UAE central bank pilots facial, palm biometric payments in Dubai

The Central Bank of the UAE has launched a pilot project to test biometric payments using facial and palm recognition, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Middle East.

The pilot is being implemented through the central bank’s Sandbox Programme and Innovation Hub at the Emirates Institute of Finance, in partnership with payments firm Network International.

Under the system, customers can complete payments by verifying their identity through facial or palm biometrics, eliminating the need for physical cards or mobile devices. The proof-of-concept is currently being demonstrated at the Dubai Land Department, where users can authenticate transactions by scanning their face or palm.

The solution is enabled by Network International and powered by PopID, a technology provider specialising in biometric identity verification.

The central bank said the initiative aligns with the UAE Digital Economy Strategy and broader efforts to develop a secure and inclusive national payments system.

Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, assistant governor for banking operations and support services at the central bank and vice chairman of the board of the Emirates Institute of Finance, said the pilot reflects the regulator’s focus on digital transformation and innovation in payments infrastructure.

Murat Cagri Suzer, group chief executive of Network International, said the company is working with the central bank to support the development of next-generation payment solutions.

The central bank said no timeline has been set for a wider rollout, adding that the current phase is focused on testing the technology under controlled conditions before any potential expansion.