Digital Dubai says that growth of verified users of its service that forms part of the National Digital Identity project represents a 393 percent increase since 2020
Dubai, April 21, 2022. Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, Abu Dhabi Digital Authority, and Digital Dubai Authority announced that the number of verified users of its UAE PASS service has crossed the 2 million mark – a figure that represents a 393 percent growth in the platform since 2020.
The authority says that the huge increase in use of UAE PASS - the first secure national digital identity platform that allows citizens and residents to access online services across various sectors in the UAE, as well as to digitally sign and authenticate documents - has been accelerated by the increase in digital onboarding using facial recognition, which was launched during the global pandemic, when users were keen to avail a highly efficient and secure means of conducting transactions remotely. Facial recognition on the platform, which was introduced in April 2021, helped increase security and eliminate the need for users to register for the application at government services kiosks.
“The exponential increase in verified users of the UAE PASS service is a testament to the progress that Digital Dubai has made, in collaboration with our partners at federal and local government and private sector entities, towards achieving our strategic goals and digitizing life in the UAE, in line with the vision and aspiration of the UAE leadership. The advantages of the platform have become increasingly apparent for users over the past two years, with the global pandemic having significantly boosted the up-take of the platform. The figures confirm UAE residents’ awareness of the importance of digital services in facilitating and improving people’s lives,” said His Excellency Wesam Lootah, CEO of the Smart Dubai Government Establishment, Digital Dubai.
H.E. Lootah encouraged unverified users to complete their verification in order to avail the platform’s array of services easily from the UAE PASS mobile application and using the facial recognition feature. The services offered have been designed to expedite and simplify a whole range of transactions from service providers from across the public and private sectors, H.E. explained.
“UAE PASS is an incredibly efficient application that offers direct access to more than 9,000 services from government, semi-government, and private entities. There are currently 185 service providers on the platform, comprising 42 federal bodies, 113 local government departments and 30 private entities, so downloading and using it connects individuals to a comprehensive array of digital services that cover the public and private sector spectrum,” added H.E. Lootah.
UAE PASS was launched during the GITEX Technology Week in October 2018 as a joint initiative between the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, Abu Dhabi Digital Authority and Digital Dubai. In addition to enabling users to digitally sign and authenticate documents, it allows them to request digital versions of official documents to share with service providers when required. More service providers are being added all the time, progressively enhancing the platform’s utility.
H.E Aisha Ibrahim Al Marzooqi, Executive Director of Government Services Sector, Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA) commended the tangible achievement of the ‘Digital Identity’ initiative, which was completed as a result of concerted local and federal government efforts to improve the government service sector in the UAE and enhance customers’ experience in a way that contributes to the development of various sectors.
H.E Aisha Al Marzooqi said: “ADDA is keen to support the digital transformation process witnessed in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE in general. It also attaches great importance on government cooperation amongst the concerned entities to improve the quality of life and enhance the positive impact of digital services on the lives of the individuals. H.E stressed that ADDA’s co-operation with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority and Digital Dubai reflect its commitment to move forward with its strategy to enhance unified digital government services and provide integrated journeys that reduce time and effort and enhance customers’ satisfaction.
UAE PASS is supported by key strategic partners, notably the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Dubai Electronic Security Centre, and all digital authorities across the UAE. In September 2019, the UAE Central Bank adopted the UAE PASS platform, allowing banks around the UAE to use it in processing banking transactions.