World Record Academy recognizes UAE biometric database as world’s biggest

The Untied Arab Emirates (UAE) has received official certification for having the world’s largest biometric database.

Specifically, the Emirates Identity Authority (Emirates ID) was awarded this distinction from the World Record Academy, for the world largest database of civil integrated biometrics within the UAW population register system, Khaleej Times reports.

The database in question contains over 103 million decimal and rolled fingerprints and palm prints, as well as more than 15 million facial prints and digital signatures.

In a ceremony for the database’s record-setting achievement, Dr. Eng. Ali Mohamed Al Khouri, Director General of the Emirates ID suggested the biometric database would allow the identity of every individual living in the UAE, whether citizen or resident, to be identified and confirmed.

“The advanced population register system has strengthened national and individual security and supported the developmental projects in the UAE” Al Khouri said.

In 2009, Emirates ID developed a plan which contributed to doubling the number of population registers and therefore the fingerprints of individuals over the past three years by six times.

As reported previously in BiometricUpdate.com, Emirates ID submitted an application to the World Record Academy to register recognition of this new kind of award in October.

Article Topics

biometric database  |  biometrics  |  civil ID  |  fingerprint biometrics  |  government  |  national ID