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No more Emirates ID? UAE to replace physical cards with face scan tech

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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)

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Education

UAE students face disruption as CBSE cancels Class 10 exams, postpones Class 12 test

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled several Class 10 board examinations in the Middle East and postponed a Class 12 exam scheduled for March 7, citing the prevailing situation in parts of the region.

In a circular dated March 5, the board informed school principals across the region, including UAE that all Class 10 board exams scheduled between March 7 and March 11 have been cancelled.

Earlier postponed exams also cancelled

The board also confirmed that Class 10 exams originally scheduled for March 2, March 5 and March 6, which had earlier been postponed, have now been officially cancelled.

CBSE said the method for declaring Class 10 results for students in the region will be announced later.

The decision comes amid ongoing regional escalations.

Class 12 exam postponed

Meanwhile, the Class 12 examination scheduled for Saturday, March 7, has been postponed, with revised dates to be announced later.

CBSE said it will review the situation on March 7 before issuing further instructions regarding Class 12 exams scheduled from March 9 onward.

Students have been advised to stay in close contact with their schools and follow official announcements carefully.

Exams began in February

The CBSE board examinations began on February 17 and were taken by thousands of students worldwide.

This year’s exam cycle marks the first time CBSE introduced a dual-exam system, allowing students to take the board exam twice in the same academic year to improve their scores.

  • First attempt (February): Mandatory
  • Second attempt (May): Optional for score improvement

Previously, students had only one chance to take board exams in March each year.

New evaluation system

The board has also introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM) for evaluating Class 12 answer sheets, a digital assessment method aimed at making the marking process faster, more transparent and more consistent.

Further updates on exam schedules and evaluation procedures will be announced after the board reviews the evolving situation in the region.

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Business

UAE Central Bank assures public financial system is stable and fully operational

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Central Bank of the UAE has reassured residents and businesses that the country’s financial system remains strong, stable and fully operational despite rising geopolitical tensions across the region.

The regulator said banks, financial institutions and insurance companies across the UAE continue to operate normally, delivering services to customers without disruption.

Khaled Mohamed Balama said the sector remains resilient and well-positioned to navigate evolving regional developments.

“The UAE’s banking and financial sector continues to demonstrate the highest levels of resilience and stability,” he said.

Strong foundations of the financial sector

According to the central bank, the sector is built on strong governance frameworks, diversified institutions and proactive risk management systems designed to respond quickly to regional and global economic shifts.

Balama noted that the regulator has played a key role in strengthening the country’s financial stability and global reputation.

Strong capital and liquidity buffers

Financial indicators show that the UAE banking sector is entering the current period of regional uncertainty from a position of strength.

  • Capital adequacy ratio: around 17%
  • Liquidity Coverage Ratio: above 146.6%

Both indicators remain well above international regulatory requirements, reflecting strong financial buffers across the sector.

Total assets in the UAE banking system have also grown significantly, exceeding Dh5.42 trillion, highlighting the scale and stability of financial institutions operating in the country.

These strong capital and liquidity levels help banks absorb economic shocks and maintain lending activity even during periods of uncertainty.

The Central Bank also confirmed that banking infrastructure, digital platforms and payment networks continue to operate smoothly across the country.

“I reaffirm that the UAE’s banking systems, payment systems and national financial infrastructure continue to operate with full efficiency and stability,” Balama said.

Continuous monitoring and preparedness

Authorities said the financial sector remains under close monitoring, with ongoing coordination between the central bank, financial institutions and government entities.

Banks in the UAE operate under regulatory frameworks that require continuous risk monitoring, stress testing and business continuity planning aligned with international best practices.

The Central Bank said it maintains a wide range of monetary and prudential policy tools to support financial stability when needed.

Balama reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to safeguarding the sector’s stability and supporting the UAE’s long-term economic growth.

“I reaffirm the Central Bank of the UAE’s unwavering commitment to closely monitor developments, maintain full operational readiness and provide the necessary support to safeguard the achievements realised over more than five decades of progress and prosperity,” he said.

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Indian Embassy issues advisory for citizens in UAE: Stay vigilant, follow safety guidelines

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The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi on Thursday issued an advisory for Indian nationals living in the UAE, urging them to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.

In its advisory, the embassy said that all Indian nationals currently in the UAE should remain calm, stay alert, and adhere to the safety guidelines of the UAE authorities, while also keeping track of official updates issued from time to time.

The UAE is home to more than 4.3 million Indian expatriates, making Indians the largest expatriate community in the country.

Airspace restrictions

The mission noted that airspace restrictions and temporary suspension of regular scheduled flights remain in place due to the exceptional circumstances affecting the region.

However, stranded Indian nationals can avail themselves of limited non-scheduled flight services currently operating between the UAE and India.

According to the embassy, Indian and UAE airlines are operating special flights to multiple destinations in India, subject to operational and safety approvals from relevant authorities.

The advisory also reminded stranded travellers about the waiver of overstay fines announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security.

Several stranded Indian nationals have already returned home on these special flights, with many praising the assistance provided during the disruption.

Embassy operations continue

The embassy confirmed that its services continue to operate normally.

“The Government of India attaches the highest importance to the safety and well-being of Indians abroad and is monitoring developments at the highest level,” the mission said.

The Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai remain in close contact with UAE authorities and community leaders to support the Indian diaspora.

Helpline for Indians

Indian nationals in the UAE seeking assistance can contact the embassy through the following 24/7 helplines:

  • Toll-free: 800-46342
  • WhatsApp: +971 543090571

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