Coronavirus: UAE launches digital initiative to update personal data of citizens and residents

In the first phase, citizens between 18 and 60 years of age must update their personal data and that of any dependents

A boy wearing a face mask takes his dogs on a stroll on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A Covid-19 safety sign on Al Qahirah street in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Checkers line up at the entrance of Global Village with masks and face shields. Reem Mohammed / The National

Abu Dhabi residents on their Friday morning fitness ritual. Victor Besa / The National

Bridal facemask at Contessa Bridal Dubai in City Walk in Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National

An employee at The Meydan Hotel in Dubai sanitises the reception area to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A lifeguard at The Meydan Hotel with a mask on to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Hygiene and Covid-19 safety measures take place at a fitness class at Bare. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A lady works on her laptop while wearing a mask at Times Square in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

People wear masks to curb the spread of the coronavirus in Satwa, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Coronavirus safety measures are taken at 815 Dance & Performing Arts Training Centre in Silicone Oasis in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A lady takes part in an art installation which comes to life via augmented reality with a mask on to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The UAE has launched a digital initiative to update personal data of citizens and residents to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, said a top official of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

‘Your data... your identity’ will collect important personal details of people living in the Emirates to create a database to help hospitals and medics in the country. The data will also be accessible to other sectors.

Brig Murshid Al Mazrouei, official spokesman of the Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship, announced the initiative at the weekly UAE media briefing on Tuesday.

In the first phase, which starts on Wednesday and will run for a month, citizens aged between 18 and 60 must update their personal data as well as that of any dependents.

Residents will be asked to register at a later date.

Personal data can be updated on the ICA website or app.

On Tuesday, the UAE reported 1,390 new cases of Covid-19, taking the total tally of infections to 127,624.

Health officials also announced 1,708 recoveries. So far, 122,458 people have recovered from the virus.

Authorities announced the death of two patients. The total death toll now stands at 482.

The Emirates carried out 110,807 additional tests in the past 24 hours.

There are 4,684 active cases in the country, the lowest since April 15.

The weekly recovery rate increased by 18 per cent and the mortality rate decreased by 45 per cent compared with last week. The mortality rate in the Emirates is among the lowest globally at 0.4 per cent.

Officials said the Emirates’ rate of positive cases to total tests was 1 per cent, lower than those of European Union or OECD member states and other countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

Between October 20 and 27, the testing rate increased by 1 per cent compared with that of last week, and the tests revealed a 12 per cent increase in confirmed cases.