Latest news with #SafetyIndex
Arabian Business
30-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Facial recognition to cut hotel check-in times as Abu Dhabi bolsters ‘safest city' status
Abu Dhabi, deemed the world's safest city, has begun deploying facial recognition technology across its hotels to streamline check-ins and boost security, officials announced at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2025) on Tuesday. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has initiated the rollout following an agreement with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), marking the first government-led facial recognition initiative in the emirate's hospitality sector. Abu Dhabi enhances hotel check-ins 'This initiative reflects our commitment to leveraging innovation to enhance the guest experience while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security,' said Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi. The technology, currently in pilot phase at select properties, will initially launch at five-star hotels before expanding to four-star establishments and eventually all accommodation categories across Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra regions. The system captures biometric data during check-in, encrypts it securely, and transmits it to a centralised database managed by DCT Abu Dhabi, operating in compliance with UAE cybersecurity regulations. The initiative comes as Abu Dhabi maintains its position as the world's safest city, according to Numbeo's Safety Index, a title it has held for nine consecutive years. It also aligns with the UAE's broader push toward digital identity services, where facial recognition is increasingly replacing traditional ID cards. Abu Dhabi's tourism sector is experiencing robust growth, welcoming 1.4 million overnight guests in the first quarter of 2025 alone. The industry is projected to contribute AED62 billion (approximately $16.9 billion) to the emirate's economy this year, a 13 per cent increase from 2024, supporting around 255,000 jobs.
Mid East Info
29-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
DCT Abu Dhabi Enhances Hotel Guest Efficiency and Safety with Emirate-Wide Face Recognition System
Introduction of face recognition technology will enhance guest experience and support public safety regulations Agreement signed with Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security to pilot first government-led initiative of its kind in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, UAE – April 2025: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), through its Licensing & Regulatory Compliance Department, is deploying a cutting-edge Face Recognition System to further elevate efficiency and safety across the emirate's hotels, for both guests and employees. The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi's number one ranking globally in safety and security, holding the title of world's safest city in Numbeo's Safety Index for nine consecutive years . Unveiled during the Arabian Travel Market, the Face Recognition System is designed to enhance guest verification processes, improve the overall guest experience, simplify procedures and significantly reduce check-in time. Launched following the signing of a cooperation agreement between DCT Abu Dhabi and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi, said: 'The integration of the Face Recognition System underscores our shared commitment to pioneering advancements in smart tourism. This initiative reflects our commitment to leveraging innovation to enhance the guest experience while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security for both guests and hospitality sector employees. By working closely with ICP and our hotel partners and national authorities, we are ensuring a seamless, safer and more connected journey for every visitor.' This marks the first government-led initiative in Abu Dhabi to introduce face recognition technology in partnership with hotels, highlighting a forward-looking approach to security and hospitality. The system is now in a pilot phase at a handful of select hotels in the emirate. The first phase of the full rollout will commence across five-star hotels in Abu Dhabi city, the Al Ain Region, and the Al Dhafra Region, followed later by a second phase targeting four-star hotels, with gradual expansion to all remaining hotel categories. DCT Abu Dhabi is working closely with hotels to ensure a smooth rollout of the system. This includes direct communication, detailed system briefings, and the provision of technical and training support. By streamlining check-in and check-out procedures, the technology also boosts operational efficiency and provides guests with a seamless, tech-enabled experience. The facial recognition system captures and analyses biometric data during guest check-in. The data is securely encrypted, retrieved from ICP and transmitted to a centralized database managed by DCT Abu Dhabi. In accordance with UAE cybersecurity and data privacy regulations. The data will be used exclusively for enhancing guest safety and streamlining hotel operations, while strictly adhering to legal and ethical standards. The cooperation agreement between DCT Abu Dhabi and ICP covers several strategic areas aimed at supporting digital transformation in Abu Dhabi's tourism sector. The agreement involves pilot projects, development of data protection mechanisms, and ensuring system integration between the two parties. The collaboration seeks to promote innovation, improve operational efficiency, and achieve the highest standards of cybersecurity and privacy, contributing to better tourism service quality and supporting the UAE's digitalisation efforts.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
DCT Abu Dhabi enhances Hotel Guest Efficiency and Safety with Emirate-Wide Face Recognition System
Agreement signed with Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security to pilot first government-led initiative of its kind in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), through its Licensing & Regulatory Compliance Department, is deploying a cutting-edge Face Recognition System to further elevate efficiency and safety across the emirate's hotels, for both guests and employees. The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi's number one ranking globally in safety and security, holding the title of world's safest city in Numbeo's Safety Index for nine consecutive years. Unveiled during the Arabian Travel Market, the Face Recognition System is designed to enhance guest verification processes, improve the overall guest experience, simplify procedures and significantly reduce check-in time. Launched following the signing of a cooperation agreement between DCT Abu Dhabi and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi, said: 'The integration of the Face Recognition System underscores our shared commitment to pioneering advancements in smart tourism. This initiative reflects our commitment to leveraging innovation to enhance the guest experience while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security for both guests and hospitality sector employees. By working closely with ICP and our hotel partners and national authorities, we are ensuring a seamless, safer and more connected journey for every visitor.' This marks the first government-led initiative in Abu Dhabi to introduce face recognition technology in partnership with hotels, highlighting a forward-looking approach to security and hospitality. The system is now in a pilot phase at a handful of select hotels in the emirate. The first phase of the full rollout will commence across five-star hotels in Abu Dhabi city, the Al Ain Region, and the Al Dhafra Region, followed later by a second phase targeting four-star hotels, with gradual expansion to all remaining hotel categories. DCT Abu Dhabi is working closely with hotels to ensure a smooth rollout of the system. This includes direct communication, detailed system briefings, and the provision of technical and training support. By streamlining check-in and check-out procedures, the technology also boosts operational efficiency and provides guests with a seamless, tech-enabled experience. The facial recognition system captures and analyses biometric data during guest check-in. The data is securely encrypted, retrieved from ICP and transmitted to a centralized database managed by DCT Abu Dhabi. In accordance with UAE cybersecurity and data privacy regulations. The data will be used exclusively for enhancing guest safety and streamlining hotel operations, while strictly adhering to legal and ethical standards. The cooperation agreement between DCT Abu Dhabi and ICP covers several strategic areas aimed at supporting digital transformation in Abu Dhabi's tourism sector. The agreement involves pilot projects, development of data protection mechanisms, and ensuring system integration between the two parties. The collaboration seeks to promote innovation, improve operational efficiency, and achieve the highest standards of cybersecurity and privacy, contributing to better tourism service quality and supporting the UAE's digitalisation efforts. About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi's wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate's position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate's potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture, creative and tourism industries. DCT Abu Dhabi's vision is defined by the emirate's people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi's status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.
Gulf News
29-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Abu Dhabi hotels to introduce facial recognition system
Dubai: Hotels in Abu Dhabi will have a 'face recognition system' for guests and employees, done to raise efficiency and safety across properties in the emirate. The first phase of the rollout will start at 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi city, the Al Ain Region, and the Al Dhafra Region, followed later by a second phase targeting four-star hotels, with gradual expansion to all remaining hotel categories. This was confirmed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and will be overseen through its Licensing & Regulatory Compliance Department. 'The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi's number one ranking globally in safety and security, holding the title of world's safest city in Numbeo's Safety Index for nine consecutive years,' said a statement. The face recognition system will enhance the guest verification processes and simplify procedures and significantly reduce check-in time. It was launched following a cooperation agreement between DCT Abu Dhabi and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). 'By working closely with ICP and our hotel partners and national authorities, we are ensuring a seamless, safer and more connected journey for every visitor,' said Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General for Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi. What the facial recognition system does The facial recognition system captures and analyses biometric data during guest check-in. The data is securely encrypted, retrieved from ICP and transmitted to a centralized database managed by DCT Abu Dhabi. The data will be used exclusively for enhancing guest safety and streamlining hotel operations, while strictly adhering to legal and ethical standards. First move on facial recognition This is the 'first government-led initiative in Abu Dhabi to introduce face recognition technology in partnership with hotels', according to the statement. It is in a pilot phase at a handful of select hotels in the emirate. 'DCT Abu Dhabi is working closely with hotels to ensure a smooth rollout of the system,' the statement added. 'This includes direct communication, detailed system briefings, and the provision of technical and training support.'
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
DCT Abu Dhabi launches emirate-wide face recognition system in hotels
UAE - The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), through its Licensing & Regulatory Compliance Department, is deploying a cutting-edge Face Recognition System to further elevate efficiency and safety across the emirate's hotels, for both guests and employees. The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi's number one ranking globally in safety and security, holding the title of World's Safest City in Numbeo's Safety Index for nine consecutive years. Unveiled during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, the Face Recognition System is designed to enhance guest verification processes, improve the overall guest experience, simplify procedures and significantly reduce check-in time. It has been launched following the signing of a cooperation agreement between DCT Abu Dhabi and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi, said: 'The integration of the Face Recognition System underscores our shared commitment to pioneering advancements in smart tourism. This initiative reflects our commitment to leveraging innovation to enhance the guest experience while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security for both guests and hospitality sector employees. By working closely with ICP and our hotel partners and national authorities, we are ensuring a seamless, safer and more connected journey for every visitor.' This marks the first government-led initiative in Abu Dhabi to introduce face recognition technology in partnership with hotels, highlighting a forward-looking approach to security and hospitality. The system is now in a pilot phase at a handful of select hotels in the emirate. The first phase of the full rollout will commence across five-star hotels in Abu Dhabi city, the Al Ain Region, and the Al Dhafra Region, followed later by a second phase targeting four-star hotels, with gradual expansion to all remaining hotel categories. DCT Abu Dhabi is working closely with hotels to ensure a smooth rollout of the system. This includes direct communication, detailed system briefings, and the provision of technical and training support. By streamlining check-in and check-out procedures, the technology also boosts operational efficiency and provides guests with a seamless, tech-enabled experience. The facial recognition system captures and analyses biometric data during guest check-in. The data is securely encrypted, retrieved from ICP and transmitted to a centralized database managed by DCT Abu Dhabi. In accordance with UAE cybersecurity and data privacy regulations. The data will be used exclusively for enhancing guest safety and streamlining hotel operations, while strictly adhering to legal and ethical standards. The cooperation agreement between DCT Abu Dhabi and ICP covers several strategic areas aimed at supporting digital transformation in Abu Dhabi's tourism sector. The agreement involves pilot projects, development of data protection mechanisms, and ensuring system integration between the two parties. The collaboration seeks to promote innovation, improve operational efficiency, and achieve the highest standards of cybersecurity and privacy, contributing to better tourism service quality and supporting the UAE's digitalisation efforts. - TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
