The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has announced the successful testing of new biometric ID systems that could replace the need for physical Emirates ID cards.

These high-tech systems use facial recognition and artificial intelligence (AI), and can be accessed through the Authority’s smart app. Developed with the help of key partners, the new technology aims to improve security, accuracy, and ease of use without replacing the current ID system just yet.

Where It Will Be Used

The new digital ID system is expected to be rolled out across major sectors, including government, banking, telecoms, healthcare, hospitality, and insurance, all areas where secure and accurate identification is vital.

The ICP has confirmed that these systems follow strict technical checks and data protection laws, ensuring safety and privacy for users.

This update was shared in a written response to a Federal National Council (FNC) member’s question about how electronic IDs can improve public services.

Step-by-Step Roll-Out

The ICP explained that the switch to digital identity is being carried out in phases. It began with the digitalisation of basic services and is now expanding to more complex ones. The full roll-out is expected within a year, starting with the services mentioned by the FNC.

The Authority is working with top organisations to bring the new systems into their platforms, supporting the UAE’s goal of becoming a global leader in digital innovation.

“Digital identity is more than just a tool — it opens the door to better services, stronger security, and more convenience,” the Authority said.

Cutting Red Tape

As part of its wider digital transformation, the ICP launched a campaign in August 2024 to reduce government bureaucracy. Called The Month of Eliminating Government Bureaucracy, the campaign encouraged both government workers and the public to suggest ways to improve services.

Events were held in shopping centres, community spaces, and service centres across the Emirates to gather feedback and ideas.

Award for Innovation

To support the campaign, the ICP introduced the Bureaucracy Elimination Award. Open to employees, service users, and partners, the award recognises ideas that help make government processes simpler and more efficient.

(Source: GN)

Apple has launched an aggressive hiring drive across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, signalling a major expansion of its retail and business operations in the region.

According to the company’s official job portal, a wide range of vacancies are now open across both countries. In Saudi Arabia, Apple is recruiting for roles in management, sales, technical support, operations, marketing, and legal. Meanwhile, opportunities in the UAE span business and operations roles, specialist positions, technical support, store management at Dubai Mall, and leadership roles for Apple’s Middle East online business.

The hiring wave comes on the heels of Apple’s announcement to launch its first online store in Saudi Arabia by summer 2025, with physical flagship stores to follow in 2026. This marks the company’s first direct-to-consumer retail push in the Kingdom.

In the UAE, Apple continues to strengthen its presence, having recently announced a fifth retail location in Al Ain. “The UAE is home to an incredible community of creators, innovators, developers, and entrepreneurs,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said in December. 

“We’re excited to keep growing our teams, supporting local businesses, and strengthening our ties with our customers here.”

Apple’s growing footprint in the region is part of a broader strategy to invest in emerging markets. In Saudi Arabia alone, the company has spent over SAR 10 billion with local firms over the past five years.

Trade tensions cloud global operations

However, Apple’s global operations are facing headwinds from the ongoing US-China trade tensions. Tariffs introduced under the current US administration are forcing American companies,  including Apple, to rethink their reliance on overseas manufacturing.

Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives warned that manufacturing iPhones in the US could raise costs significantly, potentially pricing the device at over $3,500. Shifting even 10% of Apple’s supply chain out of Asia would take at least three years and cost upwards of $30 billion, he said.

In response, Apple supplier Luxshare is reportedly exploring options to relocate more production outside China, including to the US. While Luxshare doesn’t expect the current tariffs to heavily impact its financials, the company is considering scaling back some of its investments in China and expanding internationally, if commercially viable.

(Source: GN)

The UAE is joining forces with tech giant Google to open the first-ever Global Cyber Security Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi. This big move shows how serious the country is about staying ahead in technology, fighting cybercrime, and becoming a world leader in digital safety.

The UAE Cabinet has officially approved the launch of the centre, which will be led by Google Cloud in partnership with the UAE Cyber Security Council. It’s all part of the country’s bigger plan to build a strong, safe digital future and to train the next generation of cybersecurity experts.

What Will the Centre Do?

• Protect against cyber threats: The centre will help shield government systems, businesses, and people from online attacks.
• Train local talent: Cybersecurity experts from Google Cloud’s Mandiant team will run special training programmes, including hands-on cyber-attack simulations and real-life response exercises.
• Support startups: Google Cloud will run an accelerator programme for 25 promising startups and offer up to $300,000 in cloud credits to top performers in Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 startup hub.

Why It Matters

Cybercrime is a global issue, and the UAE wants to stay ahead of the curve. Experts say that this new centre could help the UAE avoid nearly $7 billion in cybercrime losses by 2030, create over 20,000 specialised jobs, and attract more than $1.4 billion in foreign investment.

Dr. Mohamed Alkuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, said the partnership is key to building a secure digital future and training the next generation of cyber defenders.

Google Cloud’s Cristina Pitarch added that the UAE’s clear vision for cybersecurity is what makes this collaboration so important. She said the centre will be a place for both innovation and education, helping people and companies deal with digital threats using smart, AI-driven tools.

Big Picture

This project follows the recent visit of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the US, where he met with top tech leaders to build new partnerships focused on AI and digital growth.

The new centre will also work closely with universities, researchers, and global experts to share knowledge, drive innovation, and build a safer digital world.

(Source: DMO)