UAE Digital Identity UAE Pass adds new governmental services

Smart Dubai, in collaboration with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA), has expanded the offering on its flagship UAEPASS, with additional services from new government entities now integrated into the national digital identity platform. Launched late last year, the UAEPASSinitiative aims to provide the first national-level digital identity service to all UAE citizens, residents, and visitors. The application allows users to access services of federal and local governments, as well as private companies, on a single smart application, in addition to enabling digital signatures through mobile devices.

Her Excellency Dr Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, Director General of Smart Dubai, asserted that the UAEPASS initiative is a key pillar of the Dubai and UAE Governments’ digital transformation strategies, as well as the Dubai Paperless Strategy. “The project stands to strengthen government cooperation at the federal level, developing an integrated system of government and private-sector services that are able to meet the requirements of the communities and the cities of the future,” H.E. Dr Aisha said.

“We are working with our strategic partners in Dubai to set a clear roadmap for them to make their services accessible through UAEPASS, building on our success in providing a bundle of essential services through the application,” H.E. explained. “We look forward to larger and more rapid success for UAEPASS in the near future, both at the local and federal levels. This, in turn, will significantly strengthen Dubai and the UAE’s leading status in comprehensive smart transformation solutions.”

When UNLOCK met with Dr. Aisha Bini Bint Butti Bin Bishr in April during the Future Blockchain Summit in Dubai she had stated, " Paperless terminology is being used synonmously with Blockchain, and the most important building block for Blockchain applications is a comprehensive digital idenity with digital signature."

H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of the TRA, applauded the collaboration between the Authority and Smart Dubai. “The vision of our wise leadership is that digital transformation is a comprehensive national project, not limited to the federal or local government, but one that considers the customer as the objective and the purpose. By working with Smart Dubai and the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority, we aim to provide a unified digital identity that will serve customers round the clock in a fast, effective, and user-friendly manner,” H.E. said.

One of the most important features the UAEPASS is set to roll out is the digital signature feature, which allows users to digitally and remotely sign official documents anywhere and at any time using their smartphones. The feature saves time and effort, ensures privacy and security, and eliminates the need to visit a service centre. The service is currently utilised in under the ‘Start your Business’ service, which customers can use to receive a business license within 15 minutes. More government services are slated to be integrated to the platform in the future, where users can utilise the digital signature feature.

“Guided by our leadership’s vision to strengthen collaboration between government entities in order provide world-class government services at the national level, the UAEPASS initiative plays a key role in reinforcing our country’s digital identity,” said H.E. Dr Rauda Al Saadi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA). “The ‘Digital Signature’ offers customers a safe and secure way to complete transactions through seamless identification and authentication, significantly facilitating the process and reducing time spent on government transactions. This programme falls in line with ADDA’s strategy to provide fast, seamless and secure customer experiences through enhanced government synergies and cooperative efforts with key partners and stakeholders.”

H.E. Dr Al Saadi added: “ADDA is fully committed to working with government entities on joint initiatives to develop and promote the digital agenda of the UAE with the aim to deliver the highest level of customer satisfaction, enhance the quality of life of our citizens, residents, visitors, and investors alike.”

The current list of local government entities in Dubai that allow customers to access their services through the UAE Pass includes Dubai Department of Economic Development, DubaiNow, Dubai Police, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Land Department, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dubai Courts, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE).

The UAEPASS roadmap comprises several local government entities in Dubai whose services will be made available through UAEPASS in July this year, including Dubai Municipality, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Culture, National Bonds Corporation, Dubai Asset Management, Dubai Sports Council, and the Dubai Maritime City Authority.

The list of government entities outside of Dubai whose services can be accessed through UAEPASS includes Fujairah police, Fujairah Municipality, Sharjah Department of Economic Development, Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, Ministry of Infrastructure Development, and the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology. More entities are expected to be added in the upcoming month.