The UAE is gearing up to roll out advanced biometric ID systems that use facial recognition and artificial intelligence - eliminating the need for physical Emirates ID cards.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security says these systems have been tested and could be launched nationwide within a year.
The announcement came in a response to the Federal National Council (FNC), after a member raised a question about boosting the use of electronic ID solutions to improve service efficiency.
The new technology, accessed through the Authority’s smart app, will be introduced in phases, starting with key services.
It aims to improve security and make identification faster and easier.
This move is part of the UAE’s broader push for digital transformation, with the goal of enhancing customer experience and streamlining identification across sectors like government, banking, telecom, healthcare and hospitality.
الرد الكتابي لمعالي عبدالرحمن بن محمد العويس
— المجلس الوطني الاتحادي (@fnc_uae) April 16, 2025
وزير الصحة ووقاية المجتمع وزير دولة لشؤون المجلس الوطني الاتحادي
الوارد من سعادة اللواء سهيل سعيد الخييلي – مدير عام الهيئة الاتحادية للهوية والجنسية والجمارك وأمن المنافذ
دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة كانت ولا تزال سباقة في تقديم… pic.twitter.com/4RG4Rwkr8f
One dead in debris incident at Abu Dhabi's Baniyas
UAE deals with missile, drone threats on Tuesday morning
Fire breaks out at Fujairah Oil Industry Zone
GCAA: Air traffic operations return to normal
Bahrain, Kuwait condemn Iranian attack that killed one in Abu Dhabi
UAE responds to missile, drone threats
UAE closes airspace as precautionary measure
UAE extends distance learning for schools and universities
