Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
With over 11 million users and 1.5 million digital transactions taking place every day, UAE PASS stands as a clear success in advancing the nation’s vision for a smart government — but its development is far from over. Mira Sultan, one of the Emirati women among the project’s pioneers, speaks to Aletihad about the growing significance of the nation’s digital identity system and how it is evolving as a future-ready platform.
“Our digital government journey is driven by a clear ambition: to deliver seamless, secure, and proactive services that meet people’s needs without friction,” said Sultan, Senior Director of the Digital Enabling Platforms Department at Digital Dubai and a National Expert in NEP Cohort 4.
“The next milestones focus on accelerating full digital service delivery, deepening integration across entities, and enhancing personalisation through secure data exchange,” she said.
Continuously evolving through user feedback and testing, the digital identity system is being enhanced to deliver a seamless, AI-driven experience. By expanding the use of e-signatures and paperless solutions, UAE PASS is set to fully replace outdated processes and power a smarter, more connected country.
“The goal is not merely to digitise existing services, but to rethink how the government functions, removing complexity, increasing efficiency, and making services available anywhere, anytime, and on any device,” Sultan said.
UAE PASS links individuals to thousands of online services with a secure, single login — eliminating the need for users to create multiple accounts or visit customer care centres.
Usage and feedback are closely monitored through a combination of quantitative and qualitative channels, Sultan said. “With over 1.5 million daily transactions and thousands of new users joining every day, the growth itself is a key indicator of satisfaction and usability.”
“What sets it apart and makes it truly game-changing is how it simplifies and unifies digital identity, access, and signature across both government and private sectors,” she added.
With emerging AI solutions, the UAE PASS team is now looking to “deliver more personalised experiences, enhance accessibility, and enable smarter service recommendations”, Sultan said.
“Operationally, AI helps us detect patterns, predict demand, and optimise delivery. All of this is governed by robust privacy and data protection frameworks. The future of UAE PASS lies in becoming more intelligent, responsive, and deeply integrated into citizens’ daily lives.”
The move toward paperless governance is anchored in national infrastructure, which includes the digital ID, online payment platforms, cloud services, and secure data sharing channels, Sultan said.
“Together, they enable a frictionless government that operates 24/7, anytime, anywhere. The ultimate goal is not just digitalisation, it is elevating the quality of life for every resident.”
A Shared Vision
Back when the UAE PASS was just a concept, days were filled with “bold ideas and big questions”, Sultan said. They asked: Is it really possible to create such a system?
“Could we unify digital identity across a diverse ecosystem? Could we convince entities to move away from their current identity systems entirely?” she recalled.
Sultan admitted that the journey was challenging — but also “incredibly rewarding”, as the team was driven by a deep sense of responsibility to shape a platform that reflects the nation’s values and empowers its people.
“The trust placed in me, along with the shared vision we embraced as a team inspired me to push boundaries,” she said.
Her personal motivation was rooted in impact.
“I have always believed that true transformation happens when technology improves everyday lives. The opportunity to contribute to a national platform that embodies this mission, by saving time, enabling secure interactions, and simplifying life, was deeply motivating,” Sultan said.
For her, it wasn’t just about launching a new tool but “reshaping how people connect with government in the digital era”.
Sultan’s leadership journey has been moulded by the National Experts Programme (NEP), of which she is a graduate.
“NEP has played a transformative role in sharpening my strategic lens. The focus on five leadership mindsets — global, analytical, reflective, collaborative, and execution-driven — empowered me to approach digital transformation with a broader perspective,” she said.
Looking ahead, Sultan sees the UAE PASS evolving beyond its role as a gateway to services.
“It should remain human-centred, inclusive, and resilient in the face of change. My hope is that UAE PASS continues to inspire other nations while always keeping people at its core.”
Early this year, the UAE PASS application has won the Gold Award in the International General Authority category for the 16th Edition of the Public Sector Transformation Awards, an annual global event that celebrates innovation culture and showcases best practices in the government sector.
