DOHA • Qatar began working on the novel project of issuing Smart Identity (ID) cards long ago.
Considered a pioneer in immigration laws and procedures in the region, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is keen to learn from Qatar's experience in the field.
The UAE is quite impressed with the Smart Identity Card (SIC) system its neighbour has recently introduced. The SIC system covers only nationals but there are plans to expand this facility as well as the e-gate system at the Doha International Airport to cover other residents too.
A delegation of top officials from the UAE's Interior Ministry paid a visit to Doha recently to exchange expertise and enhance cooperation between the two countries.
The UAE delegation was led by Nasser Mohamed Al Mazroui, Director of the IT Department. It had Salim Al Dahman, Head of Communications and Network Section, and Yousif Al Kuwaiti, Head of Applications Section, among others, as members.
Lieutenant Colonel Salih Khalmis Al Kubaisi, IT director at the Ministry of Interior (MOI), Qatar, and Lt-Col Abdullah Saad Al Buainain, Director of Nationality and Travel Documents, welcomed the delegation and briefed the guests when they visited the immigration department here to learn of the Smart ID card and the E-passport systems.
© The Peninsula 2008
