According to an Emirati minister on 16 April 2025, authorities have tested biometric identification technologies that do not require a typical ID card. (source) 

In support of a national digital-first strategy, Abdulrahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention and Minister of State for FNC Affairs, described the efforts to use biometrics, such as fingerprint and face recognition technology, as an advanced identification measure for UAE residents.

The minister highlighted the nation’s high-tech vision and the steps being taken by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) to modernize identification processes during the most recent meeting of the Federal National Council.

He said that digital identification systems, which use facial recognition and other AI-backed technologies, could be implemented in just one year.

The United Arab Emirates has been working to improve customer service standards and increase government efficiency through the use of modern technology.

The country said in February 2021 that it would start testing facial recognition technology for identity verification.

At the time, the trial was authorized by a Cabinet meeting led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai.

According to Sheikh Mohammed, “Some private sector services will use facial recognition to verify the personal identity of individuals instead of submitting a lot of documents.”

The goal of the change was to increase personal security while speeding up services and streamlining workflow.

Airports in the Emirates extensively use biometric technologies. In July 2024, Abu Dhabi Airports unveiled a “biometric smart travel” project to automate passenger registration at Zayed International Airport. This project will eliminate the requirement for travel documents and drastically reduce processing time.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office announced that Abu Dhabi Airports and the ICP are collaborating to implement the new system.

Biometric technology will be utilized to automatically authenticate travelers using data from the ICP, removing the need for departing passengers to register in advance.

Emirates ID upgrade

In 2021, the United Arab Emirates introduced its “new generation” Emirates ID. The updated identity card has a service life of over ten years and enhanced security for non-visible data.

It features a 3D image that displays the cardholder’s birthdate utilizing laser printing technology. Users can also obtain a digital copy of their Emirates ID by logging onto the UAE Pass app.

All citizens and residents are required by law to have an Emirates ID.

The card is used to access government services and smart gate services to improve airport travel. It has a unique identifying number. It must be displayed for voting in elections for the Federal National Council.

Eliminating bureaucracy

In August 2024, the Authority also introduced a series of programs under the “Government Bureaucracy Elimination Plan” as part of its larger digital transformation agenda. 

The campaign’s focal point, the Month of Eliminating Government Bureaucracy, aimed to increase public and government employee awareness and encourage creativity.

In order to encourage individuals and residents to take part in finding inefficiencies and suggesting viable options, the project featured outreach efforts at community councils, shopping centers, and service centers across all Emirates.

Bureaucracy Elimination Award

The Bureaucracy Elimination Award was established in tandem with this initiative to encourage innovation in the government sector. The award, which is open to all Authority staff, users, and partners, promotes the submission of ideas to streamline processes and enhance service quality.

Future vision

The Authority reaffirmed the United Arab Emirates’ leadership in smart government and emphasized its continuous efforts to streamline the lives of citizens, residents, and tourists by providing seamless digital services.  

Its dedication to bureaucratic reform and the use of biometric ID technologies demonstrate the country’s progressive position on service quality and governance.

Benefits of Facial Recognition in ID Systems

The following are some advantages of the UAE’s facial recognition program that enhance user experience and governmental efficiency:

1. Contactless Transactions: Reducing physical contact in public places has become essential in the post-COVID world. Safe and hygienic identification verification is made possible by facial recognition.
2. Reduced Fraud: The risk of identity theft or impersonation is significantly reduced because facial biometrics are unique and challenging to copy.
3. Faster Service Delivery: Facial recognition speeds up procedures like registering for a new SIM card, entering an airport, and using government services.
4. 24/7 Access: Citizens can access services anytime without requiring human assistance using smart kiosks and face recognition-enabled smartphone apps.
5. Enhanced Border Control: Facial recognition is already being examined to speed up immigration and shorten processing times at airports like Dubai International and Abu Dhabi.

Privacy and Security Measures

Although facial recognition offers many benefits, there are also significant concerns over data security, privacy, and possible misuse. In response, the UAE government has taken the initiative to assure citizens that all information gathered by facial recognition is encrypted, safely stored, and utilized strictly in compliance with privacy laws.

In order to guarantee that personal biometric data is handled with accountability, transparency, and permission, the Emirates has also implemented new data protection rules that replicate global best practices like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union.

Additionally, the authorities have declared that, at least in the early stages, participation in facial recognition testing is entirely voluntary. Residents and citizens can still use their actual ID cards to access services if they prefer more conventional forms of identification.

Final Thoughts

The UAE’s move to modernize its identification process by testing facial recognition is a daring step toward redefining identity in the twenty-first century, not just a technical advancement.  

With a clear future vision, solid cybersecurity measures, and strong legal frameworks, the nation is well-positioned to lead the worldwide transition to biometric-based governance.