UAE to replace physical emirates ID cards with biometric digital identity
The biometric ID initiative is part of a wider strategic framework unveiled in August 2024 under the "Government Bureaucracy Elimination Plan." . PHOTO: PIXABAY
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The United Arab Emirates has announced plans to introduce a new digital identification system that will eliminate the need for physical Emirates ID cards, marking a major step in the country's digital transformation agenda.
According to Khaleej Time, the service set to be fully deployed within the next year, the system will use facial recognition and biometric technologies to allow secure access to government and private sector services across the nation. Developed in collaboration with strategic partners, the system will be accessible via a smart application and will complement existing identity infrastructure.
According to a statement issued by the relevant Authority in response to a query raised during a Federal National Council (FNC) session, the initiative is designed to enhance security, improve accuracy, and streamline service delivery.
The biometric identity platform is slated for adoption across multiple high-security sectors including government services, banking, telecommunications, healthcare, insurance, and hospitality—areas where accurate and secure identification is essential.
The Authority emphasized that the solution adheres to national data protection laws and risk management protocols, ensuring both technical and procedural integrity. It further noted that the transition to digital ID is being carried out in phased stages, starting with the digitisation of simple services, followed by the integration of more complex platforms.
'Digital identity is not just a tool — it's a gateway to better services, stronger security, and greater convenience for everyone,' the Authority stated.
The biometric ID initiative is part of a wider strategic framework unveiled in August 2024 under the "Government Bureaucracy Elimination Plan." A key element of this plan was the "Month of Eliminating Government Bureaucracy" campaign, aimed at engaging both government employees and the public in identifying and eliminating inefficiencies in service delivery.
Events were held across all Emirates, including in community councils, malls, and service centres, to collect citizen feedback and spark innovation. To further incentivise change, the Authority launched the Bureaucracy Elimination Award, open to employees, users, and partners, inviting ideas that streamline procedures and enhance service efficiency.
Positioning itself as a global leader in smart governance, the UAE aims to simplify life for its citizens, residents, and visitors by offering seamless and secure digital services. With biometric ID integration at the forefront, the country is reinforcing its long-term vision of delivering transparent, efficient, and citizen-centric governance.
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