Latest news with #AdnanHamadAlHammadi
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
UAE motor insurance premiums rise by 40%; lawmaker demands reforms
Motor insurance premiums in the UAE have surged by more than 40 per cent in some cases, prompting the Federal National Council (FNC) to question insurers' pricing practices and limited coverage options, especially for electric vehicles (EVs). During a council session on Wednesday, FNC member Adnan Hamad Al Hammadi called on the Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Mohammed Al Hussaini, to clarify what steps are being taken to regulate the sector. He pointed to rising costs, reduced benefits, and mounting concerns from younger drivers and EV owners who are either being charged significantly higher rates or denied comprehensive coverage altogether. 'Insurance has become an additional financial burden,' Al Hammadi said, noting that some companies are charging double for third-party cover and imposing deductibles of up to 15 per cent. The Central Bank of the UAE, which oversees the insurance sector, responded in writing, stating that all companies must operate within a unified pricing framework that includes both minimum and maximum rate thresholds. It confirmed that a standardised policy document is in place across the market to ensure consistency in basic coverage. The regulator added that discounts of up to 25 per cent are permitted for electric or natural gas-powered vehicles, depending on factors such as risk and operational costs. However, it acknowledged that insurers face several technical and logistical challenges when it comes to EVs. Among them, high repair costs, limited availability of spare parts, especially batteries, and a shortage of certified service centres are the major ones. Many EV models sold in the UAE also lack official dealerships or warranty coverage, particularly those bought through independent showrooms. The central bank cited the 2024 flooding as a key example of risk, where water-damaged EVs were often written off entirely. It also pointed to a lack of long-term performance data for electric vehicles, which has led some insurers to adopt more conservative pricing strategies. Al Hammadi questioned whether exceptional weather events should justify sustained price hikes. 'These are rare seasonal incidents that should not affect individual premiums or driver records,' he argued. He also flagged the practice of reducing a vehicle's insured value at renewal, which could leave policyholders at a disadvantage in the event of a total loss. Younger drivers, particularly those under 30, are also facing access issues. Despite the legal driving age being lowered from 18 to 17, some insurers have declined to provide cover for drivers in this age group — raising concerns about inclusivity and alignment with national policies. 'These gaps directly impact EV adoption and exclude a large segment of young drivers,' Al Hammadi said, calling for updates to the unified insurance document to better regulate pricing, improve access, and align with the UAE's clean energy goals.
Gulf News
18-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
UAE Emirates ID biometric tech to use your face as your ID: What you need to know
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has announced plans to phase out the use of physical Emirates ID cards, unveiling a new biometric identification system that uses facial recognition technology to identify residents. Here's an explainer on how the ambitious project will work – and what it means for you. What is the UAE doing with Emirates ID cards? The UAE is introducing advanced biometric systems using facial recognition, which could soon eliminate the need to carry a physical Emirates ID. This tech is already successfully tested and is expected to fully roll out across sectors within the next year. Who is behind this project? The initiative comes from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), working with strategic tech partners. Who made the announcement? The announcement was made in a written response to the Federal National Council (FNC), addressing a question from Dr Adnan Hamad Al Hammadi, a member of the Council, about the promotion and implementation of electronic identity solutions to enhance service efficiency. How does it work? Your face is your new ID. These systems use artificial intelligence (AI) and facial recognition to verify your identity through the ICP's smart app. That means secure, instant identification – without needing to show your physical card. Where will it be used? The biometric ID is set to be used across sectors where security and ID checks are vital, including government services, banks, telecom providers, healthcare, hospitality, insurance etc. Is this system safe and private? Yes, the ICP has confirmed that the system follows strict national data protection laws and risk management protocols, ensuring your personal data is secure. Why is the UAE making this change? It is all part of the country's digital transformation strategy – reducing paperwork, streamlining services, and enhancing convenience for residents and visitors alike. What is the timeline? The transition is already underway, starting with basic services. More complex processes are being added in phases, with full rollout targeted within the next year. What about the Emirates ID card – is it gone for good? Not immediately. While the biometric system is designed to complement the Emirates ID card and eventually replace the physical card. Both systems may run in parallel during the transition.
Gulf Insider
17-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
UAE Develops Biometric Tech To Replace Physical Emirates ID Cards
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has confirmed the development and successful testing of advanced biometric identification systems that eliminate the need for physical Emirates ID cards. According to the Authority, these advanced systems, built in collaboration with strategic partners, utilise facial recognition and artificial intelligence technologies, accessible via its smart application. These solutions are designed to complement existing identity systems while enhancing security, accuracy, and convenience across sectors. Target sectors The biometric ID systems, powered by cutting-edge technology, are designed to be adopted across key sectors such as government, banking, telecommunications, healthcare, hospitality, and insurance industries where precise and secure customer identification is critical. These systems apply high standards of technical and procedural verification, while complying with national data protection laws and risk management frameworks. The announcement was made in a written response to the Federal National Council (FNC), addressing a question from Dr. Adnan Hamad Al Hammadi, a member of the Council, about the promotion and implementation of electronic identity solutions to enhance service efficiency. Strategic roll-out According to the Authority, the deployment of digital identity solutions is being executed in carefully planned phases. The transition began with the digitisation of simple services to provide immediate benefits to users. More complex services are now being integrated to ensure a smooth and comprehensive shift toward a fully digital ecosystem. The Authority noted that the full-scale roll-out of these systems across all sectors is expected to be completed within the next year, with initial focus on services mentioned in the FNC inquiry. Strategic partnerships are being pursued with leading organisations to incorporate the biometric systems into their platforms, reinforcing the UAE's commitment to global digital leadership. 'Digital identity is not just a tool — it's a gateway to better services, stronger security, and greater convenience for everyone,' the Authority stated. Eliminating bureaucracy As part of its broader digital transformation strategy, the Authority also launched a set of initiatives under the 'Government Bureaucracy Elimination Plan' in August 2024. The flagship campaign, The Month of Eliminating Government Bureaucracy, was designed to raise awareness and spark innovation among government employees and the public. The initiative included outreach activities at community councils, shopping malls, and service centres throughout all Emirates, inviting citizens and residents to participate in identifying inefficiencies and proposing practical solutions. Bureaucracy Elimination Award In line with this campaign, the Bureaucracy Elimination Award was introduced to incentivise innovation within the government sector. Open to all Authority employees, users, and partners, the award encourages the submission of ideas aimed at simplifying procedures and improving service delivery. Future vision Reaffirming the UAE's position as a pioneer in smart governance, the Authority highlighted its ongoing efforts to simplify the lives of citizens, residents, and visitors through seamless digital services. The integration of biometric ID systems and the commitment to bureaucratic reform reflect the nation's forward-thinking approach to governance and service excellence.
