The World Economic Forum has recognized the UAE\u2019s leading experience in digital identity and government digital infrastructure, highlighting the UAE PASS as a global model that demonstrates the maturity of the UAE\u2019s digital transformation and the seamless integration of government services with the focus on promoting trust and advancing a human-centric approach that prioritizes people\u2019s needs over technology. This recognition was featured in a report issued by the World Economic Forum titled: \u201cThe GovTech Compass: Ten Principles for the\u00a0Responsible Implementation\u00a0of GovTech and Digital Public\u00a0Infrastructure\u201d.<\/p>\n
The UAE PASS ecosystem was recognized under the report\u2019s \u201cSeventh Principle\u201d, titled \u201cFrom Digital Maximalism to Digital Pragmatism\u201d. The principle recommends\u00a0that governments establish shared, reusable national digital infrastructures instead of creating separate and repetitive systems across government entities.<\/p>\n
Within this context, the report cited UAE PASS as a practical model of a unified digital infrastructure that enables government entities to utilize shared digital capabilities, strengthening government integration, enhancing service efficiency, and delivering improved user experiences.<\/p>\n
The section addressing this topic, titled \u201cReal-world application\u201d, states:<\/p>\n
\u201cUAE PASS is a unified national digital identity and signature used across all emirates; agencies integrate the shared capability instead of building separate logins and e-signature tools, keeping new development focused on service-specific needs rather than reinventing infrastructure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Introducing its discussion on UAE PASS, the report noted<\/p>\n
\u201cNot every problem requires a digital solution built from scratch. Before building new solutions, governments should exhaust the possibilities for using existing systems, improving manual processes or enabling analogue alternatives. Simplicity and restraint are virtues.<\/p>\n
In the same context, the report warned of the consequences of not adopting this approach: \u201cPublic funds are wasted on unnecessary or duplicative technology, while simpler, more effective solutions are overlooked\u2013 leading to fragmented systems, greater complexity and reduced interoperability.<\/p>\n
ensuring the development of practical solutions that are aligned with actual needs and operational constraints.<\/p>\n
The report further highlighted how this approach contributes to achieving continuous improvement and progressive excellence through:<\/p>\n
The report concluded this section by highlighting the UAE PASS ecosystem as a global benchmark and an experience that offers valuable insights into applying innovation-driven approaches to service development<\/p>\n
Commenting on this recognition, H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said: \u201cThe World Economic Forum\u2019s recognition of the UAE PASS reflects the UAE\u2019s leadership in advancing an integrated digital model built on trust, integration and a human-centric approach, aligned with our wise leadership\u2019s vision to build a connected government where enhancing quality of life is the driving force behind digital transformation.\u00a0The UAE PASS has become a fundamental component of the national infrastructure supporting the digital economy and future government services. Through comprehensive collaboration among government entities, the UAE successfully developed a unified digital ecosystem that goes beyond facilitating access to services, providing a foundation for secure digital transactions, proactive services and seamless user experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n
H.E added: \u201cAt Digital Dubai, we believe that the future of governments will not be defined by\u00a0the number of applications and platforms they offer, but by their ability to build trusted, integrated digital ecosystems that strengthen community confidence, save time and effort, and empower people to access more efficient, flexible and seamless services.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the same context, H.E. Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), said: \u201cThe UAE PASS ecosystem represents an advanced model of national collaboration and partnership, with TDRA playing a pivotal role in overseeing digital transformation at the federal level, including the development of regulatory and operational frameworks that ensure the reliability, resilience and sustainability of digital infrastructure. We are proud that the UAE PASS is one of our national\u00a0success stories, offering the world a proven model for trusted digital transformation. It reflects the UAE\u2019s commitment to building a digital infrastructure founded on the highest standards of trust, security, and governance, enabling an advanced, innovation-driven digital economy, enhancing the nation\u2019s readiness for the future of cross-sector digital services, and contributing to the achievement of the \u201cWe the UAE 2031\u201d vision.\u201d<\/p>\n
For his part, H.E. Wesam Lootah, Director General of GovDigital at the Department of Government Enablement- Abu Dhabi, said: \u201cThe World Economic Forum\u2019s recognition of the UAE PASS ecosystem reflects the UAE\u2019s leading position in developing an integrated national digital infrastructure built on trust, seamless integration and a human-centric approach. These achievements reflect the UAE\u2019s vision to redefine government operations through advanced technologies and AI, enabling the delivery of more efficient, seamless and proactive services.\u201d<\/p>\n
H.E. added: \u201cIn Abu Dhabi, we are advancing the transition towards becoming the world\u2019s first AI-native government by leveraging a unified and interconnected digital infrastructure that enables government entities to exchange data and services in a more integrated and intelligent manner. The UAE\u00a0PASS is a key pillar of this transformation, providing a trusted and secure foundation for delivering advanced digital people-centered government experiences, contributing to enhance quality of life and strengthening the government\u2019s readiness for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
The UAE PASS is the unified national digital identity. It was developed through a strategic partnership between Digital Dubai, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), and the Department of Government Enablement- Abu Dhabi, to provide a unified federal digital infrastructure that enables users to securely and seamlessly access government and private sector services, as well as digitally sign documents across the UAE. It is the result of a comprehensive national collaboration and an integrated strategic partnership with the Ministry of Interior, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), and the Dubai Electronic Security Center.<\/p>\n
The UAE PASS has exceeded 12 million registered users and continues to facilitate millions of digital transactions every year across hundreds of government and private sector services. The ecosystem enhances user experiences and further fosters the UAE\u2019s position as a global leader in digital government.<\/p>\n