Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Identity Authority has announced the redeployment of data on the back of Emirates ID cards in preparation for adding new data in future. This is part of the authority’s efforts at widening the scope of the use of the ID cards and activating these as the principal reference for the identification and authentication of individual identities.
The authority explained that this amendment would not require any involvement from the customers, nor will they have to replace their cards. “The amendments on the card involved only minor changes in the fields that record date of birth, card number, validity, signature and the special note on card loss and the serial number for the electronic chip,” a statement from the authority said.
“The new change leaves some blank space on the back of the card, allowing for the addition of new data later. The authority is currently in consultation with its strategic partners to determine what those additional data would be. They might include a special logo for special needs people, driver’s licence number and so on. At the same time, no change has been made on the front side of the card. The particulars and the graphical qualities on both sides of the card will remain the same,” the authority said.
The authority said that as per the new change, the card number has been shifted to the extreme right side on the second line for data, while the signature box has been moved to the extreme left side on the same line.
The authority has stressed that the cards it issues are highly secure in terms of data protection and their technical features guarantee the highest degree of accuracy and security through special qualities. “It is a smart card. It has electronic signature keys for identity verification. It also contains biometric data such as fingerprints, in addition to the identity number which remains with the holder throughout life, enabling him to benefit from a number of government and non-government services that require identity verification. The electronic chip and the card reader allow the concerned entities to verify all relevant personal data,” it explained.
The new changes are in line with the Strategic Plan 2014-2016 of Emirates ID.
