The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has introduced a new initiative called the Tourist Identity initiative. The scheme allows tourists to open digital bank accounts upon arriving in the UAE.
The scheme has been launched in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), aiming to reduce visitors’ reliance on cash transactions.
What Does the Tourist Identity Scheme Allow?
Upon entering the UAE, tourists can instantly open a digital bank account and access essential banking services, including digital debit cards. In a social media post, the Central Bank of the UAE stated that this is supported by advanced technologies, including biometrics and facial recognition.
Tourists can also use the UAE’s local Jaywan card to shop and pay securely, and make payments and transfers through the Aani system.
The scheme for tourists aligns with the Dubai Cashless Strategy, launched in 2024. It aims to make 90 per cent of all financial transactions in both the public and private sectors in Dubai cashless by the end of this year.
Overall, it is estimated to increase economic growth by more than AED 8 billion per year with innovative financial technology services.
Read more Dubai news and updates here.
