UAE banks drop SMS OTPs and switch to biometric verification: what it means for your banking app
Phasing out SMS OTPs
As of 25 July 2025, the UAE Central Bank started implementing a gradual cancellation of One-Time Passwords sent via SMS or email. The move is part of a broader strategy to replace these older verification methods with more advanced authentication mechanisms.
Biometric verification now required
The new system relies on smart applications specific to each bank, which use facial and iris recognition to verify a customer’s identity. Users who have not yet enrolled in this biometric verification are finding their banking app access suspended until they complete the process.
What this means for banking app access
The transition aims to enhance security and reduce the risk of fraud, particularly from phishing attacks that target SMS OTPs. Customers are advised to follow their bank’s instructions to set up biometric verification and avoid disruption to their mobile banking services.
