New Payment Tech Uses Palm Reading

Palm ID, a new technology announced by the UAE, uses unique vein patterns in individuals’ palms for financial transactions. An effort by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) and the Central Bank of the UAE, the goal is to provide faster services across both public and private sectors.

Still undergoing trials, ‘Palm ID’ technology uses the map of each person’s palm veins to provide a highly secure identification method. Regulations are under development to ensure a smooth introduction to the public when making payments and withdrawing cash from ATMs with a mere scan of their palm.

Not only is Palm ID less intrusive than other types of identification methods, but it is also not sharable compared with credit card details. An Emirates ID will be available through the ICP platform, and palm biometrics will link to personal profiles.

A shift toward a cashless economy is important to  UAE Vision 2031.