UAE Central Bank Pilots Facial and Palm Biometric Payments in Regional First

CBUAE launches the Middle East's first biometric payment pilot — facial and palm recognition at Dubai Land Department.

How It Works

The Central Bank of the UAE has launched a pilot project to test biometric payments using facial and palm recognition, marking the first initiative of its kind in the Middle East.

Strategic Importance

The project is being rolled out through the central bank's Sandbox Programme and Innovation Hub at the Emirates Institute of Finance, in partnership with payments company Network International.

What's Next

The system allows customers to make payments by verifying their identity through facial or palm biometrics, removing the need for physical cards or mobile devices. The proof-of-concept is currently being demonstrated at the Dubai Land Department, a Dubai government entity, where customers can complete transactions by scanning their face or palm.

Key Features

The solution is enabled by Network International and powered by PopID, a technology company specialising in biometric authentication.

Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri

The central bank said the initiative supports the UAE Digital Economy Strategy and its broader efforts to build a secure, inclusive and innovation-driven national payments system.

Murat Cagri Suzer

Assistant Governor, Banking Operations and Support Services, CBUAE

Enhanced Security

"The introduction of biometric payment solutions represents a strategic step to delivering more secure and seamless payment experiences, setting new benchmarks for trust and convenience in financial transactions."

Seamless Experience

"Biometric payments represent the next frontier in digital commerce, combining convenience, security and efficiency."

Regional Leadership

The central bank has not given a timeline for a wider rollout, saying the project is currently focused on testing the technology under controlled conditions before any potential expansion.

Digital Economy

Biometric authentication provides a more secure alternative to traditional payment methods, reducing fraud risk.

Customers can complete transactions without carrying cards or phones, simplifying the payment process.

This initiative positions the UAE as a pioneer in biometric payments across the Middle East.

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