The UAE has unveiled a "new generation" Emirates ID to be used by the public.
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) revealed some of the upgraded features of the advanced card when announcing its launch on social media on Saturday.
The advanced identity card will have enhanced protection of non-visible data and an increased service life of more than 10 years.
It will include a 3D picture using laser-printing technology to show the date of birth of the cardholder.
The authority did not say when the physical version of the card would be introduced.
The updated card is being launched as part of an ongoing project to revamp identification cards and Emirati passports.
Maj Gen Suhail Al Khaili, acting director general of the ICA, said the first recipients of the printed cards will be those whose current Emirates ID has expired as well as those requesting replacements for lost or damaged cards.
He advised residents to use their valid card until its expiry date in order to benefit from the updated ID on renewal.
The senior official said there would be no changes in fees during the application process and the issuance of identification cards.
Maj Gen Khaili said the new-look card was being rolled out as part of a nationwide strategy to harness the latest technologies to record population data.
In June, officials said residents applying for their Emirates ID or renewing the card could use a digital copy until they received the physical version.
The digital copy is available on the ICA UAE Smart app, which can be downloaded for free from the Apple and Android stores.
"The electronic version can be used via QR code scanning technology, to enable immediate reading of the card. It is automatically generated when entering the customer’s document wallet in the smart application," the ICA said in a statement released by state news agency Wam.
"This process helps service authorities to verify the effectiveness of the issued card in case the printed card is not available."
Services and businesses that require Emirates ID cards have been made aware of the move and instructed to accept the digital version, the ICA said.
People can also download a digital copy of their Emirates ID by signing into the UAE Pass app.
It is a legal requirement for all citizens and residents to possess an Emirates ID.
The card, which contains a ID number unique to each cardholder, is used to access government services and to access smart gate services to speed up travel at airports. It also must be displayed by citizens voting in Federal National Council elections.
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