Emirates Identity Card readies for upgrade

Our Correspondent

The first phase of issuing the new version of the Emirates Identity Card has begun, said the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). This is part of the transition to the upgraded version of identity cards and passports.

The Emirates ID is an identity card issued by the ICA, which is a legal requirement for all UAE citizens and residents. The card is used to get government services, including the vaccination drive; and to pass immigration and smart gates at airports.

“Identity renewal service applicants” are advised to use the electronic version of the ID in all services until the issuance of the printed cards, said the authority.

The electronic version of the ID is an exact copy of the printed card and is available via the authority’s smart application “ICA UAE Smart”, which can be downloaded for free from the IOS and Android stores.

The electronic version can be used via a “QR Code” scan which will enable immediate reading of the card, as it is automatically generated when entering the customer’s document wallet in the smart application.

The electronic ID card will have all the data shown on the card, and can be read directly from the authority’s database.

The ICA stated that coordination has been made with concerned authorities, services and business sectors.

New designs for Emirati passports and Emirates IDs were first announced in November last year after a Cabinet meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.