In a pioneering step for the region, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has launched the first-of-its-kind biometric payment system using facial and palm recognition technology. The announcement, made on Wednesday, marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey toward building a secure, seamless, and digitally advanced financial ecosystem.
The new system allows customers to make payments by simply verifying their identity through biometric features—specifically their face or palm—without the need for physical cards or smart devices. This innovation aligns with the UAE’s national digital economy strategy and reflects the Central Bank’s ongoing commitment to enhancing and modernizing the country’s payment infrastructure.
Pilot Phase Underway in Dubai
The initiative is currently in its proof-of-concept phase and is being tested at the Dubai Land Department, part of the Government of Dubai. During this phase, customers can experience the ease of conducting financial transactions using only biometric authentication, which provides a high level of security and user convenience.
This project was launched within the Central Bank’s Regulatory Sandbox and Innovation Hub, hosted at the Emirates Institute of Finance. It is being implemented in collaboration with Network International, a leading fintech company in the Middle East and Africa, and supported by biometric technology provider PopID.
A Strategic Leap Toward Digital Transformation
Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor of the Central Bank for Banking Operations and Support Services and Vice Chairman of the Emirates Institute of Finance, emphasized that the CBUAE remains deeply committed to supporting innovation and accelerating digital transformation across the financial sector.
“Biometric payments are a strategic step forward toward offering safer, more convenient payment experiences. They help establish new standards of trust and flexibility in financial transactions—key pillars in the UAE’s vision for a future-ready digital economy,” Al Dhaheri noted.
Industry Collaboration Driving Innovation
Murad Jagri Souzer, Group CEO of Network International, expressed pride in the company’s role in shaping the future of payments in the region.
He stated, “Through our close collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE, we are helping to lead the evolution of biometric payments. This technology combines security, ease, and efficiency, and supports the country’s ambition to become a global hub for fintech innovation and digital commerce.”
Toward a Cardless Future
The new biometric payment system represents a significant advancement in contactless and cardless payment technologies, signaling a shift in how consumers interact with financial services. As the UAE continues to cement its position as a global leader in digital innovation, initiatives like this pave the way for a smarter and more secure financial future.
