Dubai to access ID data for paperwork

Filling in forms will require less time

Dubai: Emiratis and expatriates will soon be able to complete their paperwork in government offices in Dubai easily and in less time, as they will not be required to enter their personal details while filling in new applications.

 

All government departments in Dubai will be able to electronically access data about residents, a top government official said yesterday.

 

Dubai eGovernment has signed an agreement with the Emirates Identity Authority (Eida) to support government integration and digital transformation through electronic links in pursuit of its digital transformation into an integrated knowledge-based society.

 

It is the first initiative towards substituting the entire contents of bulging personal documents with a single, convenient card.

Ahmad Bin Humaidan, Director General of Dubai eGovernment, said the linkage will save time and effort for both customers and government staff.

 

He added that in addition to helping it to maintain comprehensive records on expatriates and Emiratis, the scheme is also designed to secure identification.

The data stored in the ID card would be accessible in over 30 government entities in order to verify the identity of clients.

 

"It is the first move towards achieving the common strategic goals of ID cards, particularly the improvement of operational performance," he said.

 

Confidential

 

However, he said that the ID information would be confidential with limited access when it is required.

Bin Humaidan said, "This agreement is in line with our commitment to actively contribute to the objectives of government integration and the electronic transformation of government systems across Dubai.

 

"We are committed, in the framework of our partnership with Eida, to implement a series of relevant initiatives and joint ventures, including integrating infrastructure for the verification of the identity card and handling this system."

 

Dr Eng Ali Mohammad Al Khoury, Emirates ID Director General, said the signing of the agreement coincides with the gradual conversion towards making the ID card a key identification instrument for transactions and services provided by the government and private sector organisations.