Arab News
Khaleej times, Thu, May 15, 2025 | Dhu al-Qadah 17, 1446
No more Emirates ID cards? UAE to launch digital ID system using facial recognition
Emirates:
The UAE is set to roll out an
alternative digital identification system that will eliminate the need to
present physical Emirates ID cards to access key services. The system, expected
to launch within a year, will use facial recognition and biometric
identification to streamline service access across various sectors.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship,
Customs, and Port Security (ICP) is currently working to expand the use
of e-Emirates IDs in sectors such as banking, healthcare, hospitality, and
telecommunications.
This came during a Federal National Council (FNC)
session, where member Adnan Al Hammadi raised concerns over the continued
requirement for physical Emirates ID cards cards, despite the country’s
significant strides in digital transformation.
Al Hammadi noted that this requirement continues
to pose challenges for residents. Patients still need to present physical ID
cards to access healthcare services, while banks demand them for financial
transactions. Additionally, hotel guests are often unable to check in without
showing their original Emirates ID.
“There is an urgent need for fast, effective
solutions to streamline identity verification in these essential sectors,” he
said.
Responding on behalf of the ICP, Minister of State
for Federal National Council Affairs, Abdul Rahman Al Owais, confirmed that
e-Emirates ID has already been successfully implemented across many services. He
added that the authority will prioritise expanding its use in the sectors
highlighted by the FNC.
The authority earlier launched the face
recognition service during GITEX 2021 for UAEPASS app which is the first secure
national digital identity for citizens and residents that enables them to access
to many services.
One of these services is requesting a digital
version of their official documents including e-Emirates ID, the electronic
version of your physical Emirates ID card which stored securely on phone through
government apps like UAEPASS or ICP UAE.
According to ICP, the new system, which will be
facilitated via the UAEPASS app, will have challenges related to identity
verification. Collaboration with various partners will help develop and test
advanced biometric identification systems, while also encouraging key partners
from all sectors to adopt these technologies within the authority's systems.
The authority follows a clear approach that
ensures it complies with laws and data protection standards to build trust and
maintain the benefits of its smart services for all users.