Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Jan 27: The United Arab Emirates has taken a bold step toward reshaping everyday payments by launching the Middle East’s first biometric payment pilot, enabling people to pay using facial recognition or palm scans rather than cash, cards, or mobile phones. Introduced by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), the initiative positions the country among a small group of global frontrunners exploring secure, password-free and device-free payment technologies.

Unveiled as part of the Central Bank’s regulatory Sandbox Programme, the proof-of-concept system was recently demonstrated at the Dubai Land Department. Developed in collaboration with Network International and US-based biometrics firm PopID, the project aims to make transactions faster and more seamless while significantly enhancing security. By eliminating the need for physical payment tools, the UAE is reinforcing its ambition to become a global centre for financial innovation and a leading digital-first economy.

Network International CEO Murat Cagri Suzer described biometric payments as the next phase of digital commerce, highlighting their ability to combine speed, convenience, and strong security. He said the initiative supports the UAE’s broader push to modernise its financial ecosystem and strengthen its position on the global fintech map.

The technology works by using a person’s unique physical traits—such as facial features or palm patterns—to verify identity and approve payments. At the point of sale, a biometric scan is captured and securely matched with an encrypted template on record. Once verified, the transaction is authorised instantly, reducing risks linked to stolen cards, lost phones, or compromised authentication codes. For consumers and businesses alike, the experience is designed to be smooth, quick, and highly secure.

This biometric payments pilot is part of a wider transformation underway in the UAE’s financial sector. Earlier in 2026, the Central Bank directed banks to phase out SMS-based one-time passwords for online transactions, pushing the industry toward biometric and app-based authentication. Major lenders, including Emirates NBD, ADIB and FAB, have since adopted face and fingerprint recognition within their mobile platforms to counter threats such as SIM-swapping and phishing.

By extending biometric verification from digital banking into everyday payments, the UAE is building a more resilient and future-ready financial framework. The approach mirrors global trends, with international payment networks such as Mastercard and Visa rolling out biometric authentication tools, including passkeys and FIDO-based solutions, to replace traditional passwords and improve online payment security.

Although still in its pilot phase, the successful demonstration of biometric payments has sparked expectations of a wider rollout. If implemented at scale, the system could transform retail transactions, public services, and government payments, moving the UAE closer to a fully cardless and device-free economy.

With regulatory support, technological partnerships, and a strong focus on consumer protection, the initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to innovation. As adoption grows and the technology matures, observers expect other countries in the region—and beyond—to closely follow the UAE’s lead, accelerating the global shift toward biometric authentication in finance.