The idea behind introducing a national identity card to be carried by both nationals and expatriates in the UAE is a positive step. It aims at facilitating all transactions that require handling or dealing with official papers. In order for the entire process to succeed, many important factors need to be taken into consideration, as it would affect all members of the public.

According to the new regulations, all expatriates are required to register for an identity card by 2010. Basic daily transactions, such as car registration and banking would not be possible without acquiring the identity card.

But there are many issues that must be addressed before rolling out of this process. For expatriates, it is a question of whether identity cards must be obtained individually or through their respective places of work. Also, it is a question of which party would take on the burden of the costs entailed.

Most important of all is for the concerned authorities to provide the public with accurate information and details to ensure efficiency, when all are faced with the deadline to register by a certain date.