Page 23 - MFNCA PR REPORT - APRIL 2025

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 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, e ective solutions to streamline identity verification in these
essential sectors,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the ICP, Minister of State for Federal National Council A airs, Abdul
Rahman Al Owais, confirmed that e-Emirates ID has already been successfully
implemented across many services. He added that the authority will prioritise expanding its use in
the sectors highlighted by the FNC.
The authority earlier launched the face recognition service during GITEX 2021 for UAEPASS app
which is the first secure national digital identity for citizens and residents that enables them to
access to many services.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/government/electronic-emirates-id-fingerprints-biometrics