Abu Dhabi’s Miral introduces facial recognition at Yas Island theme parks

Miral, the developer behind the main attractions at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, has launched FacePass, a contactless technology that allows visitors to enter and shop within Yas Island’s theme parks using facial recognition.

Aimed at enhancing guest safety and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, FacePass was activated at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

Ali Nimer, Executive Director of Digital and Technology at Miral, explained that the technology has been introduced “to connect the physical and digital identities of our guests”.

Linked to each of the attractions' ticketing systems, FacePass means guest won’t need to use their hands while entering.

Nimer explained that guests need to “download the Yas Island mobile app, create their account and take a selfie. That way their facial features are saved in the app.

“When they want to access the theme parks, they just purchase the tickets, come to the turnstile, look at the camera, and the turnstile will open. The new technology eliminates the need to physically interact with turnstiles.”

With guests also able make contactless payments at select shops and restaurants within the theme parks, Nimer added “the cashier will ask if the guest wants to pay using FacePass and when the guest smiles at the camera and the transaction is made.”

After being tested on more than 250 people, the technology is being rolled out across Yas Island in phases, with a long-term goal to integrate FacePass technology into all Yas Island assets, from access points for residential areas to retail destinations, restaurants and bars.

Explaining this strategy Miral Chief Executive, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi advised “Yas Theme Parks are the first in the region to implement complete contactless access and payment solutions.

“This cutting-edge functionality is in line with our digital transformation strategy, and a testament to achieving our vision of positioning Yas Island as a top global destination for entertainment, leisure and business.”

Images show FacePass in use at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi.