The United Arab Emirates is set to launch a facial recognition-based digital identity system that will eventually replace the need for physical Emirates ID cards. The new system, expected within a year, is part of the country’s broader digital transformation strategy and will be integrated across critical sectors such as banking, healthcare, hospitality, and telecommunications, reads a Khaleej Times post.
The initiative is being led by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), which confirmed ongoing efforts to expand the use of e-Emirates ID across both public and private services. The digital IDs will be accessed securely via the UAEPASS app, the UAE’s official digital identity platform, which uses biometric authentication and allows users to store digital copies of their documents on their mobile devices.
The shift was discussed during a Federal National Council (FNC) session, where member Adnan Al Hammadi raised concerns about the persistent need for physical IDs despite the UAE’s digital capabilities. He cited ongoing issues in hospitals, banks, and hotels that continue to require the original Emirates ID card for verification.
“There is an urgent need for fast, effective solutions to streamline identity verification in these essential sectors,” Al Hammadi said.
In response, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs Abdul Rahman Al Owais confirmed that many services already support the e-Emirates ID. He added that ICP will prioritize integrating the system further in areas highlighted by the FNC.
Originally introduced during GITEX 2021, the facial recognition system via UAEPASS represents a leap in secure digital authentication. According to ICP, the move toward full biometric-based identity verification is being coordinated with partners across sectors to overcome technical challenges and ensure wide-scale adoption.
The authority emphasized that all developments will comply with data protection laws and uphold public trust in its smart government services. As the UAE transitions to a fully digital ID framework, the move is expected to improve convenience, security, and efficiency for millions of residents and citizens.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
