No need for physical checking of Emirates ID at banks

Banks and financial institutions in the UAE can use online validation gateway of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship for identification verification of customers when opening their bank accounts.

This will eliminate the need for physical checking of the Emirates ID card of individual and corporate customers, the Central Bank said in a notice sent to all banks and financial institutions operating in the country.

"The UAE Pass Platform depends on the online validation gateway of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship for identity verification, which eliminates the need for physical checking of the UAE ID card. Banks and other financial institutions may utilise the UAE Pass in the procedures of opening account and conducting transactions for individuals and representatives of corporate customers," reads the Central Bank notice sent to banks in the country.

Launched in October 2018, the UAE Pass is the first national digital identity platform that is available for Emiratis and expats through a single mobile identity, allowing them not just to access services but also to digitally sign documents.

All UAE residents can have a digital national identity that can be used to access government services and make transactions online. Residents can log into any government website to make a transaction after downloading the app and creating an account on UAE Pass.

The Central Bank and the UAE Banking Federation welcomed the digital transformation initiative - UAE Pass Platform - launched jointly by Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA)), in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Digital Authority and Smart Dubai.

waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com