New Emirati Identity Card Photo Standards Announced by UAE Authorities

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently announced new mandatory standards for the photographs to be used in the new generation of identity cards. These standards are aimed at ensuring the quality and accuracy of the images captured for identification purposes. The new identity cards have several features that make them more secure, durable, and convenient for the cardholders. In this regard, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has outlined the guidelines for capturing and illuminating images, including criteria for head coverings, glasses, facial expressions, and background color.

As per the guidelines published on the government’s website, the Federal government for Identity, Nationality, Customs, and Ports Security has emphasized the importance of acquiring clear and high-resolution photographs. To achieve this, 10 guidelines must be followed, including taking the photograph within the last six months, ensuring a width of 35 to 40 mm, positioning the subject’s head and top of their shoulder parallel to the camera lens to capture 70 to 80% of the image, aligning the subject’s eyes with the camera lens, maintaining a consistent expression, and ensuring a high resolution free of ink traces or wrinkles. Additionally, the subject’s eyes should remain sharply focused for optimal results.

Guidelines for Image Capture and Illumination Standards in Emirati ID Card

In referencing the standards for image capture and lighting, she emphasized the significance of clear and accurate image quality. To ensure this, five key factors should be considered: keeping the head and top of the shoulders parallel to the camera lens and avoiding tilting the body.

Furthermore, the photo’s background should be light-colored, distinctly separated from the subject’s face, and with a clear contrast. Additionally, uniform lighting should be used during the photo-taking process, and no shadows or reflections from the photographic flash, which can cause a color shift and create red-eye, should be visible in the final image.

In terms of wearing glasses, it’s crucial to ensure the captured images are of high resolution and clarity. This requires taking into account the quality of the colors, displaying the eyes clearly in the image, and avoiding any reflection of the photographic flash on the glasses. Thick frames and colored lenses should also be avoided. Instead, glasses with a light frame should be worn, ensuring they don’t obstruct the eyes’ features.

Regarding head coverings, they are only allowed for religious reasons. The captured photo must display the individual’s facial features from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, with both sides of the face clearly visible. Additionally, the captured image must belong to the same person and not depict anyone else. It’s crucial to avoid showing any baby chairs, toys, or other visible individuals. Finally, the photo should be taken with a closed mouth, while keeping the head and gaze parallel to the camera.

As part of the upgrade to the new generation of identity cards and passports, the authority has commenced the issuance of the enhanced version of the national identity card in the initial phase.

The new identity card offers five key benefits: cost reduction, elimination of the need to carry or print physical documents, ability to use the electronic version to complete transactions with other parties, integration with individuals’ biometrics, and the ability to read them electronically using the “QR” feature. Additionally, the card provides secure access through security devices and features advanced security information that is difficult to forge.

The authority highlighted that citizens and residents can access the website to view their existing documents and send electronic copies of their ID, including the data contained within, to other relevant authorities. Furthermore, a “QR code” feature has been added to enable electronic reading of the ID and to validate it for the relevant authorities.

The QR Code technology allows for immediate reading of the electronic copy, which is automatically generated when the customer’s document portfolio is entered into the smart application.

The electronic form of the card displays the same information as the physical card, but the data is read directly from the authority’s database. This streamlines the process for service agencies to verify the validity of the card, even if the physical card is not available with its owner.

Enhancements to the New ID Card: Five Key Improvements

including:

1. Enhanced security features: The card now utilizes advanced security technology to ensure that the personal information it contains is safe and protected.
2. Increased durability: The use of durable materials in the card’s construction extends its lifespan to over a decade.
3. Improved image quality: The new card features 3D images that are verified using date of birth information, improving its accuracy and reliability.
4. High-tech capabilities: The card’s chip has been designed with increased storage capacity and touchless data reading capabilities.
5. New information fields: Additional information fields have been added to the card, including details about the issuing body, occupation, and demographic breakdown, providing more comprehensive information about the cardholder.