Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank uses the UAE government Ministry of Interior’s Facial Recognition verification system to verify the account opener’s identity.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank has become the first bank in the UAE to verify a prospective customer’s identity at the time of account opening using the facial recognition verification system from the government’s Ministry of Interior.

UAE citizens and residents can now open a new account remotely and without having to make a physical visit to an ADIB branch. The “instant and highly secure verification” gives them instant access to banking services. (International Investment)

Using AI

“Together with MOI, we are enabling for the first time in the UAE, residents to open an instant digital account in a secure and seamless way,” said Sameh Awadallah, Head of ADIB’s Branch Network. “The use of facial recognition system is a key step for ADIB towards the implementation of emerging technologies based on Artificial Intelligence (AI).”

The MOI had been developing the facial recognition system for years in its drive to implement the most modern technologies in digital services.

“We are pleased to work with ADIB to provide digital solutions that enhance the digital agenda of the UAE,” said Ahmed Saeed Al Shamsi, head of the Artificial Intelligence Systems and Services Development Team at General Directorate of Security Support, UAE MOI. “This is in line with the Ministry of Interior’s efforts to enhance the efficiency of services, as well as support UAE banks in strengthening the security and safety of their digital services against threats of cybercrime.”

How it works

Facial recognition system service is currently available on the ADIB mobile banking app for account opening. To open an account, UAE residents should download the app and take the following steps:

• Take a personal photo
• Scan the passport
• Tap the Emirates ID card on the device for the app to read its data from the built-in chip using Near Field Communication (NFC)
• The tool will scan the user’s face, which will be matched against the ministry’s facial recognition system instantly.

Upon successful matching, ADIB will send an SMS-OTP to the user’s registered mobile number for verification, after which the user may create their preferred credentials.

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