Latest news with #Dhs1.4
Time Out Dubai
4 days ago
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
The UAE's Emirates ID might be changing soon – here's how
That little Emirates ID card you carry around in your wallet? It might be on its way out – or at least, headed for a serious digital upgrade. Known for being one step above the rest, the UAE has futuristic plans to phase out the need to physically present your Emirates ID when accessing key services. Instead, biometric tech like facial recognition and digital verification through your phone will do all the work. The new system – spearheaded by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) – is expected to roll out within the next year. And it could be a game-changer for everything from hospital visits to hotel check-ins. The new e-Emirates ID system Currently, despite all the tech advances in the UAE, you still need to flash your original Emirates ID card to do quite a few things – like open a bank account, check into a hotel, or access healthcare. But not for long. Enter: the upgraded e-Emirates ID system. How will it work? The ICP is expanding the use of digital Emirates IDs via the UAEPASS app – a government-backed platform that already allows users to request digital versions of official documents. The next step? Making facial recognition and biometric authentication the norm. Instead of handing over a card, you'll soon be able to verify your identity just by looking at a screen. The plan is to integrate this across a wide range of sectors – think banking, healthcare, telecoms and hospitality. You might also like: You won't believe what your Emirates ID chip knows about you Wait, haven't we seen this before? Sort of. The UAE introduced facial recognition services through the UAEPASS app back in 2021, during GITEX. Since then, the tech has slowly been rolled out across select services. But now, the ICP wants to take things further, encouraging partners across industries to adopt the new system and make it universal. Minister of State for FNC Affairs, Abdul Rahman Al Owais, confirmed that e-Emirates IDs are already in use for several services. The focus now is on speeding up adoption, ironing out challenges and expanding digital identity use across all key sectors. What about privacy? Naturally, when biometric data is involved, people want to know how their information is being protected. The ICP says it's following strict laws and data protection standards to ensure trust and security for all users. So while you may be trading your card for a camera scan, your personal data should still be safe and sound. This could be the beginning of the end for physical Emirates IDs – at least when it comes to using them for everyday services. The transition won't happen overnight, but it's well underway. So, if you haven't downloaded the UAEPASS app yet, now might be a good time. More Dubai news Dubai commits Dhs1.4 Billion to major flood-prevention project The city is working hard to fight flooding Dubai's Mall of the Emirates to undergo *huge* expansion — here's what to expect You're going to see some big changes 18 renamed Dubai Metro stations (and their true meanings explained) A full breakdown
What's On
14-04-2025
- Business
- What's On
Dubai begins storm water drainage projects
It's worth a whopping Dhs1.4 billion to deal with Dubai storms… Dubai has awarded the contracts for a new project to deal with storm water. The 'Tasreef' project will add more than 36 km of new drainage lines around the city, mitigating flood risks and enhancing the efficiency of existing drainage, especially for water from storms in Dubai. In line with the aim of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to develop strategic and future-ready infrastructure, Dubai Municipality has announced the Dhs1.439 billion contract for four major projects under the 'Tasreef' project to develop, rehabilitate, and expand Dubai's stormwater drainage network. The projects will serve key areas across the emirate including Nad Al Hamar, the vicinity of Dubai International Airport, Al Garhoud, Al Rashidiya, Al Quoz, Zabeel, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, and Al Badaa. The 'Tasreef' project was officially announced last June and is worth an estimated total cost of Dhs30 billion, is the largest of its kind in Dubai and is designed to be scalable over the next century. The project also aims to reduce the cost of construction, operation, and maintenance of stormwater stations by 20 per cent, while increasing the lifespan of Dubai's stormwater infrastructure. The works are designed to provide sustainable and innovative solutions to mitigate flooding risks during Dubai storms, enhance the efficiency of existing networks, and improve overall service levels. More than 36 kilometres of new drainage lines will be constructed, linking to the main Tasreef tunnel, which will ultimately connect drainage systems across the emirate. The network's total drainage capacity in the target areas will increase significantly, which will reduce operating and maintenance costs while providing higher service standards to residents and businesses. Images: Archive > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Gulf Today
08-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
RAK Properties net profit up 32 per cent to Dhs280m
RAK Properties, Ras Al Khaimah's leading publicly listed property developer, has announced its consolidated financial results for 2024, highlighting strong growth and strategic advancements that set the stage for transformational expansion in 2025. RAK Properties recorded a 40 per cent year-on-year (YoY) revenue increase, reaching Dhs1.4 billion, up from Dhs1 billion in 2023. Profit before tax surged 52 per cent to Dhs308 million compared to Dhs202 million in the previous year, while net profit rose 32 per cent to Dhs280 million. Total assets grew by 24 per cent to AED8.01 billion as of 31st December 2024, up from Dhs6.46 billion at the end of 2023, with total equity reaching Dhs5.53 billion. Strong sales across residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, alongside disciplined cost management, contributed to this growth. Recurring revenue from hospitality, retail, and leasing assets added Dhs261 million, reinforcing financial stability and long-term profitability. Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Zaabi, Chairman of RAK Properties, said, 'RAK Properties has delivered another outstanding year of financial growth, reflecting the strength of our vision and stakeholder confidence. Our robust balance sheet and performance highlight the continued demand for high-quality developments in Ras Al Khaimah and our ability to anticipate market needs.' 'As we enter 2025, we are embarking on a transformative phase, led by the unveiling of the Mina masterplan - Ras Al Khaimah's most sought-after island living community.'
Gulf Today
08-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Mohammed Bin Rashid reviews progress of Dhs1.4 billion housing project for Emiratis
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed the progress of the Sheikh Rashid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Housing Project for Citizens in the Wadi Al Amardi area in Dubai. The project features 672 villas under construction at a total cost of Dhs1.4 billion, in addition to endowment markets, a mosque, a public park, and service facilities designed to meet the needs of Emirati families. The new residential project is directly overseen by Her Highness Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It was named in memory of the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The project supports the Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Programme, launched by her to promote the well-being of Emirati families in Dubai. The programme aims to enhance family stability and cohesion, reinforce community values, improve quality of life, provide a stimulating social environment, and support work-life balance. Sheikh Mohammed said that new residential projects for citizens reflect Dubai's efforts to continuously raise infrastructure standards in the emirate's emerging neighbourhoods. 'Our objective is to ensure that every citizen enjoys a fully integrated environment that promotes stability and comfort, while providing access to the highest standards of living and well-being,' he said. He added that the Sheikh Rashid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Housing Project for Citizens stands as a model of excellence, personally overseen by Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum. Distinguished by its adherence to the highest quality standards, the project features 672 villas under construction and offers comfortable, modern housing and comprehensive service facilities that cater to the diverse needs of Emirati families. Reaffirming Dubai's commitment to major urban projects, Sheikh Mohammed stated that such initiatives not only provide ideal housing but also strengthen family and social stability. He added that these efforts inspire productivity and innovation, driving Dubai's ongoing development and enhancing its global standing. Sheikh Mohammed also commended the project's design and features, describing it as an exemplary model for residential projects that contribute to enhancing the quality of life and long-term stability of Emirati families. During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the project plan, which is being developed by his engineering office. The residential project features green spaces, seamless internal access, and key amenities such as a mosque named after the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, endowment markets promoting economic sustainability, a public park with recreational areas for families and children, and villas designed to optimise internal and external spaces for Emirati families. The project will be delivered in four phases: Phase one includes 124 homes, scheduled for completion in 2026; phase two features 208 homes, set for 2027; phase three comprises 199 homes, to be delivered in 2029; and phase four includes 141 homes, with completion expected in 2032. The new residential project aligns with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to position Dubai as the best city for living experiences and housing services. As part of the government's housing programme for citizens, the project supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, focusing on sustainable development, enhancing quality of life, ensuring family stability, and providing comfortable living conditions. The programme ensures future housing needs are met through optimal land use, diverse housing options, and the development of residential areas featuring green spaces, shopping centres, and recreational facilities.
