UK-based ObjectTech Group has signed an agreement with Government of Dubai for its Immigration and Visas Department (GDRFA - General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners' Affairs) project to develop digital passports by combining biometric verification and immutability of the blockchain technology.
ObjectTech company uses self-sovereign digital identity to solve regulatory problems for banks and individuals. The digital passports will allow seamless entry at Dubai Airport, permitting passengers to alight their aircraft and walk straight to baggage collection without stopping at the passport control.
“This will mean passengers arriving in Dubai Airport will be able to step off their flight and walk straight to baggage reclaim via biometric verification whilst they walk - allowing them to be registered into the country using a pre-approved and entirely digitized passport,” the release said.
Various international airports have been planning for seamless entry. Blockchain and its potential of identity trust framework has made this possible for country like UAE, to implement on par with its vision of Smart Dubai initiative.
ObjectTech will be working closely with its co-founder and CEO Paul Ferris, who is a blockchain expert, and the Chair of the identity working group. It will be working with ISO on the standardization of blockchain technology, which is crucial for global identity system.
“Dubai is really committed to improving the lives of their citizens and visitors through technology and we’re very excited to be a part of making that a reality,” Paul Ferris, stated.
The Dubai Government is committed with the GDRFA, seeking to make Dubai Airport the most business and tourist friendly airport worldwide.