- Dubai introduces contactless hotel check-in approved by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan
- Guests upload ID and biometric data via app before arrival to skip front desk waits
- Verification is done once; future stays only need facial recognition for access
Dubai is taking hospitality innovation to the next level. Travellers visiting the city can now skip waiting at hotel reception desks, thanks to a newly approved contactless check-in system. On Tuesday, December 16, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, approved the implementation of contactless check-in technology in the emirate, reported Khaleej Times. Traditionally, hotel check-ins involve handing over documents at the front desk and waiting for staff to complete formalities. The new system allows guests to complete verification on their phone before arrival, ensuring they head straight to their rooms without waiting.
The move aims to promote faster, safer, and more convenient stays, making Dubai an even more attractive destination for tech-savvy travellers.
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How The Contactless Check-In System Works
- Upload Documents: Before even reaching the hotel, guests can complete all check-in formalities through a dedicated app. This includes uploading identification documents and biometric details such as facial recognition data.
- One-Time Setup: The process only needs to be done once. After the initial upload, the information remains valid until the guest's ID expires, making future stays even simpler.
- Direct Room Access: When guests reach their hotel, there's no need to wait at the reception desk. They can head straight to their rooms, as verification is already complete.
- Enhanced Security: All uploaded data is securely stored, ensuring privacy and compliance with safety standards.
- Future Visits: For repeat stays, guests only need a quick facial recognition check, and there is no need to re-upload documents unless their ID has changed.
Citywide Roll-Out Across All Dubai Hotels
The contactless check-in is designed for easy integration into existing hotel apps or web platforms. The system is already operational at luxury properties like Address Downtown. More hotels and holiday homes across Dubai will adopt the technology soon, with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism overseeing the rollout.
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This digital initiative enhances safety, convenience, and operational efficiency, perfect for visitors seeking hassle-free stays. For frequent travellers, the one-time upload means future check-ins are almost instant, providing a seamless hospitality experience in Dubai.
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