Abu Dhabi – The UAE is set to revolutionize identity verification with a new digital identification system that will eliminate the need for residents to present physical Emirates ID cards to access essential services.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has announced plans to fully roll out an alternative digital ID system within the next year.
The system will rely on facial recognition and biometric identification to authenticate users, significantly streamlining access to services in sectors such as banking, healthcare, telecommunications, and hospitality.
The announcement was made during a Federal National Council (FNC) session in which member Adnan Al Hammadi raised concerns about the continued requirement for physical ID cards despite the country’s rapid digital transformation.
Al Hammadi highlighted the inconvenience residents face, pointing out that physical cards are still necessary to receive healthcare, complete financial transactions, and check into hotels.
“There is an urgent need for fast, effective solutions to streamline identity verification in these essential sectors,” Al Hammadi said, calling on authorities to accelerate digital integration.
In response, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, Abdul Rahman Al Owais, acknowledged the challenges and affirmed that the ICP is prioritizing the expansion of digital ID use across the sectors highlighted by the FNC.
He noted that the electronic version of the Emirates ID — the e-Emirates ID — is already operational in many services. The e-Emirates ID, accessible through government apps like UAEPASS and ICP UAE, provides a secure digital alternative to the physical ID card.
The UAEPASS app, introduced during GITEX 2021, allows residents to request and store their official documents digitally. The app uses facial recognition technology to verify identity, making the digital ID system both secure and user-friendly.
The new initiative will further build on these digital capabilities by enhancing biometric identification and ensuring robust data protection standards.
According to ICP, the transition to digital ID will involve collaboration with a range of partners to test and deploy advanced technologies. The authority is actively encouraging stakeholders across sectors to adopt and integrate these systems within their operations.
Despite the promising outlook, authorities acknowledge there will be challenges — particularly around ensuring the accuracy and reliability of identity verification systems.
Nevertheless, ICP emphasized that its approach is grounded in transparency and adherence to data privacy regulations, aiming to maintain public trust while delivering efficient services.
The shift to a fully digital ID system aligns with the UAE’s broader vision for a smart government and digital society.
Once implemented, residents will no longer need to carry physical ID cards to access key services, marking a major milestone in the nation’s digital transformation journey.
The new system is expected to significantly improve user experience, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and enhance security in service delivery, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leader in digital governance.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members