UAE Launches Tourist Identity Initiative, Enabling Instant Digital Bank Accounts for Visitors

The UAE Central Bank, in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), has introduced the Tourist Identity initiative. This program allows visitors to access banking services and digital debit cards immediately upon arrival in the UAE.

Overview of the Tourist Identity Initiative

Announced on April 30, the Tourist Identity initiative aims to streamline banking for non-resident visitors. Through this initiative, tourists can open digital bank accounts quickly and securely, enhancing their financial experience while in the UAE.

Upon arrival, tourists receive a trusted digital identity, supported by advanced technologies such as biometrics and facial recognition. The integration of ICP’s platform with ADCB’s mobile banking application facilitates a fully digital experience, enabling visitors to open bank accounts within minutes and gain immediate access to essential banking services, including digital debit cards.

The initiative also connects tourists to the national payment ecosystem, which includes Jaywan, the UAE’s domestic card scheme. This allows users to make payments via local debit and pre-paid cards, benefiting from lower costs for e-payment transactions with local merchants. Additionally, tourists can utilize Aani, an instant digital payment platform launched by the Central Bank and operated by Al Etihad Payments, allowing for quick money transfers across the UAE using the recipient’s mobile number, email address, or QR code.

This initiative aligns with the UAE’s cashless strategy, which aims to transition all payments in the city to digital formats, thereby reducing reliance on cash transactions and enhancing consumer protection frameworks.

Eligibility Criteria for ADCB’s Instant Tourist Account

To apply for a tourist bank account at ADCB, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• Applicants must be 18 years or older.
• A valid tourist or visit visa is required (96-hour visas and transit visas are not eligible).
• A valid passport is necessary to open the account.
• Applicants must be physically present in the UAE at the time of account opening.

Key Features of ADCB’s Instant Tourist Account

Understanding the features of ADCB’s Instant Tourist Account is crucial before applying. The account offers the following benefits:

• It is a savings account available only in Dirhams.
• There is no minimum balance required to open the account.
• The account is digital-only, allowing users to access banking services, raise service requests, and submit complaints through the ADCB mobile banking app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
• A digital debit card is issued by default and can be activated through the ADCB app.
• For those requiring a physical debit card, requests can be made via uBank, ADCB’s digital banking center, which operates through smart kiosks, subject to applicable issuance fees.
• The debit card can be used within the UAE for ATM withdrawals, point-of-sale purchases, online payments, and in supported digital wallets.
• International transfers are supported through a registered international account under the user’s name.
• While the Instant Tourist Account is active, users are not eligible to open, hold, or apply for any other ADCB banking or financial products.

Key Considerations Before Applying

Before applying for the Instant Tourist Account, potential users should be aware of the following considerations:

• A monthly maintenance fee of Dh25 is applicable, which can be waived with a minimum balance of Dh2,500.
• Users must register one international account under their name for international transfers.
• The Instant Tourist Account is available for a limited period during the visitor’s stay in the UAE, subject to certain conditions:
  • International transfers and any remaining balance upon account closure will be credited only to the registered international account, where applicable.
  • If a UAE residence visa is obtained, the Instant Tourist Account must be closed, and a new account opened based on eligibility.
  • Conversion of the Instant Tourist Account to another account type is not permitted.
  • The Instant Tourist Account cannot be opened as a joint account.

How to Apply for an Instant Tourist Account

To apply for an Instant Tourist Account, follow these steps:

1. Download the ‘ADCB’ mobile banking app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Tap on ‘New to ADCB? Start your journey’.
3. Select ‘Accounts’ and choose the account type: ‘ADCB Instant Tourist Account’.
4. Scan your passport via the app and perform biometric verification. Fill in your personal details.
5. A digital debit card will be instantly activated for use in the app.

For more details, visit the source: www.emirates247.com.

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Published on 2026-05-17 08:44:00 • By the Editorial Desk