Emirates NBD, the largest bank in the Middle East in terms of assets has partnered with Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) to launch its new multi purpose ID card service. The service is the first of its kind in the UAE and will allow customers of Emirates NBD, who are holders of the UAE ID to use it as both a debit card and an official form of identification. The signing ceremony took place at the Emirates NBD headquarters in Dubai and H.E. Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of Emirates NBD graced the ceremony with his presence.

"We recognize the importance of public-private partnerships to provide innovative services to our customers. As leaders in the UAE banking sector, this move will provide our customers with unprecedented security and convenience and is a great value-addition to our banking services. We are continuously seeking innovative ways to distinguish our banking services and we are glad to join hands with EIDA to provide our customers with a unique banking service, "said HE Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, chairman of Emirates NBD.

The unique service will use the multi-chip application on the UAE ID Card and will allow customers to withdraw money from an ATM as well as purchase at shops and merchant establishments locally & internationally and thereby reducing the number of cards customers need to carry with them. In addition, the new service will ensure greater security, convenience and ease of use of both the banking and ID facility.

"The UAE identity card has already enabled its holders to use it as a travel document to all GCC nations as it acts as an e-passport. It will eventually replace driving licenses, labor, residency and health cards. By joining forces with Emirates NBD, the ID will also act as an ATM card. We are glad to partner with Emirates NBD and we look forward to further cooperation on future projects," said H.E Darwish Al Zaroni, managing director of EIDA.

The innovative service was launched at a signing ceremony which was held at the Emirates NBD Headquarter building. Following the signing the EIDA delegation headed by H.E Darwish Al Zaroni, managing director of EIDA visited the Emirates NBD Pearl Museum.

The EIDA is an independent federal authority that is solely responsible for the execution of the Population Register Project and the new identity card system which is considered as two of the most advanced IT projects in the Middle East.