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, has announced the introduction of a one-time contactless hotel guest check-in solution across the city.
The initiative will allow guests to bypass in-person check-in procedures once implemented at hotels and holiday homes in Dubai.
The biometric and digital technology capability has been developed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and is available through several providers.
So, how does the new biometric hotel check-in system work in Dubai?
Hotels and holiday homes across Dubai can now integrate the system, which aims to enhance the guest arrival experience.
The introduction supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which seeks to consolidate Dubai’s position as a destination for business and leisure.
The system allows guests to complete all check-in formalities prior to arrival from their mobile phones. Guests upload identification documentation and biometric data once, which streamlines the process and reduces or eliminates check-in times.
Upon arrival, guests can bypass the check-in desk at participating hotels. The data remains valid until the identification document expires, meaning only authentication, such as through facial recognition, would be required on subsequent visits.
Repeat visitors account for almost a quarter of total annual visitation to Dubai. The service aims to provide added convenience for these guests.
“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,” Sheikh Hamdan said in a statement.
Dubai hotel industry adopts one-time digital check-in technology
“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,” Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) added.
The solution is designed for integration into hotel apps or web platforms, ensuring a transition for participating establishments. The technology holds potential to be leveraged across other tourism touchpoints, such as car rentals, for a more integrated visitor experience throughout the city.
The system builds on the incorporation of smart technology across the destination, including smart tunnels at Dubai International Airport, which have reduced processing times at passport control to seconds.
Dubai’s hospitality sector operates through 820 hotels and hotel apartments across the city. The city welcomed 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.
