Virgin Mobile UAE Launches Facial Recognition eSIM System for Tourist Arrivals

Virgin Mobile UAE has implemented a new facial recognition system for eSIM activation, offering tourists immediate mobile connectivity upon arrival in the United Arab Emirates. The system enables visitors to activate their eSIM directly after clearing immigration or Smart Gates at UAE airports, eliminating the need to visit physical stores.

Dubai’s tourism sector has seen significant activity, with over 11.93 million overnight visitors recorded between January and August of this year. The new eSIM activation system aims to serve this growing visitor base with enhanced digital services, complementing the emirate’s broader initiatives to digitize tourist experiences through biometric technology.

The fully digital process integrates with existing immigration procedures, allowing tourists to purchase and activate their mobile service immediately upon arrival. This integration uses the same facial recognition infrastructure that powers Dubai International Airport’s biometric passenger screening system, which has been operational since 2023.

“At Virgin Mobile UAE, we’re committed to transforming the mobile experience with smart, customer-first technology,” said Rob Beswick, Managing Director at Virgin Mobile UAE. “This initiative makes it possible for tourists to explore the UAE with seamless connectivity right from the airport, allowing them to stay connected with loved ones, navigate the city, and make the most of their visit.”

The facial recognition technology serves as an identity verification method, streamlining the traditionally manual process of SIM card activation. This development is in line with UAE’s broader digital transformation initiatives in the telecommunications sector, following the country’s implementation of advanced digital identity systems for government services and financial transactions.

The service operates alongside existing tourist connectivity options from other UAE carriers, including Etisalat by e& and du, which offer various data packages and temporary SIM solutions.

Sources: Arabian Business

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December 17, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith

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