A partnership between three government and financial entities is enabling visitors to the UAE to access banking services from the moment they land, without paperwork or a branch visit.
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, the Central Bank of the UAE, and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security jointly launched the “Tourist Identity” initiative on Wednesday, allowing non-resident visitors to open digital bank accounts within minutes through a fully automated process.
The system is built on biometric and facial recognition technology. When a visitor arrives in the UAE, ICP issues them a Tourist Identity — a digital identification that is then linked to ADCB’s mobile banking app, giving users immediate access to banking services, including a digital debit card.
ADCB Group CEO Ala’a Eraiqat said the bank’s involvement is tied to aligning financial innovation with the UAE’s growing tourism sector and strengthening the country’s standing as a global financial hub.
While non-residents were previously able to open certain UAE bank accounts, the process required extensive documentation. The new model replaces that with an official digital identity-led system.
Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at the CBUAE, described the initiative as a bridge between visitors and the UAE’s national payment infrastructure, including the Jaywan card scheme and the Aani instant payment platform.
“The initiative contributes to enhancing ease of doing business and delivering an integrated and secure banking experience for visitors from the moment they arrive in the UAE,” Al Dhaheri said.
Major General Suhail Juma Al Khaili, Acting Director General of Citizenship at ICP, said the platform is designed to let multiple sectors serve visitors seamlessly through advanced identification technologies.
Authorities said the initiative is part of a broader push to expand financial inclusion and reduce dependence on cash transactions across the UAE.
