Biometric-based service enables tourists to open accounts, access digital debit cards and make cashless payments shortly after arrival.
Visitors to the UAE can now open digital bank accounts within minutes under a new ‘Tourist Identity’ initiative launched on Wednesday, authorities said.
The Central Bank of the UAE, in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, said the service enables non-resident visitors to open accounts instantly and securely through a fully digital process.
Powered by biometrics and facial recognition, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security issues visitors a Tourist Identity as soon as they arrive in the UAE. The initiative links this digital ID system with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank’s mobile banking app, allowing tourists to open bank accounts within minutes and instantly access essential services, including digital debit cards.
Previously, non-residents and visitors could open certain UAE bank accounts, but the process was paperwork-heavy. The new initiative shifts this to a digital identity-led model, allowing tourists to open accounts within minutes.
Officials said the move aims to boost financial inclusion and accelerate the country’s transition towards a digital payments ecosystem, while reducing reliance on cash.
Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at the Central Bank of the UAE, said the initiative connects visitors to the UAE’s national payment ecosystem, including the ‘Jaywan’ card scheme and the instant payment platform ‘Aani’.
“The initiative contributes to enhancing ease of doing business and delivering an integrated and secure banking experience for visitors from the moment they arrive in the UAE,” he said.
Suhail Juma Al Khaili, Acting Director General of Citizenship at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, said the system enables multiple sectors to deliver services seamlessly to visitors using advanced identification technologies.
Alaa Eraiqat, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, said the bank’s participation reflects efforts to align banking innovation with the UAE’s tourism economy and strengthen its position as a global financial hub.
