The Identity Summit 2006 begins in Dubai

The Summit is being held under the patronage of Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed al Nahyan, Minister of Interior, and Vice Chairman of the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA).

In the speech of Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed, which was delivered on his behalf by Dr Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director General of EIDA, H.H. noted the Identity Summit as one of the most important events in the field of biometrics and security solutions. He also said it provides an ideal platform for participants to exchange ideas through discussing their shared experience in the field.

It was noted in the speech that the UAE is one of the international pioneers in implementing secure identification card technologies, which will result in a safe and stable environment that supports the overall development of the country.

"The necessity to implement identity management programs is increasingly being recognized by security agencies, governments and corporations around the world. Momentum is growing on the introduction of various ID card programs in many countries—including many nations who rejected such programs not long ago. Therefore the necessity to introduce identity management programs is becoming more evident," HH said.

"Planning for identity management solutions; whether in private or public sector, now plays a strategic role. The applications space covers: border control and e-gate systems, National ID card programs, e-passports and e-initiatives including deployment of trusted Single-Sign-On solutions. Biometrics has demonstrated to be an effective component of such solutions," H.H. added.

Sheikh Saif noted that identification issues extend further than the obvious border security issues, but are important in the protection of those who may require urgent assistance, such as in the wake of natural or man-made disasters.

The example was used that in the aftermath of several hurricanes that ravaged the southern US last year, electronic fingerprinting services were used to ensure that key personnel charged with the critical responsibility of providing rescue, shelter and comfort to disaster victims had gone through criminal record searches. In this way victims could be assured that all rescuers had their best interests at heart. The same technology was also used in identifying deceased victims.

It was also mentioned in the speech that identity theft and identity fraud constitute the number 1 complaint received by many financial institutions, as consumers find their personal identities have been used without approval.

Authorities in the UK say 10,000 persons are victims of identity fraud annually, and a national survey noted that 48 per cent of the British population is afraid of their identities being stolen for fraudulent use, particularly over the internet.

Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri said that EIDA's participation at this event is part of its strategy to put forward the latest developments in the Population Register and the National ID Card project, which is one of the largest and most advanced technical projects in the Middle East.

Dr. Al Dhaheri said that the Summit also provides an ideal platform to exchange ideas, meet decision makers and major players in the local and international biometrics industry.

EIDA staff will deliver two papers during the event. One will be discussing Identity Management Planning for Strategic Use. The other paper will tackle the topic of "National Identity Cards - Setting Standards".

Dr. Al Dhaheri further noted that this year's summit is witness to key participation from GCC countries, as well as from the international sector. Delegates from Bahrain will introduce the latest developments on the Bahraini ID Card project, whilst other countries will discuss their local experiences as well as the challenges facing the implementation of biometrics and the best possible technologies to keep identity secured from fraud.

Among the key speakers at the summit are Walter Hamilton, Chairman of the International Biometrics Industry Association from the USA, Mr. Robert Mocny, Deputy Director, US-VISIT, US Department of Homeland Security and Elham Mohammad Saleh, Director of Smart Card Project & Director of Technical Resources Directorate, Bahrain.

An exhibition will also be held in parallel with the Summit where leading international companies will showcase the latest developments in the field of security solutions. The UAE will share its progress in the UAE National ID project.

The Identity Summit 2006 is organized by the International Research Center for the Middle East, sponsored by Emirates Identity Authority, the International Association for Biometrics, the International Security Industry Organization, with other co-sponsors: Identix, Sun Microsystems, axalta, and Motorola, and A4Vision confirmed as an exhibitor.