Amidst all the developments, the Emirates ID has undergone a change too. The ID has undergone change and the new features have been revealed.

With new features and greater longevity than the previous cards, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has unveiled the second generation of the identification card, with new looks.

The new generation of Emirati passports and national ID cards will help increase the UAE’s use of advanced technology to develop population data.

The new card includes features like invisible data that can be read through the E-link System, advanced technical and technological characteristics including higher chip capacity, and a non-touch data reading feature among others.

Made with polycarbonate, the new card will also be of higher quality, to create a longer lifespan that can exceed ten years. The consolidated 3D photo will have a laser print feature with an authenticated date of birth, and additional fields of identification.

Though the authorities have not announced when the physical card will be introduced, they will start printing the new card after the first stage of use with the new electronic version.

So, if you have lost your card or it has been damaged or even expired, you will be one of the first to receive the new type of card. The digital copy of the card has been made available on the ICA UAE Smart app, which can be downloaded for free from the Apple and Android stores. The fees for the application process or ID cards will remain the same.