Mastercard to deploy biometric tech for cashless payments at Expo 2020 Dubai

Mastercard has been named as the official payments technology partner of Expo 2020 Dubai. The partnership is part of a larger effort to provide personalized experiences to the 25 million expected visitors.

Girish Nanda, Mastercard’s general manager for the UAE and Oman, said the ultimate aim is to create “a cashless payments experience which is seamless, which is simple, and which is safe, so that the visitor can focus on and enjoy the Expo”.

As part of its partnership with Expo 2020, Mastercard will be deploying technologies including face and fingerprint recognition and augmented and virtual reality, as well as wearable and contactless payment solutions and voice shopping.

“Our own research shows that users are looking for new ways to pay. They’re optimistic about digital payments. They want the flexibility to pay with any device,” Nanda added. “But equally important is the safety and security of personal information.”

Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau, added, “World Expos have always offered people their first experience of technologies that will go on to change their everyday lives.

“In the future, people will grow to expect seamless experiences whenever they make a payment. Our partnership with Mastercard will not only make cashless payments easier for our visitors, but also allow them to try new and exciting innovations that enhance and become part of their Expo experience.”

In May Mastercard rolled out a remote enrollment solution for biometric payment cards.

Article Topics

biometric cards  |  facial recognition  |  fingerprint biometrics  |  Mastercard  |  Middle East  |  payments