No more Emirates ID cards? UAE to launch digital ID system using facial recognition
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will soon launch a digital identification system allowing users to access primary services without the need to physically present their Emirates ID. Facial recognition and other biometric identifiers will be used to automate access to services throughout the country. This is scheduled to happen within the next year.
The ICP is working on using e-Emirates IDs within the banking, healthcare, hospitality, and telecommunications industries.
This was discussed during a Federal National Council (FNC) meeting, where member Adnan Al Hammadi expressed concerns over the persisting requirement for physical IDs and the enormous digital advancement made in the country.
He observed that the requirement remains frustrating for many people. There are still patients who need to present an actual ID card for receiving medical care at hospitals, banking institutions still require clients to authenticate transactions using personal ID cards, while checking into hotels is usually impossible without having the Emirates ID handy.
“Business travellers and hotel guests are often not able to check in without the Emirates ID,” he added.
“Lack of fast and effective solutions to lessen the burden of verifying ID in these vital areas is bad for everyone,” he continued.
On behalf of the ICP, Abdul Rahman Al Owais attributed the successful implementation of e-Emirates ID across a multitude of services. He noted that the authority will focus on deepening its application within the areas emphasised by the FNC.
The authority also introduced face recognition for the UAE PASS app during GITEX 2021, which is the first secure national digital identity for citizens and residents, enabling access to numerous services.
One such service includes the application for a digital version of e-Emirates ID, the digital replica of your physical Emirates ID which is securely stored on your phone through government applications such as UAE PASS or ICP UAE.
According to ICP, the new system yet to be provided through the UAE PASS app will face challenges concerning identity verification. Working with various collaborators will be essential in developing and testing sophisticated biometric identification systems, while also encouraging the adoption of vital technologies within the authority’s frameworks from all the partnering sectors.
The framework takes a distinct course of action to ensure legal requirements and data protection standards are observed, in averting risks while preserving the trust users have in the smart services offered.
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