Dubai has rolled out a revolutionary contactless check-in system enabling travelers to register at their hotels before arrival, allowing them to walk directly to their rooms without stopping at reception desks. This initiative makes Dubai the first global city to implement a comprehensive biometric-enabled check-in across its hospitality sector, from hotels to vacation rentals, as part of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.

Developed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), this platform allows guests to upload their identification and biometric data via mobile phones once. The stored information remains valid until the ID expires, meaning returning visitors—who constitute nearly 25% of all arrivals—can use a quick facial recognition scan during subsequent visits.

During the launch, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted that this initiative reflects Dubai’s long-term goal of integrating technology into everyday city services, aligning with D33’s mission to enhance Dubai’s standing as a global destination for seamless digital experiences.

The system is immediately available for implementation, requiring only minor adjustments for hotels and holiday rentals to incorporate into their existing apps or websites. Once fully deployed, travelers will complete various check-in tasks in advance, which will considerably cut wait times upon arrival. At participating venues, guests can entirely bypass the reception and head directly to their rooms. The platform may soon also streamline processes for car rentals and additional services during a visitor’s trip.

This advancement complements Dubai’s existing smart city systems, such as automated passport control tunnels at Dubai International Airport, which have minimized processing times to mere seconds.