Latest news with #e-Emirates
Time Out Dubai
7 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
Web Release
22-04-2025
- Business
- Web Release
UAE Set to Introduce Facial Recognition ID System
News Business and Economics By Editor_wr Last updated Apr 21, 2025 The UAE is preparing to introduce a new digital identification system that will remove the need for individuals to carry physical Emirates ID cards to access essential services. Scheduled for launch within a year, the system will rely on facial recognition and biometric data to facilitate access to services across multiple industries. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) is currently working to broaden the application of e-Emirates IDs within sectors including banking, healthcare, hospitality, and telecommunications. This development was disclosed during a Federal National Council (FNC) session, where council member Adnan Al Hammadi voiced concerns about the continued dependence on physical Emirates ID cards, despite the country's progress in digital transformation. Al Hammadi remarked that this ongoing requirement remains problematic for residents. Physical ID cards are still needed to obtain medical care, carry out banking transactions, and check in at hotels, where original cards are often mandatory. 'There is a pressing need for swift and efficient solutions to simplify identity verification across these vital sectors,' he stated. Responding on behalf of the ICP, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, Abdul Rahman Al Owais, confirmed that the e-Emirates ID has already been adopted in many services. He further noted that the authority will focus on extending its usage to the sectors identified by the FNC. UAE Set to Introduce Facial Recognition ID System Next Post Enish Dubai Redefines Ladies Night with an African Twist Comments are closed.
Hi Dubai
17-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE to Replace Physical Emirates IDs with Biometric-Based Digital System
The UAE is set to eliminate the need for physical Emirates ID cards by rolling out a new digital identification system within a year, authorities announced during a recent Federal National Council (FNC) session. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) confirmed it is expanding the use of e-Emirates IDs in key sectors such as banking, healthcare, hospitality, and telecommunications. The upgraded system will rely on biometric and facial recognition technologies to streamline identity verification, reducing reliance on physical documents. FNC member Adnan Al Hammadi raised concerns over the continued demand for physical Emirates IDs, highlighting issues faced by residents across essential services. 'There is an urgent need for fast, effective solutions,' he said, citing difficulties in hospitals, banks, and hotels that still require original ID cards. Responding to the concerns, Minister of State for FNC Affairs Abdul Rahman Al Owais stated that e-Emirates ID is already active across various services and will be prioritised in the sectors highlighted by the FNC. The digital identity initiative will be powered by the UAEPASS app, which allows residents to securely access a range of government and private services. Launched during GITEX 2021, UAEPASS already supports facial recognition and offers access to digital documents, including Emirates IDs. ICP emphasized that the rollout will be guided by robust data protection standards and inter-agency collaboration to ensure secure and reliable identity verification across platforms. The move marks a major step in the UAE's digital transformation agenda, aimed at simplifying and securing service access for all residents. News Source: Khaleej Times
Khaleej Times
16-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
No more Emirates ID cards? UAE to launch digital ID system using facial recognition
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, 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 prioritize expanding its use in the sectors highlighted by the FNC.
