Residents in the UAE will soon be able to use their smartphones to provide their biometric data, which is required when you apply for an Emirates ID for the first time.

A resident must provide his or her biometric data when applying for an Emirates ID for the first time. Previously, residents needed an appointment with the Emirati government to provide their biometric data, but now residents will be able to do so with their smartphones.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) introduced the service at Gitex Global 2022.

A new way to collect biometric data has been introduced at Gitex, in which applicants can use their mobile phones.

The application will be integrated with the UAE ICP's smartphone application, which is available for both Apple and Android devices. In addition to the services offered by ICPs, biometric data will be collected as well. Through facial recognition, the app authenticates your identity and guides you on how to capture biometric data.

Download the UAEICP app for Android

Download the UAEICP app for IOS

Here is how you can submit biometrics data from your smartphone: 

Applicants would simply need to scan a barcode from their passport or visa application. The app will authenticate your identity through facial recognition, and then it will guide you on how to capture your biometrics. 

The app will provide instructions on positioning the phone and fingertips to ensure that all fingerprint data is captured.

The final date of when the service will be available has not been announced, but it will make the process easier for users if they can provide the data via the smartphone application.