Abu Dhabi-based developer behind the Yas Island’s main leisure attractions, Miral has launched ‘FacePass’, a contactless technology that enables visitors to enter and shop within the theme parks using facial recognition.
With this move, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi will be the first theme parks in the country to adopt this technology. This initiation is part of Miral’s digital transformation strategy for Yas Island.
After testing on about 300 people, FacePass was activated at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi. It is mainly intended to improve guest safety and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi CEO – Miral
“Miral is thrilled to be pioneering the adoption of the FacePass technology within the regional leisure and entertainment industry, and delivering on our promise of creating a world-class wall-less destination using the latest technology. Beyond the ‘wow’ factor, this kind of contactless technology is the future for all consumer-facing businesses. Not only does it save time and provide unrivaled convenience, it largely enhances guest safety and wellbeing through touchless interaction, ensuring world-class safety measures and ease of social distancing.”
According to Mr. Al Zaabi, the new function brings contactless transactions to the next level, as visitors who opt-in would be able to enter the parks and attractions as well as make purchases using facial recognition and other tools, such as mobile.
“Not only will this provide convenience and quick queue-free access, but the new technology will also eliminate the need to physically interact with turnstiles and points of sale, including those at dining and retail outlets, a measure that will undoubtedly contribute to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of guests,” he further added.
“You download the Yas Island mobile app, create your account and take a selfie. That way your facial features are saved in the app. The app is also linked to the parks’ ticketing systems. When you want to access the theme parks, you just purchase the tickets, come to the turnstile, look at the camera, and the turnstile will open for you,” said Ali Nimer, executive director of digital and technology at Miral.
The technology will be rolled out in Yas Island in phases. The company’s long-term goal is to integrate FacePass technology into all Yas Island assets, from access points for residential areas to retail destinations, restaurants, and bars, as per the Abu Dhabi developer.
