DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced plans to replace physical Emirates ID cards with a facial recognition-based digital identity system within the next year.
The new system, accessible via a dedicated smartphone application, will allow citizens and residents to authenticate their identity using facial biometrics when accessing services across the public and private sectors, including banking, telecommunications, healthcare, and travel, according to Khaleej Times.
The initiative is a central part of the UAE’s Government Bureaucracy Elimination Plan, launched in August of last year to streamline service delivery and reduce administrative overhead. The plan includes public engagement efforts, awards for innovative ideas, and a campaign across the Emirates to gather citizen feedback on improving government services.
The new system builds on the UAE’s previous investments in biometric technology, including facial recognition pilots approved by the Cabinet in 2021.
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Biometric systems have already been deployed in travel infrastructure and commercial services, such as Virgin Mobile UAE’s facial recognition system for tourist eSIM activation and Transguard Group’s use of biometric devices for workforce management.
The UAE Pass, currently the national digital identity and signature solution, already enables secure biometric login to a range of government services. It is expected to be integrated with or complement the upcoming facial recognition system, extending its capabilities across more platforms and use cases.
Authorities have confirmed that the current Emirates ID card, a smart card embedded with biometric data and digital signature capabilities, will remain legally required until the transition is complete. The new system will eventually replace the need for physical ID cards but is being introduced in phases, beginning with basic services and gradually expanding to more complex and sensitive applications.
According to Abdulrahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention and Minister of State for FNC Affairs, the biometric system has already undergone extensive testing. The Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, has emphasized that facial recognition will simplify document submission for private sector services, reducing reliance on physical paperwork.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), which is leading the project, stressed that the digital ID system will fully comply with national data protection laws, including Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data. Strict risk management protocols are in place to prevent unauthorized data access, transfer, or misuse.
The digital identity system will also support financial institutions in meeting AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance requirements. Banks will be able to verify customers’ identities digitally, improving both security and efficiency.
Integration with travel systems is already underway. In partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports, the ICP is rolling out a biometric smart travel program at Zayed International Airport, enabling automatic passenger registration and significantly reducing processing times through facial recognition technology.