Within a year, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will transition from physical Emirates IDs to a facial recognition-based digital system via a smartphone app, aiming for streamlined, secure services while adhering to data protection.
---
The UAE will replace physical Emirates IDs with a facial recognition-based digital identity system by 2025, streamlining access to public and private services via a smartphone application.
The UAE is set to revolutionize identity authentication by phasing out physical Emirates ID cards for a facial recognition system accessible via a dedicated mobile application. This ambitious initiative, slated for full implementation by 2025, will allow citizens and residents to use facial biometrics for secure access to a wide range of services across both government and private sectors. This move is a key component of the UAE’s Government Bureaucracy Elimination Plan, aiming to enhance service delivery and reduce administrative overhead throughout the Emirates.
This transition builds upon the UAE’s prior investments in biometric technology, including successful facial recognition pilots. The new system is expected to integrate with or complement the existing UAE Pass, the national digital identity solution. While the facial recognition system is being rolled out, the current Emirates ID card will remain legally required. The implementation will be phased, starting with basic services and gradually expanding to encompass more complex and sensitive applications, ensuring a smooth transition for all users.
Authorities emphasize that the facial recognition system has undergone extensive testing to ensure reliability and security. The digital ID system, led by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), will fully comply with national data protection laws, with strict risk management protocols in place. This digital transformation aims to enhance security and efficiency across sectors, including finance (AML/KYC compliance) and travel, where biometric smart travel programs are already being implemented at airports to reduce processing times.
By embracing facial recognition for national identification, the UAE aims to establish a seamless, secure, and technologically advanced society, solidifying its position as a global innovation leader.
