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The UAE is set to roll out a digital Emirates ID system using facial recognition, eliminating the need for physical cards. This shift will streamline travel, banking, hotel stays, and access to healthcare, making services faster and more secure for residents.
In a major leap towards digital transformation, the United Arab Emirates is preparing to launch a biometric-based digital identification system to eliminate the need for physical Emirates ID cards. This move is set to enhance convenience and streamline identity verification for travellers, residents, and service providers across multiple sectors.
The new system, expected to go live within a year, will use facial recognition and biometric verification to grant access to essential services like banking, hospitality, healthcare, and telecommunications.
What Is the New Digital Emirates ID?
The upcoming system will rely on e-Emirates ID, a secure, digital version of the Emirates ID card, accessible through official government apps like UAEPASS and ICP UAE. Users will be able to store their ID securely on their mobile devices, eliminating the need to carry physical documents.
This initiative is being spearheaded by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), which confirmed that e-Emirates IDS are already being used across many digital services.
How Will This Help Travellers?
This digital transformation will have a direct, positive impact on both residents and international travellers:
Simplified Hotel Check-Ins: Tourists and residents will no longer need to present a physical ID card when checking into hotels, making the process quicker and more seamless.
Faster Access to Healthcare: Patients will be able to present their e-ID via phone apps for medical appointments, ensuring quicker registration and service.
Effortless Banking Services: Financial institutions will adopt facial recognition technology to verify identities, making services more secure and efficient.
Smooth Airport Transit: Though not officially confirmed, experts believe the system could be integrated with airport immigration and security checks, further easing travel within and beyond the UAE.
Push for Broader Adoption Across Key Sectors
During a recent Federal National Council (FNC) session, member Adnan Al Hammadi raised concerns about the continued requirement for physical IDS. He stressed that despite the UAE’s rapid digital progress, people still face challenges when accessing essential services due to outdated verification systems.
Responding to this, Minister of State for FNC Affairs, Abdul Rahman Al Owais, assured that expanding the use of the digital Emirates ID is a top priority. He highlighted the success of past digital services and the importance of full sectoral integration.
Powered by UAEPASS: UAE’s Secure National Digital Identity
The ICP introduced facial recognition features during GITEX 2021 for the UAEPASS app, the official national digital ID solution. This app enables citizens and residents to access a wide range of services securely, including requesting digital versions of official documents such as Emirates ID, residency permits, and more.
The upcoming rollout will further integrate biometric identification systems, tested in collaboration with key service sectors. The ICP also emphasised that the system will fully comply with data privacy and security regulations, building user trust.
A Step Forward for Smart Travel in the UAE
This digital ID initiative is more than just a tech upgrade—it’s a significant step toward smart, paperless travel in the UAE. Whether you’re a resident or an international traveller, the e-Emirates ID will make accessing services smoother, faster, and more secure.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/uae-biometric-digital-emirates-id-no-physical-card-needed/
