Emirates Identity Authority plays leading role in major UK Biometrics Conference

The speech by Ali M. Khoury, Director of the EIDA IT Department was of particular interest to delegates and attracted a large audience of attendees because of the impending introduction of a similar card in the UK and possibly elsewhere.

Khoury said the advanced biometric security features that the EIDA is using ensures the new ID Card provides cardholders with a secure and reliable method of establishing and confirming their identities. He also noted that the technical advances he described as part of the UAE's program are a direct benefit and consequence of the previous experience of other countries in the introduction of identity cards.

Delegates praised the EIDA for its progress in the development of the ID Card. The implementation phase of the ID Card program is expected to get under way in the near future with the completion of a number of EIDA Registration and Service Centres across the Emirates.

Dr. Saeed Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Director General of EIDA, said the national program reserves a high level of official government support on the part of its chairman, H.H. General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces as well as from its Vice-Chairman, H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Interior.

Dr Dhaheri said the EIDA has benefited from this high level of support and encouragement as it continues its efforts to launch the ID Card program, which is expected to assist in advancing the security and economic growth of the UAE.

"There were more than 1500 delegates representing the biometrics industry, scientists and government representatives at this important conference," Dr Dhaheri explained. "Our National ID Card project gained much attention from different delegations and representatives who wished to have a closer look at our experience in this field," he added.

The conference also included various presentations on the latest scientific experiments and advancements in biometrics such as finger prints, retinal and facial scan technologies. International standards were discussed pertaining to new biometrics projects under development as well as current ID projects such as the E-Passport.