UAE launches Tourist Identity scheme enabling instant digital bank accounts for visitors
New system allows account setup within minutes using biometric verification
ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new digital banking solution for international visitors, marking a significant step in its broader push towards a fully integrated financial ecosystem.
Announced in Abu Dhabi, the initiative brings together the Central Bank, identity authorities and a leading commercial lender to streamline banking access for non-residents from the moment they arrive.
At the centre of the rollout is the “Tourist Identity” initiative, a system designed to provide visitors with a secure, verifiable digital identity. Developed using advanced biometric technologies, the platform enables tourists to open bank accounts instantly, eliminating traditional paperwork and reducing onboarding time to just minutes.
Digital access
The initiative has been launched through collaboration between the Central Bank of the UAE, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. Through integration between the identity authority’s platform and the bank’s mobile application, visitors can complete the entire account opening process digitally.
The #CentralBankUAE, in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, has announced the launch of digital bank account opening services through the Tourist Identity initiative. The service enables…
— Central Bank of the UAE (@centralbankuae) April 30, 2026
Once registered, users gain immediate access to essential financial services, including digital debit cards that can be used instantly. The system relies on biometric verification, including facial recognition, ensuring both speed and security in the onboarding process.
Authorities describe the initiative as a key milestone in the country’s digital transformation strategy, aimed at enhancing accessibility to financial services while maintaining robust security standards. By removing barriers for non-residents, the platform expands the reach of the UAE’s banking sector to a wider global audience.
Payment ecosystem
A central feature of the initiative is its integration with the UAE’s national payments infrastructure. Visitors who open accounts through the Tourist Identity system are connected directly to the domestic payment ecosystem, including the Jaywan card scheme and the Aani instant payment platform.
This connectivity enables seamless transactions across the country, supporting everyday spending without reliance on cash. It also aligns with national objectives to increase the adoption of digital payments and reduce dependence on physical currency.
Officials say the move strengthens consumer protection frameworks by operating within regulated financial channels, while also enhancing transparency and efficiency in transactions. The initiative is positioned as part of a broader effort to reinforce the UAE’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region and beyond.
Visitor experience
The Tourist Identity system is also designed to improve the overall visitor journey by simplifying access to services beyond banking. Built on the UAEKYC biometric identification framework, the platform allows various sectors to verify identities securely without requiring physical documents.
This approach enables faster service delivery across multiple touchpoints, supporting a more seamless and efficient experience for tourists during their stay. Authorities highlight that the system leverages artificial intelligence to enhance accuracy and reliability in identity verification.
Banking sector representatives note that the initiative aligns financial innovation with the UAE’s tourism ambitions, offering a more convenient and integrated experience for international visitors. By combining digital identity with instant financial access, the system supports a modern, technology-driven approach to service delivery.