UAE to replace physical Emirates ID cards with biometric digital ID system

The UAE is preparing to phase out physical Emirates ID cards, introducing a nationwide biometric identification system based on facial recognition and AI-driven verification.

The system, developed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), has already been tested and integrated into the authority’s smart app. Over the next year, it will be rolled out across key sectors including banking, healthcare, hospitality, telecommunications, and insurance.

Users will no longer need to present a plastic ID card. Instead, identity verification will happen seamlessly through facial recognition, with data processed in real time via the ICP’s digital platform. According to the authority, this transition is designed to improve security, speed, and convenience — and to complement existing infrastructure rather than replace it abruptly.

Implementation will follow a gradual, service-by-service rollout, beginning with simpler use cases before expanding to more complex services. Strategic integration is already underway with public and private sector partners to ensure wide adoption.

The initiative is part of the UAE’s broader digital transformation strategy and reinforces its ambition to lead in smart governance and digital identity.