Page 38 - MFNCA PR REPORT - APRIL 2025

No more Emirates ID cards? UAE to launch digital ID

system using facial recognition

Authorities are currently working to expand the use of e-Emirates IDs in sectors such as banking,
healthcare, hospitality, and telecommunications.

Published: Wed 16 Apr 2025, 3:07 PM

• By

• Ruqayya Al Qaydi

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.

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