The government will soon introduce a smart identity card that can be used for driving, banking, shopping and other purposes, said General Manager of the Civil Status in the Eastern Province, Mohammad bin Abdullah Alawas.
During the monthly meeting of the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry held recently, Alawas said the Civil Status department is a government agency that serves all citizens, a local newspaper reported. “It is a non-profit institution that has evolved over the years to provide a unique service to members of our community.”
He said the new ID card cannot be duplicated. “It contains various security measures, with a built-in smart chip and magnetic strip with detailed information of its holder.” It can also be used at automated teller machines (ATMs), he added.
In addition, the card will hold detailed information on the driving license of the holder, so that any traffic policeman can read all the necessary information with a handset. “He can determine whether the driving license is valid,” said Alawas.
Other uses of the ID include renting hotel rooms and cars, and for identity purposes at border checkpoints. Alawas said the smart card will help reduce the time needed to process various procedures because it links the Civil Status department with other government agencies.
He added that Civil Status officials will be going out into the community to help elderly people and those in remote regions get all the necessary documents they need.
The meeting was attended by Chairman of the Eastern Province chamber Abdurrahman bin Rashed Al-Rashed.
Meanwhile, the chamber’s health committee met the general manager of health affairs in the province, Dr. Saleh Al-Salhi, to discuss issues concerning businessmen and investors in the health sector.
Smart ID card soon
