Photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Aya Al Deeb, Staff Reporter

The Federal Identity and Citizenship Authority (ICA) on Thursday reviewed the features and advantages of the second generation of the Emirates ID that go in line with the concept of overall digital transformation in the UAE.

On its account on Twitter, the ICA explained that the new ID card is of high quality and more durability, as its material contains polycarbonate that lengthens the card’s lifetime to over 10 years.

The new card will include a laser printed 3D photo associated with the date of birth. Moreover, it will include fields and identification codes for professional data, the issuance entity and population groups.

The ICA also indicated that the second generation of the ID card guarantees enhanced protection for hidden data, as it is read through the electronic link system with the authority. The ID cards also include advanced technical and technological features including a chip with a greater capacity, and a non-contact feature to read the data.

The Authority calls applicants for the service to use electronic ID card until the issuance of the printed cards. It affirms that the electronic version is an exact copy of the ID card. It is available through the smart application “ICA UAE Smart”, which can be downloaded for free from the IOS and Android stores.

The electronic version can be scanned via QR Code to allow the card to be read immediately, the ICA added.