UAE Set to Replace Physical Emirates ID with Biometric Digital Version
The United Arab Emirates is making a major leap into the future of digital identity. In an ambitious move, the country is set to phase out physical Emirates ID cards in favor of a fully digital, biometric version—making everyday transactions faster, safer, and more seamless for residents and visitors alike.
What Is the New Digital Emirates ID?
The new e-Emirates ID is a secure, digital version of the traditional ID card that residents can access via mobile apps such as UAEPASS and ICP UAE. This digital identity will be stored on smartphones, removing the need to carry a physical card for identification.
It leverages facial recognition and biometric data to verify identity, allowing users to access services across key sectors—banking, healthcare, hospitality, and telecommunications—with just a few taps and a glance.
How It Will Transform Everyday Services
The rollout of the digital Emirates ID will enhance convenience and efficiency across the board. Here’s how:
Hotel Check-Ins Made Easy
Tourists and residents will no longer need to present a physical ID at hotel front desks. The e-ID will allow for a quicker, smoother check-in process using facial recognition.
Faster Healthcare Access
Need to see a doctor? Patients can use their digital ID through their mobile phones to check in at clinics and hospitals, speeding up registration and cutting down wait times.
Effortless Banking
Banks will adopt biometric verification for secure and swift identity checks. No more paper-based forms or card scans—just facial recognition for faster transactions.
Streamlined Travel
Although not yet officially confirmed, experts anticipate that the digital ID will soon integrate with airport security and immigration checks, making travel smoother for everyone flying in and out of the UAE.
Why Go Digital Now?
This transition is part of a broader digital transformation strategy led by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). The goal: to eliminate redundant paperwork and outdated verification methods, and create a smart, fully integrated ecosystem for identity management.
Digital IDs are already in limited use across various government and private services, but the full rollout will establish the e-Emirates ID as the national standard within the coming year.
Calls for Broader Sector Integration
During a recent session of the Federal National Council (FNC), member Adnan Al Hammadi emphasized the need to fast-track adoption across all sectors. He noted that despite significant digital progress, many services still rely on physical documents, creating unnecessary friction.
In response, Minister of State for FNC Affairs Abdul Rahman Al Owais reassured that expanding the digital ID’s use is a top government priority. He pointed to successful digital initiatives already in place and confirmed that full sectoral integration is in progress.
Powered by UAEPASS: A Secure National Identity
At the heart of this transformation is UAEPASS, the UAE’s official national digital ID platform. Introduced at GITEX 2021 with facial recognition features, UAEPASS enables users to access a wide range of services securely—from requesting official documents to managing residency permits.
The upcoming e-Emirates ID will deepen this functionality, allowing for biometric authentication that complies with UAE’s strict data security and privacy laws.
Smart Travel Starts Here
This isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s the UAE redefining identity verification for the digital age. Whether you’re a resident managing daily tasks or a visitor checking into a hotel, the digital Emirates ID will make life easier, services faster, and experiences more secure.
The future of identification in the UAE is digital—and it’s coming soon.
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