Creating and managing a population register and an individual identity management infrastructure for a demographically diverse country such as the UAE is inextricably linked to the transition to smart government. It presupposes a continuum of virtual and physical data management that is conducive to the delivery of government services at all levels in a hassle-free and efficient manner, without in the least compromising on sensitive national security parameters in an increasingly volatile world.
The mission of Emirates Identity Authority (EIA) at its core is to facilitate the transformation of the UAE into a robust knowledge economy that is competitive on a global scale and unique in its cultural and civilisational characteristics. Even as the authority enters its third strategic cycle (Strategic Plan 2014-2016), following an eventful decade of stellar accomplishments, the feelings that overwhelm us are not those of complacency or smug self-congratulation, but a sense of determination to rise to the expectations against the backdrop of fast-paced changes on all fronts across the globe — especially with regard to technology.
In the past few years of our existence, we have been successful in preparing a comprehensive population register for the UAE, comprising both the citizens and residents. Issuance of identity cards for one and all brought about a sea change in quality in the delivery of services to customers in all government departments within the various emirates and at the federal level, creating unprecedented synergy and integration within the public sector in the country as a whole. No less important was the welcome impact of all these on the internal security scenario, as the investigation and confirmation of individual identity for all was now possible at the click of a mouse.
Our strategic plan for the next three years encapsulates our modus operandi for building on and consolidating the gains achieved this far. While its core content is inspired by the vision and strategy of federal and local governments in the country, the rest is specific to EIA and the outcomes entrusted to it. A principal component of this is to explore the ways and means for utilising the population register and the identity cards towards better and more efficient government services and quicker decision-making process. Another significant component will be the integration of platforms for ascertaining individual identities across the public and private sectors, using the identity card and the population register as the pivotal point of reference.
We are determined, more than ever before, to put the satisfaction of the customer on top of our priorities. To that end, we want to reach out to the general public more effectively so they gain a better understanding of our services. In this context, we have decided to set up a learning centre for the purposes of disseminating the concept and culture of national identity management. The extent to which the analyses, reports and statistical data issued by us are used by public and private entities leaves much to be desired. Therefore, we plan to pay special attention to this aspect so the use of our resources by government and private sector entities increases up to 85 per cent.
Integrated system
The purpose of this article is not to list the various components in our new strategic plan, but to communicate to one and all that we are in the process of enhancing the scope of the identity cards to include a wide array of services and utilities. In doing so, we are also committed to making our services and products more useful for various government and private entities. Our new vision statement reflects the totality of our endeavours and their desired outcomes. EIA is committed to “providing an advanced and integrated system for managing individual identities in a way that contributes to a transformation at the level of both the government and the economy, thereby strengthening the elements of security and global competitiveness for the UAE”.
An identity management system is a dynamic platform that enables countries and societies to keep pace with mind-boggling transformations all around in a self-confident manner. It is not the creation of a virtual world away from the real one, but the integration of the two into a vibrant continuum.
Ali Mohamed Al Khouri is Director General, Emirates Identity Authority, UAE.
