UAE to Launch Facial Recognition Based Digital Identification System

Dubai continues to stand at the forefront of digital innovation, further solidifying its reputation as a global leader in smart governance and technological advancement. In a move that reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to innovation and smart governance, the traditional Emirates ID card is poised for a major transformation. 

The Federal Authority for ICP has announced plans to gradually phase out the physical use of Emirates ID cards, ushering in a new era of biometric and digital verification.

A Seamless Digital Experience

While the Emirates ID has long served as the cornerstone of identity verification across the UAE, from banking to healthcare, its physical form may soon become redundant. The introduction of the upgraded e-Emirates ID system is set to revolutionize how residents verify their identities. Through facial recognition and biometric authentication, individuals will be able to access key services simply by using their smartphone or scanning their face  no card required.

This development builds upon the existing UAEPASS platform  a government-supported application that currently provides access to digital versions of official documents. The newest phase of its evolution aims to broaden the scope of digital identity solutions, with a strong emphasis on integration across key sectors including finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and hospitality.

A Nation-Backed Push for Biometric Integration

Though facial recognition through UAEPASS was introduced as early as 2021, its application has remained somewhat limited. The current initiative by the ICP aims to change that by pushing for widespread adoption across both public and private sectors. 

According to Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, Abdul Rahman Al Owais, e-Emirates IDs are already operational in several areas, and the focus is now on streamlining implementation and accelerating adoption.

The new system is set to eliminate the requirement for physical identity verification in a wide range of everyday situations, such as hotel check-ins, bank account openings, and access to medical services. In place of a physical card, individuals will authenticate their identity through real-time biometric scans.

A Balanced Approach to Innovation and Privacy

As with any system involving biometric data, privacy concerns are front of mind. The ICP has emphasized its commitment to adhering to stringent data protection laws and security frameworks, ensuring that user information remains confidential and safeguarded against misuse.

The shift towards a fully digital ID system marks a broader trend in the UAE’s national strategy to build a paperless, more efficient, and secure digital infrastructure. By minimizing reliance on physical documents, the country is not only embracing technological convenience but also enhancing its resilience against fraud and identity theft.

Looking Ahead

The UAE’s journey toward becoming a smart and the digitisation of identity is another bold step in that direction. Residents can look forward to a future where accessing services is faster, safer, and more seamless than ever before  with nothing more than a glance at a screen.

At One Investments, we remain strategically aligned with initiatives that enhance Dubai’s position as a leading global destination. With a clear focus on long-term capital growth, we apply deep market insight to identify and secure investment opportunities that deliver enduring value.