Khaberni - Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Defense Minister, Chairman of the Executive Council for the Emirate of Dubai, adopted the digital hotel check-in technology.
This comes as part of supporting the targets of Dubai's Economic D33 Agenda aiming to establish the emirate as a global hub for innovation and digital transformation.
The technology will become one of the main channels adopted in all Dubai hotels and holiday homes, offering a smart, quick, and safe check-in experience for both local and international guests.
The adoption of this initiative, developed by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, comes after proving its ability to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waiting time, and develop a more flexible hospitality ecosystem that responds to the requirements of modern travelers.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated: "Dubai continues to consolidate its pioneering position as a global center for innovation and as an open lab for smart city experiments, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in building an urban model capable of competing globally.
The adoption of digital check-in technology in the hospitality sector is part of our ongoing efforts to develop a tourism ecosystem characterized by efficiency and flexibility, based on digital solutions that enhance the comfort of Dubai's visitors from around the world and support the growth of the tourism sector as a mainstay of the national economy."
He added: "The transition towards an integrated digital hospitality system reflects Dubai's vision for the cities of the future and embodies our commitment to building an urban environment that leverages technology to create creative, safe, quick experiences and enhances the quality of life. This step reaffirms Dubai's position as a global destination for business and leisure, making the guests' experience a globally acclaimed standard."
The new technology allows guests and visitors from around the world to complete the check-in process before traveling via smartphones by documenting identity data and registering biometric information only once, eliminating the need to repeat these procedures in subsequent visits. Upon arrival at the hotel, the guest passes through a digital pathway that does not require standing at reception desks, as the previously authenticated data is used securely and only requested again upon the expiration of the identity.
In subsequent visits, only a quick biometric authentication, such as facial recognition, is needed to confirm entry within seconds, which enhances visitor comfort, especially those making frequent visits within 12 months of their previous trip, and who make up nearly a quarter of the total annual visits to the emirate. This mechanism is also consistent with the advanced technical infrastructure in Dubai, including the smart pathways at Dubai International Airport which have reduced passport control processing to just a few seconds.
Meanwhile, Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, said: "The new technology represents a qualitative leap for the hospitality sector in Dubai, and highlights our ability to employ smart solutions that enhance the emirate's global competitiveness. This step is a manifestation of our wise leadership's vision in supporting digital transformation, improving the quality of tourism services, and providing smooth experiences that stay in the memory of visitors."
He added: "This initiative reflects the close cooperation between the public and private sectors and confirms Dubai's readiness to implement innovative solutions that align with the targets of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, as well as supporting the emirate's efforts in enhancing its position as a global center for smart hospitality."
The hospitality sector in Dubai is one of the main pillars in the tourism ecosystem, and the emirate hosts 820 hotels and serviced apartments offering world-class services and facilities. The sector has contributed to Dubai reaching unprecedented levels of success, welcoming 15.70 million international visitors in the first ten months of 2025, with a growth rate of about 5% compared to the same period last year, while the number of booked rooms reached 36.71 million rooms in various hotel facilities across the emirate.
Adopting digital check-in technology is a strategic step in Dubai's digital transformation journey, reaffirming the emirate's commitment to continuing to develop smart services that enhance its status among the best global cities, and redefining tourism and hospitality experience through innovative solutions that reflect Dubai's vision for the future.
It is worth noting that the new technology is designed to be seamlessly integrated into existing hotel applications and electronic platforms at current hospitality facilities and can also be used in many direct touchpoints with guests, such as car rentals, paving the way for providing a comprehensive and personalized tourism experience throughout the emirate.
