CBUAE (Central Bank of the UAE) has launched the region’s first-of-its-kind biometric payment solution, using facial and palm recognition to advance a secure and innovation-driven payments ecosystem.
The initiative has been introduced through the CBUAE’s Sandbox Program and Innovation Hub at the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF), in collaboration with Network International, a leading fintech across the Middle East and Africa.
Currently in its Proof-of-Concept phase, the initiative is being demonstrated at the Dubai Land Department, an entity under the Dubai Government, where customers can make seamless and secure payments by authenticating their identity through facial or palm biometrics.
This approach eliminates the need for physical cards or mobile devices, enhancing convenience and efficiency. The cutting-edge solution is enabled by Network International and powered by PopID, leveraging advanced biometric authentication technology.
Saif Al Dhaheri Assistant Governor- Banking Operations and Support Services – CBUAE
“The CBUAE reaffirms its commitment to driving innovation and supporting the nation’s digital transformation. The introduction of biometric payment solutions represents a strategic step to delivering more secure and seamless payment experiences, setting new benchmarks for trust and convenience in financial transactions, while aligning with the UAE’s vision of building a world-leading, innovation-driven digital economy.”
Murat Cagri Suzer, Group Chief Executive Officer, Network International, said that, “Network International is proud to lead the way in facilitating biometric payments, working closely with the CBUAE to build a future-ready payments ecosystem. Biometric payments represent the next frontier in digital commerce, combining convenience, security, and efficiency. We thank the Central Bank of the UAE for their visionary leadership and trusted partnership as we advance the UAE’s position as a global hub for financial innovation and a digital-first economy.”
