The Central Bank of the UAE, in cooperation with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, has announced the completion of the Tourist Identity initiative. The new service allows non-resident visitors to open digital bank accounts instantly and securely using their Tourist Identity.
The initiative marks a new step in the UAE’s digital transformation journey and supports the country’s efforts to expand financial inclusion. It gives visitors easier access to essential banking services through a smooth and reliable process from the moment they arrive in the country.
Through the Tourist Identity, visitors receive a trusted digital identity shortly after entering the UAE. This identity is supported by advanced technologies, including biometrics and facial recognition, developed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security to ensure secure and accurate identity verification.
The service works by integrating the authority’s platform with the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank mobile application. This creates a fully digital experience that enables visitors to open a bank account within minutes, access basic banking services, and receive digital debit cards that can be used immediately.
Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at the Central Bank of the UAE, said the successful launch of the Tourist Identity initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to building an advanced and secure digital financial system. He noted that enabling instant digital onboarding, while linking it with the national payment scheme “Jaywan” and the instant payment platform “Aani”, helps improve ease of doing business and provides visitors with an integrated and secure banking experience from the time they enter the country.
For his part, Major General Suhail Juma Al Khaili, Acting Director General of Citizenship at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, said the virtual Tourist Identity system is an innovative and proactive step that allows different sectors in the UAE to offer services to visitors easily and securely, without the need to present or exchange traditional documents.
He added that the system relies on smart biometric identification technologies supported by artificial intelligence algorithms, within the authority’s new UAEKYC biometric identification system. He said the initiative is considered one of the leading projects in the region, as it helps make the visitor experience smoother when accessing various services inside the country.
Ala’a Eraiqat, Group Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, said the initiative represents an important milestone in the continued development of the UAE’s financial sector. He explained that it reflects the alignment of banking innovation with the country’s broader ambitions for its tourism-related economy.
He added that ADCB’s participation in this phase reflects the bank’s focus on supporting future financial models that strengthen the UAE’s global competitiveness and attractiveness. Through its advanced digital capabilities and focus on customer experience, the bank contributes to building a more flexible financial ecosystem that reflects the UAE’s position as a leading global destination and international hub for financial innovation.
The launch of digital bank account opening through Tourist Identity highlights the UAE’s focus on combining security, convenience and innovation. It also supports the country’s wider efforts to provide advanced digital services to visitors, enhance their experience, and strengthen the competitiveness of the financial sector.
