Abu Dhabi, 29 Oct, 05 (WAM) --The introduction of the new NationalIdentity Card was the subject of an address by the United ArabEmirates delegation to the Biometrics 2005 Exhibition and Conference,held in London last week.

The speech by Ali M. Khoury, Directorof the EIAD IT Department was of particular interest to delegatesand attracted a large audience of attendees because of the impendingintroduction of a similar card in the UK and possibly elsewhere.

Khoury said the advanced biometric security features that theEIAD is using ensures the new ID Card provides cardholders witha secure and reliable method of establishing and confirming theiridentities. He also noted that the technical advances he describedas part of the UAE's program are a direct benefit and consequenceof the previous experience of other countries in the introductionof identity cards, according to a press release.

Delegates praised the EIAD for its progress in the developmentof the ID Card. The implementation phase of the ID Card programis expected to get under way in the near future with the completionof a number of EIA Registration and Service Centres across theEmirates.

Dr. Saeed Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Director General of EIA, saidthe national program reserves a high level of official governmentsupport on the part of its chairman, General Sheikh MohammadBin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy SupremeCommander of the UAE Armed Forces as well as from its Vice-Chairman,Lt. General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Ministerof Interior.

Dr Dhaheri said the EIAD has benefitedfrom this high level of support and encouragement as it continuesits efforts to launch the ID Card program, which is expectedto assist in advancing the security and economic growth of theUAE.

"There were more than 1500 delegates representing the biometricsindustry, scientists and government representatives at this importantconference," Dr Dhaheri explained. "Our National ID Card projectgained much attention from different delegations and representativeswho wished to have a closer look at our experience in this field,"he added.

The conference also included various presentations on the latestscientific experiments and advancements in biometrics such asfinger prints, retinal and facial scan technologies. Internationalstandards were discussed pertaining to new biometrics projectsunder development as well as current ID projects such as theE-Passport.