UAE develops digital ID system using facial recognition to replace Emirates ID cards

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICACP) confirmed that it has recently, in collaboration with several partners, developed and tested advanced biometric identification systems that do not require the use of a traditional ID card. Instead, these systems rely on facial recognition, along with other technologies powered by artificial intelligence, via the authority's smart application.

These identification methods provide additional options to support existing methods and enhance security levels.

The authority stated this in a written response to the Federal National Council (FNC) to a parliamentary question submitted by Dr. Adnan Hamad Al Hammadi, a member of the FNC, regarding enhancing the adoption of electronic ID to facilitate procedures. Dr. Adnan emphasized that the Authority is adopting a digital transformation approach based on gradual implementation, whereby easier services are transformed, ensuring a positive and rapid impact on the customer experience, followed by more complex services to ensure a comprehensive and thoughtful transformation.

In the recent period, the use of e-ID has been successfully implemented in many services, while the next phase focuses on achieving the remaining integration by developing an integrated package of systems and technologies related to e-ID services and biometric fingerprints, with the aim of enhancing the customer experience across various sectors of the country, including government agencies, banks, telecommunications companies, hotels, insurance, healthcare, and other sectors that require accurate and reliable customer identification processes.

This package applies advanced technical and procedural personal identification standards, enabling the Authority to expand the scope of e-ID use to cover all contemporary requirements.

It relies on controlled risk management and a clear methodology that ensures compliance with all laws and regulations, including data protection, to enhance trust and the sustainability of services provided to citizens, residents, and visitors.

The Authority stated that plans are currently underway to launch these systems comprehensively across various sectors across the country in less than a year. The services mentioned in the member's question will be prioritized in the first phase of the service transition to the new package.

This is in addition to attracting key partners from all sectors to adopt these advanced technologies within the Authority's systems. This stems from our deep belief in the importance of facilitating the journey for customers—citizens, residents, and visitors—in order to strengthen the UAE's position as a global leader in the field of electronic identity. The Authority added that the UAE has been and continues to be a pioneer in providing the best smart services, with the aim of facilitating the lives of citizens, residents, and visitors, particularly with regard to electronic identity.