Biometrics Technology and the New Economy: A Review of the Field and the Case of the United Arab Emirates

Over the past decade, biometrics technology has evolved from a technology used primarily in forensics and a narrow scientific and technological field to an indispensable technology in public and private sectors expanding into areas calling for advanced security. Biometric technologies provide high levels of security and reliability to address requirements related to identification and verification of personal identities. In light of the ever increasing requirements for robust identity management, biometrics industry is evolving to play a central role in shaping the future economy. This article provides a comprehensive overview of biometrics technologies, its functions, areas of application, related international standards, and recent advances in the field. The second part of the article looks at the application of biometrics in the government sector worldwide, and the emerging pivotal role of biometrics in consolidating the foundations of the digital economies and sheds light on the experiences of the United Arab Emirates in deploying different advanced biometrics technologies in a wide range of applications. It also outlines the government plans to develop an identity management infrastructure to address multiple strategic objectives, some of which are related to revolutionizing public services and supporting the development of the digital economy.