H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, registered himself today under the Population Register and National ID Card (PRIDC) program, marking the official launch of the country's new national smart ID card program. The project is considered one of the most advanced identity programs in the Middle East as it effectively uses state-of-the-art technologies including smart cards, fingerprint biometrics and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).
H.H. Sheikh Khalifa was briefed by H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who is also the Chairman of EIDA, about the progress in implementing the PRIDC project, the registration procedures and the advanced technologies used in the program. The meeting was attended, by H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior and Vice Chairman of the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) and a number of Sheikhs, ministers and senior officials in the UAE Government.
H.H. Sheikh Khalifa expressed his keen appreciation of the project. He said that the PRIDC is a strategic project that would support the UAE's economic and social development strategies by strengthening the economic, social, political and security environment in the country.
H.H. the President also instructed that the project must be given top priority by government departments and organizations to enable EIDA to implement it in a smooth and efficient manner. In addition to strengthening security, the National ID Card program will help to improve the efficiency of government and public services and enhance on-the-job performance of employees.
Thanking H.H. Sheikh Khalifa for taking the initiative to register under the PRIDC, Sheikh Mohammed said it showed top-level commitment from the UAE government to support national programs that seek to strengthen social security, leading to improved living conditions for the country's residents. He added that this remarkable program is certain to be highly appreciated by future generations.
H.H. Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed, Vice Chairman of EIDA, also appreciated the gesture of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa in registering under the PRIDC. He emphasized that the President's registration sets an example for the public and signals to them the importance of registering according to the set registration plan.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed presented the President with his ID card making him the first person in the UAE to receive his new National ID Card, marking a new phase for the project launched last year. EIDA will now begin issuing ID cards to those who are already registered under the project. H.H. the President also received a symbolic ID card made of gold-plated crystal as a gift from EIDA.
Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director General of EIDA, said that this day is remarkable for EIDA employees and in the history of the UAE. Al Dhaheri advised that H.H. Sheikh Khalifa was registered using a mobile registration system designated for VVIPs. His Highness’s data including his photograph, finger print and e-signature were entered to the population register system.
Al Dhaheri also noted that a VIP registration service will be provided in future upon request by citizens or expatriates for a special fee.
