Soon, residents of the United Arab Emirates will no longer require credit cards and digital applications for cash withdrawals and payments, making them obsolete.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) is developing “palm ID” technology that will enable speedier, smoother services to be provided using the palm and will be connected to both public and commercial institutions.

Pioneering Palm Vein Technology

The solution is presently in the trial-and-development stage and is a component of the UAE Vision 2031 initiative. It was demonstrated at the ICP's booth at Gitex Global 2024.

“It is at the last stages of development. The palm veins of each individual are different. People will provide palm biometrics at the ICP platform, which will be linked to the personal profile of the individual. Enrolling palm biometrics will ensure the accuracy of the individual's details. People can make payments or withdraw cash using the palm from ATMs. Work on regulations and policies is underway,” an ICP representative told Khaleej Times on the sidelines of Gitex Global 2024.

A Vision for an Orderly and Convenient Future

In an effort to improve the standard of living for its people and inhabitants, UAE organisations have been making significant investments in the creation of new technologies and solutions.

Additionally, Palm vein technology is said to be less invasive than face recognition. People can use their Emirates ID card or other alternative means to register their palm biometrics with ICP.

“This mode of palm vein payments can also be used at crowded places like metro stations to make it easier for people to access services. Instead of a metro card, people will be able to use a palm to access the metro. Speaking at Gitex 2024, an ICP representative stated, “It is also highly secure because you cannot share details with others, which sometimes people do for their credit cards.”

Eventually, he stated that the UAE would be the first country in the Middle East to implement this revolutionary technology. “Once all the requirements are put in place, it will be rolled out for the public,” he said.

Using palm IDs is consistent with the UAE's strategic objective of being a smart nation and innovation hub. By employing such creative interventions, the UAE not only raises the standard of local services but also presents the nation's forward-thinking outlook to the world.

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