The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) held a virtual press conference on the adoption of digital identity (UAEPass) in the private sector, in the presence of representatives from Abu Dhabi Digital Authority, Smart Dubai, and the Dubai Blockchain Center, as well as representatives of TRA strategic partners from the private sector. The press conference held on the sidelines of GITEX Technology Week 2020, addressed enhancing cooperation with the private sector in order to adopt UAEPass in transactions and services.
The participants in the conference discussed the importance of cooperation with the private sector to activate the digital identity, digital signature and digital vault. They discussed the role of digital identity in enabling the provision of digital services in a smooth and rapid manner. The conference also addressed future services that can be obtained using the digital identity.
In his opening speech, Eng. Mohammad Al Zarooni, Director of Policies and Programs Department at TRA said: “GITEX Technology Week 2020 is an indicator of returning back to normal in the UAE, as economic activities and exhibitions are back to confirm the UAE’s leadership in recovery as it was a leader in adaptation and business continuity even in the most difficult circumstances. The UAE, under the guidance of its wise leadership, has been proactive in adopting solutions, projects and initiatives that provide the best services and raise the happiness of the UAE community.”
Al Zarooni added that the UAE community happiness has always been the main goal of all TRA initiatives, including UAEPass. He said: “Our primary goal has always been the happiness of the UAE people and meeting their aspirations by providing easy and affordable services, and this is what we were able to achieve through UAEPass, which reduces visits to customer service centers, with paperless transactions, and no wasting time on the roads and queues. Today, UAEPass services can be used in various sectors, a user can open a bank account or complete a business transaction in a simple click.”
Moreover, TRA announced that the number of UAEPass accounts exceeded 950,000 accounts, whose holders can benefit from more than 219 digital service portals in various emirates of the country, including websites, smartphone applications, digital signature and digital stamp services. This achievement comes only two years after the launch of UAEPass.
UAEPass is the first national digital identity for citizens, residents and visitors, which allows them to obtain all services in the various UAE sectors. It enables them to digitally sign and verify documents, in addition to requesting digital copy of documents issued to them and use them to obtain government services.
UAEPass was launched in GITEX Technology Week 2018, as a collaboration between TRA, Abu Dhabi Digital Authority and Smart Dubai, in order to provide a unified digital identity solution for all service providers, while maintaining a high degree of confidentiality, ease of use. The project is supported by strategic partners, namely: Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Dubai Electronic Security Center, and all digital entities in the UAE.