Within the framework of supporting the targets of Dubai's economic agenda D33 aimed at establishing the emirate's position as a global center for innovation and digital transformation, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, President of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai, has endorsed the digital hotel check-in technology to make it one of the main accredited channels in all Dubai hotels and holiday homes, providing a smart, fast, and secure arrival experience for local and international guests.
This initiative, developed by the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, was adopted after the technology proved its ability to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waiting time, and develop a more flexible hospitality system that responds to the requirements of the modern traveler.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, President of the Executive Council of Dubai, said: "Dubai continues to cement its leading position as a global center for innovation and an open laboratory for smart city experiments, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum 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 system characterized by efficiency and flexibility, based on digital solutions that enhance the comfort of 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 a fully 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, and fast experiences, and enhances the quality of life. This step reaffirms Dubai's position as a global destination for business and entertainment, and makes the guest experience a model to be emulated globally."
Integrated technology for a faster, simpler hospitality experience
The new technology allows guests and visitors from around the world to complete the check-in process before traveling via smartphones, by authenticating identity data, and registering biometric information just once, without the need to repeat these procedures in subsequent visits. Upon arrival at the hotel, the guest goes through a digital arrival path that does not require standing at reception desks, as the previously verified data is used securely, and is only re-requested when the validity of the identity expires.
In subsequent visits, only a quick biometric authentication is required, such as: verification through facial recognition to confirm entry within a few seconds, enhancing the comfort of visitors, particularly those who make frequent visits within 12 months of their previous trip and who constitute approximately a quarter of the total annual visits to the emirate, and improves the operational efficiency of hotels. This mechanism also aligns with Dubai's advanced technical infrastructure, including smart pathways at Dubai International Airport that have reduced the time for passport control to just a few seconds.
A significant advancement for the hospitality sector
On his part, His Excellency Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, said: "The new technology represents a significant leap for the hospitality sector in Dubai, and highlights our ability to employ smart solutions that enhance the emirate's global competitiveness. This step embodies the wise leadership's vision in supporting digital transformation, enhancing the quality of tourism services, and providing smooth experiences that remain in the visitors' memory."
His Excellency 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 Dubai's economic agenda D33, as well as supporting the emirate's efforts in enhancing its position as a global center for smart hospitality."
A globally leading hotel sector
The hospitality sector in Dubai is one of the main pillars of the tourism ecosystem, hosting 820 hotels and hotel apartments offering services and facilities of a global standard. The sector has also contributed to Dubai achieving unprecedented levels of success, having welcomed 15.70 million international visitors in the first ten months of 2025, representing a growth rate of about 5% compared to the same period last year, while the number of rooms booked reached 36.71 million rooms across various establishments in the emirate.
A visionary future
The adoption of digital check-in technology marks a strategic step in Dubai's digital transformation journey, confirming the emirate's commitment to continuing to develop smart services that enhance its position among the best global cities, and redefining the 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 the existing hotel applications and online platforms at the current hotel facilities, and it can also be used in many direct contact points with guests, such as car rentals, paving the way for providing a comprehensive and personalized tourism experience throughout the emirate.
