If you have ever forgotten your Emirates ID at home when you really needed it, this news might just make your day.
The UAE is working on a new identification system that could mean the end of needing to carry your physical Emirates ID. Instead, the country is moving towards using facial recognition, biometrics and AI-powered technologies to identify people securely and seamlessly. The new technology is expected to be launched within the next year.
The announcement was made by the Federal National Council (FNC) on their official social media channel. According to the FNC's post, the new system is part of a wider digital transformation aimed at simplifying the lives of residents, citizens and visitors across the UAE.
How Will It Work?
The plan is to replace traditional ID checks with smart technology. This means that instead of pulling out your ID card, services will be able to identify you through advanced facial recognition and biometric systems, all integrated within the Authority’s smart app. You have to simply look into a scanner, and that’s it. No physical card needed
The new technology is being tested and developed in partnership with various government and private sector partners. Once fully launched, it will be used across many sectors, including banking, healthcare, telecommunications, hospitality and more.
The FNC also noted that the process of introducing the system will be gradual, starting with simpler services and then expanding to more complex ones. The goal is to make the switch smooth, user-friendly and impactful from the get-go.