Paying for everyday services in the UAE could soon be as simple as showing your face or palm.

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has introduced the region’s first biometric payment solution, allowing users to make payments using facial recognition or palm biometrics, without cards, cash, or mobile phones.

The new system is currently being tested in a pilot phase at the Dubai Land Department, where customers authenticate payments through biometric scans in a controlled environment.

How Biometric Payments Work

The pilot enables:

• Payments using face or palm recognition
• No need for physical cards or smartphones
• Faster, more secure transactions

The initiative is part of the CBUAE Sandbox Programme and Innovation Hub at the Emirates Institute of Finance, developed in collaboration with Network International and powered by PopID.

Focus on Security and User Experience

The Central Bank said the pilot is designed to assess security, efficiency, and operational readiness before any wider rollout. No timeline has yet been announced for expanding the system beyond the testing phase.

CBUAE officials say biometric payments could significantly enhance transaction security while improving customer convenience. Industry leaders also expect biometric technology to play a growing role in digital commerce and cashless payments globally.

A Step Towards Cashless Payments

The pilot reflects the UAE’s broader push towards financial innovation, smart services, and cashless payment systems, positioning the country at the forefront of next-generation payment technology in the region.

As the UAE prepares to launch its first-ever passenger rail service, Etihad Rail has shared a first look inside one of Abu Dhabi’s new passenger stations, along with its exact location.

In a post on X, Etihad Rail confirmed that the Abu Dhabi station is located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, near Mussaffah and opposite Dalma Mall. The site was selected based on demand, accessibility, and proximity to surrounding neighbourhoods, reflecting what the company described as a people-first approach to national infrastructure planning.

Modern, Passenger-Friendly Design

A video shared by Etihad Rail showcases the station’s sleek, modern interiors, featuring:

• Digital information displays
• Ticket barriers
• Easy, step-free access to platforms

The station is designed to offer a smooth, comfortable experience for passengers as rail travel officially arrives in the UAE.

Connecting the UAE by Rail

Earlier this month, Etihad Rail also unveiled a map of its full passenger network, which will span 11 stations across the country.

Set to launch later this year, the 900km passenger rail network will connect 11 cities across all seven emirates, with stations planned in:

• Al Sila
• Al Dhannah
• Al Mirfa
• Madinat Zayed
• Mezairaa
• Al Faya
• Dubai
• Al Dhaid (Sharjah)
• Fujairah

The initial route will link Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah, with further expansions planned throughout 2026.

Dubai Municipality has launched a global challenge to construct the world’s first residential villa built entirely using robotic construction systems, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global testbed for advanced building technologies.

The project will be delivered by a consortium of more than 25 local and international technology companies and academic institutions, led by Dubai Municipality. Officials say the initiative aims to develop scalable, next-generation construction models that boost productivity, sustainability, and quality.

The announcement was made during the launch of 04 ConTech Valley, Dubai’s new Construction Innovation and Research Centre, developed in partnership with Expo City Dubai.

Global ConTech Momentum

At the event, Dubai Municipality also unveiled the Global ConTech Report, which projects that global construction technology investment will exceed $30 billion by 2033, growing at 17.5% annually.

Key findings highlight:

• Labour shortages are a major global challenge
• Rising investment in robotics and additive manufacturing
• Rapid adoption of AI, robotics, prefabrication, and infrastructure technologies

Building a Stronger Innovation Ecosystem

Dubai Municipality also launched the ConTech Working Group, in collaboration with Dubai Chambers, bringing together government, developers, contractors, investors, researchers, and tech firms to accelerate innovation across the sector.

70–70 Strategy for 2030

Dubai also launched the 70–70 Strategy, aiming to shift 70% of construction to off-site manufacturing and achieve 70% factory automation by 2030, driving higher efficiency and sustainability.