The future of Digital ID: The UAE Pass app
Mohammad J Sear
Digital Gov. & Public Sector Consulting Leader, Middle East and Africa (MENA) at EY
With a population of over ten million people, the UAE is one of the most advanced nations on earth.?
And with a high mobile phone and internet usage rate, it's also set to soon become one of the world's most digitally advanced.?
Soon, every person in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the UAE will be able to register for government services using just their smartphone — the new UAE Pass app.?
It's an ambitious project which raises many questions. The Emirati team behind it say that they want to make dealing with government agencies as easy as dealing with private companies — but how does that work in practice?
Digital identity is no longer a futuristic concept
A number of Middle Eastern countries have already implemented digital IDs in one form or another, with the UAE leading the pack.?
Digital ID programs usually consist of cards with biometric data (such as fingerprints), personalised and encrypted information and embedded chip technology.
These are then linked to a national database that grants the right holders access to government services, financial institutions and private companies.?
The idea is to allow citizens, residents and visitors to securely conduct online transactions, open bank accounts and enter gated residential communities without having to visit a government agency or ATM.
What is the UAE pass and its benefits?
It's a digital ID system that allows its users to access all of their government documents, including passports and drivers' licenses, on their smartphones.?
Not just that, but they can also use it to make payments, sign contracts and authenticate transactions—it essentially becomes a complete replacement for a physical wallet.?
UAE launched its digital ID programme in October 2018—a clear demonstration of its commitment to preparing for the digital age.?
The early investment in digital ID and blockchain technology proved invaluable during the coronavirus outbreak.
While other countries grappled with the challenges brought by the pandemic in a bid to digitalise their governments and public agencies, the UAE was several steps closer to its citizens.
While other countries were struggling with the challenges of digitalising their governments, the UAE's early adoption of efficient digital infrastructure helped provide people with innovative and efficient services.
The UAE pass follows in the footsteps of similar systems already in place in countries like Estonia and Singapore, where digital IDs are accepted as valid forms of identification in most day-to-day situations.
A collaboration between Digital Dubai, Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) and Abu Dhabi Digital Authority, this digital ID app is a new service available to citizens of the United Arab Emirates.
This smart-access tool has replaced the previously-used SmartPass and DubaiID solutions.
As of April 2022, more than 20% of the population has registered for the new digital ID in the UAE.
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What about security?
The UAE Pass is the latest addition to the country's growing list of initiatives designed to make life easier for residents who can already access government services through their smartphones.?
But while many good things can be said about the UAE Pass (which allows you access to a vast range of public and private sector services with a single, smart ID), there are also some concerns about security and privacy.
One of the biggest challenges in implementing a digital ID solution is security, which is something I'm sure everyone's been thinking about as they've read this article so far.?
But when it comes to protecting privacy, there's more than meets the eye (or screen).?
The UAE Pass uses a unique combination of biometrics and blockchain technology to ensure that user data is secure at every stage—from registration to authentication.?
Setting international standards
The UAE Pass app is one of the most promising digital identity initiatives in recent years.
UAE Pass is a great example of the way the country is setting international standards when it comes to digital ID.?
There are two major benefits to using an e-Government UAE Pass.?
First, citizens get a single-credential login to all government websites and their services.?
Second, their digital signature, created with the UAE Pass, is legally valid for signing important documents online.
Other countries are already looking at this app as an example of what's possible in terms of data privacy and security.?
However, efforts to develop digital ID schemes have stalled for one reason or another in the EU and the US.
That's why the UAE Pass holds the promise of completely transforming how we access government services and financial services.
It puts us closer to a world where life events can be digitally certified by trusted parties and securely shared with others.
Sources:?
Senior Manager Special Projects & Governance @ Core42.ai (A G42 Company) | Business Strategy, Techno-Commerical, Sales Enablement, Operational Efficiencies
2 年Its an amazing app, I have been using this for last few years and it works seamlessly, enabling true digital services experience for government services! Dr Sohail Munir