The UAE’s Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Abu Dhabi-based telecoms operator Etisalat to develop programmes that enable Emirates ID card data to be identified and transferred using NFC-enabled mobile phones.

Under the terms of the agreement, the partners will initially run an NFC-based ID card pilot before launching the scheme commercially nationwide.

“NFC can assist in providing creative, convenient and safe services for customers, while presenting new opportunities for data integration and communication,” says Engineer Nasser Al Mazroui, executive director, Communications and Information Systems, Emirates Identity Authority. “Our partnership with Etisalat continues our efforts to provide the most modern communication infrastructure for Emirates ID cardholders, who can benefit from the connectivity and compatibility of their smart cards.”

Al Mazroui says that EIDA remains committed to launching creative services following completion of the residents’ registration stage in a way that supports the eGovernance initiative of the UAE and its transformation to a digital economy.

Marwan Al Qadi, Ag. Sr. director of Electronic & Mobile Commerce, Etisalat, says: “Today, mobile phones have become the most important personal item for individuals, and I am glad to note that Etisalat is developing solutions that are optimizing the value and utility of mobile phones for customers.

“Mobile NFC is making the internet of things a reality today by creating NFC links that can be used to connect remotely to target sites using phones. We are already seeing its many benefits in areas such as shopping, ePayments and cross-media functions.

“I must also applaud the vision of EIDA in identifying the potential advantages presented by this technology for ID cardholders.”