ABU DHABI, 11 July 2006 — UAE President Sheikh Khalifa ibn Zayed Al-Nahayan officially launched the Emirates’ new ID card scheme yesterday by registering himself under the Population Register and National ID Card Program.
The scheme is considered one of the most advanced identity programs in the Middle East using an array of modern technology including smart cards, fingerprint biometrics and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).
Sheikh Khalifa was registered using a mobile registration system designated for VVIPs. Sheikh Khalifa’s data, including his photograph, fingerprints and e-signature, was entered into the population register system.
The president was briefed by Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed ibn Zayed Al-Nahayan, deputy supreme commander of the Armed Forces, who is also the chairman of Emirates Identity Authority, about the registration procedures, the progress made in implementing the PRIDC project and the technology that is being used.
Sheikh Khalifa expressed his appreciation of the project and instructed that the project must be given priority by government departments and organizations to enable EIDA to implement it in a smooth and efficient manner.
“This national project will certainly reinforce the development process of the country in the socio-economic, political and security spheres,” he said.
In addition to strengthening national security, the National ID Card program will help improve efficiency of government and public services and enhance employees’ job performance.
