The Central Bank of the UAE has introduced the region’s first biometric payment solution using facial and palm recognition, developed through its Sandbox Programme and Innovation Hub at the Emirates Institute of Finance in collaboration with Network International. The proof of concept is being demonstrated at the Dubai Land Department, enabling customers to make payments by authenticating their identity via face or palm biometrics without using physical cards or mobile devices. The solution is enabled by Network International and powered by PopID, and is framed as supporting the UAE Digital Economy Strategy and the development of a secure, inclusive and innovation-driven national payments ecosystem.
Central Bank of the UAE 2026-01-28
Central Bank of the UAE unveils region’s first palm and facial biometric payment solution in proof of concept
The Central Bank of the UAE has launched the region's first biometric payment solution using facial and palm recognition, developed through its Sandbox Programme and Innovation Hub in collaboration with Network International. This initiative supports the UAE Digital Economy Strategy by enabling secure, cardless payments and is being demonstrated at the Dubai Land Department.