The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) is now issuing the advanced version of the Emirates ID.
The new electronic version of the ID will be available on the ICA UAE Smart app for free on iOS and Android stores.
The ICA has requested all ID applicants to use the e-version for all government services, while their physical card gets printed.
The card, which is generated automatically, features a QR code, which enables its reading for official purposes at government departments. The e-version of the card is equal to the physical card when it comes to validity.
According to the ICA, the e-version of the ID forms part of its transition to a “new generation of identity cards and passports”.
The authority, in coordination with all other concerned authorities, service providers and business providers, will provide services based on the e-Emirates ID.
Fresh designs for Emirati passports and Emirates IDs were announced in November last year, following a Cabinet meet chaired by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Later, it was announced that the current passports and Emirates IDs would be substituted with new-generation designs that boast of additional security features, and this would be done in phases.
The new identity documents feature additional visual and electronic security features to combat identity fraud and to strengthen national and international confidence in travel documents.
The Emirates ID is an identity card issued by the ICA, a legal requirement for all nationals and residents in the UAE. The card is necessary to avail government services, new phone connections, for immigration purposes at airports, and for utility services.
Emiratis also use it to vote in the Federal National Council elections and as a travel document to travel within GCC.
