EIDA showcases latest smart card technologies featured in the new national ID card

The introduction of the new high-tech card UAE National ID Card is considered one of the biggest projects of its kind in the Middle East.

Mohammad Hadif Al Shamsi, EIDA Marketing and Population Services Manager said that the EIDA stand at the event had evoked keen interest from visitors.

"e-signature, public key infrastructure, biometrics applications and fingerprinting are among the technologies integrated into the card. All of these features ensure the highest security in identifying users as well as in enabling effective electronic transactions for varied uses".

Al Shamsi said that the main goal behind the new ID card system is to provide an efficient and secure system to manage information related to an individual's identity. He also noted that the system would serve as a means to integrate information contained in other documents such as the driving license, health card, labor card and passport. The new ID card is embedded with an electronic chip, supported by a micro-processor. It saves information as well as data such as photos, fingerprints and other applications to keep it secure against fraud.

Al Shamsi further noted that the privacy of each individual is maintained as the data in the card is protected by three levels of security. Only authorized personnel are capable of changing or amending the data.

EIDA has been given the responsibility of introducing a modern Population Register and ID Card system aimed at providing a secure environment for citizens and expatriate residents of the UAE. The system is designed to keep personal identities secure against fraudulent or unauthorized use, support the government's planning process and enhance economic growth.