Director General of Emirates ID Authority named Chairman of International Biometrics user group

The appointment of Dr. Al Dhaheri was made during the meeting of the board members of IMAGE (International Morpho Automated Finger Print ID Group for Excellence) which was held in Paris recently. Dr Al Dhaheri was chosen as Chairman after the previous incumbent, Peter Hannel, submitted his resignation after working for the group for more than 10 years. Dr. Al Dhaheri was the Vice Chairman for six months prior to his appointment to the Chairman's post.

Expressing his happiness at being chosen for this honour, Dr Al Dhaheri,

"I am very pleased at being appointed as the Chairman. However, it is more important to note that the selection reflects positively on the UAE's stature on the international stage. The UAE is seeking to implement the largest ID project based on finger print and smart-card technology in the Middle East. The project will assist in identification and facilitate public transactions".

Al Dhaheri explained that the selection of the UAE to lead the user group consisting of members from more than 80 countries reflects the efforts of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and, of his brother His Highness Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Interior and Vice Chairman of the Emirates ID Authority and their dedication to implementing the new ID card system. The card is expected to be issued to both nationals and expatriates in the near future.

IMAGE users seek to exchange information and expertise on projects implemented by member countries. The group also convenes a biannual conference, where delegates exchange information on the latest technological advances and applications of finger print technology in their respective countries.

IMAGE issues a bulletin on the projects being implemented by member countries. The group's board of directors seeks to find suitable ways of cooperation between SAGEM and the user group's members, as well as between member countries themselves.