Launched as the first secure national digital identity for UAE citizens, residents, and visitors, UAE PASS allows users to quickly and securely register and verify their identity via facial recognition technology
The UAE’s national digital identity application, UAE PASS, has won the prestigious Gold Award in the International General Authority category at the Sixteenth Edition of the Public Sector Transformation Awards (IESE) 2025. The award ceremony took place in London, where the application was recognized for its exceptional innovation and impact on government services.
Organized annually by the British non-profit IESE Foundation, the awards highlight the most successful and transformative government initiatives globally. The UAE PASS was one of 140 distinguished projects evaluated by a global panel of experts, who recognized it as a model of excellence in digital government transformation.
The UAE PASS application, developed by Digital Dubai in collaboration with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) and the Department of Government Enablement in Abu Dhabi, was praised for its seamless integration of technology and its ability to enhance user experience across public and private sectors. The initiative also involved strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Interior, Dubai Electronic Security Centre, and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security.
A Key Milestone for UAE’s Digital Transformation
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, expressed his pride in the achievement, calling the award a “culmination of a sustained journey of excellence and leadership in digital identity.” He emphasized that the success of UAE PASS is a result of years of collaboration and teamwork between local and federal government entities. Al Mansoori noted that the application aligns with the UAE leadership’s vision to build an integrated digital life, facilitate daily interactions, and support the digital economy through cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence for secure identity verification.
“UAE PASS is a successful model that can be emulated by other countries and governments. This recognition underscores our ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in the realm of digital identity,” Al Mansoori said.
A Collaborative Effort
Eng. Majid Sultan Al Mesmar, Director General of TDRA, also highlighted the importance of national collaboration in achieving this milestone. He described the Gold Award as a “tangible outcome” of the UAE’s digital transformation journey and a demonstration of the country’s commitment to progress in line with the “We Are the UAE 2031” vision. This vision aims to further elevate the UAE’s position as a leader in digital government services and customer satisfaction.
“Winning this award is not just about the UAE PASS application but about the national collaboration that has been key to our achievements,” Al Mesmar said. “We will continue to build on this momentum, always striving for integration and excellence.”
UAE PASS: Revolutionizing Identity Verification
Launched as the first secure national digital identity for UAE citizens, residents, and visitors, UAE PASS allows users to quickly and securely register and verify their identity via facial recognition technology. Since its inception, the application has grown to serve over 340 entities, including 60 federal, 171 local government, and 118 private sector organizations. This vast network offers over 15,000 services, further cementing UAE PASS as an essential tool for simplifying interactions with the government and private institutions.
The system’s rapid adoption reflects the UAE’s broader goals of promoting efficiency, security, and accessibility in public sector services. It also represents a significant step toward a fully digital future for the nation, facilitating smoother transactions and interactions for both citizens and visitors.
Global Recognition for UAE’s Digital Leadership
The Gold Award at the IESE Public Sector Transformation Awards is a significant global recognition for the UAE’s leadership in digital government services. It highlights the country’s ongoing efforts to create a seamless digital ecosystem that serves the needs of its people and businesses, setting a high standard for innovation in the public sector worldwide.
The awards ceremony, held in London, brought together government leaders, innovators, and project managers from around the world to celebrate the best in public sector transformation. Representatives from Digital Dubai and TDRA were present to accept the award, marking a key moment in the UAE’s continued digital evolution.
As the UAE continues to lead in digital government innovation, the success of UAE PASS serves as an inspiring example for nations looking to enhance their own digital services and strengthen public sector efficiency. The recognition at the IESE awards further solidifies the UAE’s role as a global leader in digital transformation.
