consolidating their affinity for the destination.

The contactless check-in, now available for immediate use at hotels and holiday homes across Dubai, is designed for easy integration into existing hotel apps or web platforms.

Other than its immediate benefits, the technology also holds significant potential to be leveraged across other tourism touchpoints, such as car rentals.

Dubai’s hospitality sector

Dubai’s hospitality sector has been one of the cornerstones of its growth as a global destination, with world-class facilities and service available at 820 hotels and hotel apartments across the city. Complementing Dubai’s wider offerings, it has helped the city reach new heights, welcoming 15.70 million international overnight visitors in the first ten months of 2025, up 5% year-on-year, with guests spending a total of 36.71 million room nights at hotels across the emirate.

Sheikh Hamdan said, “...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 the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), added, “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.”

Poojaraj Maniyeri

• 

pooja@khaleejtimes.com

Poojaraj Maniyeri is a Digital Journalist who loves turning everyday conversations into news stories. She is also a typical bookworm, and brings a novel with her everywhere she goes.