UAE tests making retail payments using facial, palm recognition

Shoppers in the UAE may soon be able to check out their purchases with a wink or a wave.

A pilot program by the Central Bank is introducing both facial and palm recognition to replace cards and credit cards.

The system was developed through the bank’s Sandbox Program and Innovation Hub, making the UAE the first Middle East country to employ biometric payments.

Backed by Network International in Dubai and U.S.-based PopID, the project is currently in a proof-of-concept phase and being demonstrated at offices of the Dubai Land Department.