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Based on the ambitious vision of our wise leadership to build a digital future in the country, and to devote leadership in the innovation and artificial intelligence field. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has launched a digital transformation strategy that is based on 5 main strategic objectives:

• Improving the competitiveness of the authority in the digital transformation field.
• Integrated digitization of processes and services.
• Promoting digital innovation with new technologies.
• Enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of digital processes and services.
• Integrated digital culture.

The digital transformation strategy applied in the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has become a new method in dealing with individuals and institutions to achieve the trend that elevates the information society and spread the culture of digital dealing in all services. The era of digital information that we live today requires us to deal with it and adapt to its requirements.

From this standpoint the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship realized the importance of digital transformation in providing its services, starting from automating its services by 100% and reducing the percentage of costumers in service centers to 80% by 2021. Furthermore developing the electronic platforms and its smart application through entering and registering with an identity and digital UAE PASS, in addition to developing the infrastructure in order to empower and give all customers the opportunity of access to informations and carrying out all transactions on the digital network and smart channels.

Launching a digital transformation strategy in the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship will enhance the confidence in the digital transformation process, which aim helping customers to overcome the challenges and benefit from digital technologies, which will allow them to prepare strategically for the future.

And because investment in human capital is the locomotive of development, the launch of the digital transformation strategy and the approval of the Board of Directors on its foundations and objectives, we have announced an explicit digital charter to support digital culture and institutional digital innovation in the authority among employees, which will enhance their ambitions, refine and develop their digital competencies and retain them to lead change as they are Active ingredient during the transformation period.

To build a true digital culture, we will work with all partners to spread digital awareness and build a digital culture among all members of society in line with the directions of our beloved country.

 

 

Mother’s Day was celebrated by many countries of the world a few days ago in recognition of the mother, who is the icon of purity and the symbol of extreme love and tenderness. On that day and while the world is busy with making courtesy statements, I recall the saying of our Prophet (PBUH), which does not leave any room for anyone to express the right of mothers over their children in a more eloquent manner, when a man asked him: “O Prophet of Allah! Who is the most deserving and worthy of my good company?” The answer, which no philosopher or intellectual could ever add to it or express it more clearly, came when the Prophet said: “Your mother.” The man asked: “Who comes next after her?” the Prophet said: “Your mother.” The man asked again: “Who comes next after her?” The Prophet said: “Your mother.” The man asked again: “Who comes next after her?” The Prophet said: “Your father.”

Mothers were honored by Allah in more than one location in the Holy Quran: “And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bears him with hardship and she brings him forth with hardship” (Surah Al Ahqaf, Verse 15) and “His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship” (Surah Luqman, Verse 14). They were also honored by our Prophet (PBUH) when he said: “Paradise is under the feet of mothers.”

In this context, I quote one of the most beautiful paragraphs on mothers from an article by Sheikh Dr. Saud Al-Shuraim, Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, in which he described the mother as “A simple, weak female creature, who is extremely affectionate and tender and has many virtues which are ignored by the rich who have eyes but do not see, ears but do not hear and hearts but do not understand. She is a soldier with no one to protect her and a guard with no one to guard her; she has the force of attraction and propitiation and the right of mercy and compassion. She is perfect, mature and the weakest of Allah’s creatures.

It is my mother: the receptacle for love and kindness and the spring of compassion and tenderness. Is there anyone who can affirm that they have given her what she really deserves? I believe that no matter what we do in this connection, we will never be able to give this sun her dues.

The ongoing and rapid evolution of the information and communication technology (ICT) has brought many benefits and positive points to all the aspects of our human, social, economic, cultural  and information-related life, particularly that the methods of conveying and exchanging information around the world have become faster, easier and more effective than ever. At the same time, however, these methods included gaps and negative points, which some people were able to use for gaining illegal access and causing harm and higher rates of vandalism or even theft. As a result, terms like “cyber crimes”, “information technology crimes”, “electronic piracy”, “cyber espionage” and others came into existence. These terms were actually classified and legislation and laws were enacted to deal with cyber crimes including threats, extortion and penetration of bank accounts and corporate systems in addition to spying on individuals and businesses, accessing protected security sites, sabotaging websites etc.

In this context, the 5^th International Cyber ​​Crimes Conference was held and recently concluded in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi. The conference underlined the UAE’s growing interest in and keenness on achieving cyber security, particularly in light of the UAE’s rapid development in all the economic, commercial, administrative, education and health fields, depending on the world’s latest technology and means of communication. The UAE actually made great strides in this field, a recent one of which was its successful bid to host the World Expo 2020.

The conference showed that the UAE was one of the top countries that rushed to develop legislative frameworks to deal with all kinds of cyber crimes through issuing the federal law no. 2 for 2006 for combating IT crimes and replacing it by a more sophisticated law in 2012, while continuously developing the work of the police concerned with preventing and combating technological crimes, which contributed effectively to confronting them. This comes at a time studies indicate that cyber crimes have topped the list of the crimes developed in the UAE and are on the rise annually due to the increasing reliance on modern technologies in the majority of transactions, particularly the financial and commercial ones.

The multiple and diverse UAE entities which organized the conference; namely, the Ministry of Interior and Institute of Training and Judicial Studies in co-operation and co-ordination with the Ministry of Justice, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and the National Electronic Security Authority show the importance for the entities concerned to combine efforts to develop an integrated strategy to confront IT crimes and translate the recommendations of the conference into concrete results with the aim of ensuring the best electronic security in the UAE.

Bearing in mind the multiple entities concerned with cyber crimes, the Ministry of Interior, led by His Highness Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, plays a key role in confronting these crimes by focusing on the preventive aspect and consolidating security, stability and public safety among citizens and residents in implementation of the UAE Vision 2021, which is in line with Abu Dhabi Government Vision 2030 aimed at applying the concepts of e-government.

In addition to the above, the 5^th International Cyber ​​Crimes Conference coincides with the International Conference for Security and National Resilience “ISNR Abu Dhabi 2014”, which saw the participation of national and global companies specialized in manufacturing security equipment and devices and safety and resilience devices, thus ensuring the integration of security in all its forms and levels.

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship makes a noble and meaningful gesture by presenting the Souvenir of “Amentak Beladak” to 2019 new-born babies. “Amentak Beladak” is an initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. ICA presents the “Souvenir” on issuing the birth certificates and adding new-born babies to the family book. It is a classy gesture, which emphasizes maintaining the supreme directives aiming at instilling the values of belonging and loyalty to the homeland in the hearts of UAE citizens.

The Souvenir which bears the photo of the founder father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, reminds us of his values and legacy, on which the principles and rules of UAE are based. Among these principles and rules, dedication to work, giving, love, coexistence and tolerance.

The Souvenir conveys a message of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed to the generations to remind them of the greatness of the mission they are entrusted with, i.e. preserving this precious homeland. It is a great and noble mission entrusted not only to the armed forces, the police and the security forces, but also to every UAE citizen. It takes many forms of diligence and hardworking in study and excellence, as well as dedication, sacrifice and maintaining social ties and national cohesion, and enhancing UAE position and image in every field and area.

This noble gesture reflects the keen of our wise leadership on being near to its citizens in a happy occasion like the happy event of receiving a new-born baby who joins the large family; the Family of “Zayed Sons”. Besides, this initiative marks his vision about building generations and instilling the love of, loyalty and belonging to this precious homeland. This initiative comes in line with his instructions to introduce the moral education in UAE curricula to protect children and create generations able to preserve the bright image of UAE and its high standing. This can be achieved by preserving its established values and moral principles.

We all remembered HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed’s call to the future generations to preserve UAE name, when he reminded us that when a citizen makes a positive action, it will be said that it has been made by an “Emirati” citizen, and if he/she makes a negative action, it will be said that it has been made by an “Emirati” citizen. Therefore, we have to remember these noble words and their indications before we take any action even if we consider simple especially that some people are waiting for any opportunity to exploit any unintentional mistake or misconduct to ruin UAE nam

In the light of UAE Innovation Month, where creativity and ambition are limitless, on 19 February, the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah was a shining star in the Forum of Innovation and Industry of the Future. Emiratis, sons and daughters of Zayed, passionate about innovation and their hearts are beating for realizing a leading, happy and tolerant state. These were the first statements of the ceremonial identity launched by ICA, as a part of its mission supporting excellence and uniqueness.

The moment you reach the forum’s hall, you find what is beyond chairs, screens and speakers; you find an exhibition that embraces you. It makes you gaze at the beauty of the innovative exhibitions and the creative ideas woven by a group of students from schools, technical schools and various institutions from Ras Al Khaimah. These students have gathered around one and only goal, united for innovation, united for creativity and united for a sustainable future. They gathered to be ambassadors in innovational knowledge to a country that does not know the word impossible, and reached the highest levels of competitiveness.

Being there, you cannot but capture three scenes that behold in your memory until you leave the forum. The first scene is the harmony between the Forum’s subject “Innovation and Industry of the Future” and ICA’s logo, holding in its heart the UAE flag, surrounded by stars and signs of artificial intelligence. Attendees realize that ICA organizational identity and its logo are an integral organization looking forward to establish the culture of innovation and making customers happy.

The second scene is a symbolic sketch, short in duration but deep in meaning and goal, written, directed and acted by ICA’s innovation ambassadors. The sketch message was well received, innovation is to be or not to be, asserting the quote of H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in his article “Innovate or Stagnate”: “Innovation is to be or not to be: I innovate, therefore I am”.

Third Scene is the energy of the organizers and their passion about actions that echo “Emirati and Proud” and “We are the sons of Zayed”. We are inspired by the love of our home, our leaders, the construction of our country and representing it in all forums. Our passport is number one, and our federal identity is the ideal. With every sunrise, we are determined to unite for being able to achieve a promising future.

Imad Al Din Hussien – Al Roeya newspaper, Thursday, 28 February 2019

02/08/2018

A significant positive step represented in the grace period given by UAE to the violators to change their status, which entered into force yesterday in accordance with the Decree of the Cabinet in this regard, which made the violators flocking to the centers set by the ICA to receive them. This grace period reflects the wisdom of the leadership of the state, which is always keen to take into account the humanitarian aspect in all its decisions.

The initiative “Protect Yourself By Changing Your Status”, which came out of such Decree, was met by interaction of this group of residents who found the Decree an opportunity to change their status, without paying any financial penalties after being waived by virtue of such Decree that also allowed to leave the State without any legal accountability.

Some of the beneficiaries of the Decree considered the first of August 2018 as the day of their birth again, especially those who were discharged of fines of two hundred thousand dirhams for their illegal residency, this day represents the day of coming out of the cycle of anxiety and fear of the future because of their inability to engage in the normal life cycle of the person committed to the regulations and laws. The absence of a legal residency Visa for the resident and his family causes them to be deprived of the facilities provided by the State, primarily access to educational services for their children and health care for all family members. With the change in the status of this segment, a new life is created for them to be happy with others in UAE, the homeland of happiness, which always extends its hand with good and compassion for everyone inside and outside the state.

 

25/07/2018

With the start of the grace period countdown set by the Cabinet for violators of residency laws to change their status or to leave the state voluntarily, and to remove the fines resulting from illegal staying in the state, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship to learn the public about the campaign launching, which will begin titled “Protect yourself by changing your status”, as of the first of next August, and continue till October 31, 2018. Brigadier Rakan Al-Rashedi previewed the details of the initiative and its beneficiaries at the press conference held by ICA for such purpose at its headquarters in Khalifa City the day before yesterday. He explained further through the mass program “Studio 1” in Abu Dhabi Radio with colleague Salem Al Kaabi.

The initiatives confirmed the great consideration given by our wise leadership to the safety of the society and its citizens. This is th care which is reflected by ICA and Ministry of Interior and its strategy to enhance the sense of security and safety of all people living in UAE, whether its citizens or residents. Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship was very keen to highlight the humanitarian decision of our wise leadership to grant a one-year renewable residency visa to our brothers, whose countries are suffering from turmoil and disasters, and whose countries have been afflicted by various instability and are facing difficult conditions that will prevent them from returning to them in the near future.

ICA provided all the facilities and centers to receive those who wish to benefit from this grace period within 90 days, which is a sufficient period for those who are serious and want to change their status or leave the state. The toll-free number assigned for this good initiative provides adequate answers for anyone who wants to inquire and learn more, in many languages, to reach the right information to all people, as well as the required step and procedure.

We praise the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship for the greatness of its ongoing preparations, in order to maximize the benefit of this step. We hope that we all will interact with it, especially the national sponsors whose works have been stalled for one reason or another and postponed the status changing of their sponsored persons until the improvement of their conditions and found that the circle of violation expanded and the fines multiplied.

The optimal interaction of such people with the initiative is very important, as it serves the state and the law enforcement authorities. It is our duty to encourage violators to take advantage of this initiative and the grace period, because, as stated in its title, they protect themselves from violating the law again, and protect themselves from those who want to harm them, taking advantage of their ignorance of the Law.

23/07/2018

Under the guidance of its wise leadership, UAE government works on strengthening the state leadership and status at the regional and international levels and attract more investments at the various economic sectors. This comes in line with the state’s orientation to broaden its economic base, based on the objectives of “UAE Vision 2021” which aims at creating a flexible, various and innovative economy so that the state could become the best in the world in line with (UAE Centennial 2071).

Since UAE works on overcoming all challenges and providing various advantages and facilities necessary to improve the investment climate and business services, ICA’s Board of Directors confirmed during its second meeting 2018, which was held recently, its complete readiness to implement all the Decrees issued by the Cabinet during the last months of May and June, pertaining to the launch of an integrated system of foreigners entry and residency visas to attract efficient and talented people and the adoption of a new legislative package to review the current residency system with the aim of facilitating the status of visitors and residents in the state, securing flexible and easy procedures and providing the best services.

The inauguration of the integrated system of entry visas last May, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to attract efficient and talented people and allow international investors to own 100% of their companies, embodies the legacy and inherent values of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which was complemented by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan which aim at helping UAE to be become a safe and attractive center for all people hoping to work, reside or invest in the state, through various decrees and policies which take into consideration the humanitarian dimension, seeks to provide stability and a decent life for all those living in the State and provide them the opportunity to consider their future scientific and professional options to work, invest and reside in UAE.

The decrees of granting the nationals of countries who are suffering from wars and disasters a residency visa for one year, regardless of the conditions of residency, extension of the residency visa of the widows or divorced women and their children for one year without the need for a sponsor, as well as granting grace period to violators who reside in the state illegally to settle their status or to leave the state voluntarily without having any legal consequences and exempting them from fines, reflect the civilized approach, which reflects the noble and authentic values of good leadership in the UAE and has a positive impact on enhancing the state’s competitiveness and stimulating economic growth which achieves the comprehensive and sustainable development and increases the level of welfare and happiness for both citizens and residents.

UAE has become a key and essential destination for money and business community from all over the world through its strategic decisions in investment and residency. It has been considered an environment that attracts everyone. It enables them to excel and achieve their hopes and aspirations. UAE have various potentials to attract investments and strategies which supports the economic, cultural and scientific openness and provide facilities that serve the economic sectors. This, in fact, enhances the position of UAE as one of the best countries for those seeking safe resorts and suitable investment environments.

There is no question that the honorable leadership’s keenness to facilitate the movement and residency of investors and the efficient people in UAE goes hand in hand with the image of the state as a symbol of openness, coexistence and respect of the other. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “Our open environment, tolerant values, infrastructure as well as flexible legislation are the best plan to attract the international investments and exceptional talents into UAE.” HH added “Our country is the land of opportunities, the best environment to achieve the people’s dreams and launch their unique potential and talents.”

(It is not important to do what you love; rather love what you do).

One should devote oneself wholeheartedly to work, and do his utmost. Both accuracy and honesty must be endeavored. If so, he shall win two rewards at the same time; one is material, and other relates to the hereafter, as a kind of worshiping God. The Sunna supports work saying, “Allah will be pleased with those who try to do their work in a perfect way”. Additionally, there are many evidences urge and appreciate love of work. As far as proficiency, Allah compensates you for the better; as Allah (the Almighty) knows the sincerity and determination.

You may achieve what you aspire to, by determination and dynamism.

Achievements come true, as much as you determination;

As noble deeds match only the noble men work.

Given that an employee observes his work and does his best; you can easily control the rest of his actions and behaviors. Obviously, his work shows his gentle principles and values. Such man is unconcerned with blames for others; rather aggravate determination and resolve to continue at the same pace. He follows the tracks of the verse “say (to him) work, and your work will be seen by Allah and His Messenger”, and the saying of Prophet Muhammad, “mastering work is worship”.

It is not required to only work, but we should be precise in our work, as it has a direct reflection on the nature of the work. Also perfection is the main reason for the success and development of work whatever the field. Work, no doubt, leads to access to self-sufficiency at various levels; therefore we shall be like other nations that have mastered the work, and reached to what aspire to.

It is our duty to love and dedicate ourselves to work, is not it so?