The Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) issued a new generation of ID cards with a larger memory that allows the storage of further data as part of its new enrollment strategy aiming to implement a number of initiatives related to electronic service applications.
The Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) issued a new generation of ID cards with a larger memory that allows the storage of further data as part of its new enrollment strategy aiming to implement a number of initiatives related to electronic service applications.
Dr. Eng. Ali Mohamed Al Khouri, Emirates ID Director General, expressed his happiness for this achievement that enabled the UAE to be the first to adopt such technology and use it in the field of ID Card.
Al Khouri explained that this technology opens the door for integrating a number of applications in the ID card in the future. Such integration will simplify procedures in the public and private sectors. Al Khouri also stressed that the new features of the ID card are in line with the broad lines set by Emirates ID and enhance the success of the most important initiatives and projects described in its new strategy.
Al Khouri announced Emirates ID completed the infrastructure required for Public-key Cryptography (PKC) in the ID card and internal upgrade. This achievement is an important part of Emirates ID 2010-2013 strategy.
This is an achievement for Emirates ID and is a culmination of two important elements of the new enrollment strategy 2010-2013, namely: provision of the secured and modern infrastructure for eGovenment services and fulfillment of integration and electronic communication with the government departments.
Al Khouri stated that Emirates ID has signed a contract with a specialized global company to implement the electronic ciphering project, referring to continuity of coordination and cooperation with the federal and local organizations responsible for implementing the government projects in the UAE. Emirates ID endeavors enhance and develop strategic partnerships with other government authorities.
Al Khouri also explained that the PKC provides an integrated secured system for identity verification through enabling users to identify their identities. It is also one of the pillars of electronic transactions and is used to ensure the confidentiality of data and information. It can also be used in electronic certificates and electronic signatures. Now, handwriting signature can be replaced with an electronic one. Al Khouri noted that it's impossible these days to decrypt the electronic signature.
Eng. Nasser Mohamed AL Mazrouei, ICT Executive Director and Acting Executive Director of the Population Register, said that the new card includes technical contact and contactless specifications that may contribute to the spread the applications of ID cards and future uses. The ID card has confidentiality due to the contactless communication between the card and the card reader through an embedded antenna inside. This antenna allows the card to communicate with the reader by radio frequency (RF) signal.