February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

ICA, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, is the UAE government entity responsible for managing national identity infrastructure, citizenship affairs, residency and entry permits, and border security systems. Originally established as the Emirates Identity Authority, ICA was reorganized and expanded in 2021 to absorb customs and port security functions, reflecting the government’s drive toward integrated digital governance. The authority issues and manages the Emirates ID, the mandatory biometric identification card used by all citizens and residents.

UAE Context

ICA administers the Emirates ID system, which serves as the foundational identity layer for virtually all government and many private sector transactions in the UAE. The authority processes millions of residency visa applications, entry permits, and citizenship requests annually. It operates border control systems at airports, seaports, and land crossings, including advanced biometric screening technologies. ICA’s digital platforms allow residents to apply for and renew identity documents, visas, and permits online, supporting the UAE’s broader smart government agenda. The authority also manages the Golden Visa long-term residency program at the federal level.

Key Data

  • Established: 2004 (as Emirates Identity Authority); restructured 2021
  • Core functions: Emirates ID, residency permits, citizenship, border security, customs
  • Emirates ID holders: Over 10 million registered individuals
  • Digital services: Online visa applications, ID renewals, status inquiries
  • Headquarters: Abu Dhabi

Significance for Vision 2031

ICA’s digital identity infrastructure underpins the UAE’s ambitions for a seamless, paperless government. The Emirates ID system enables integrated service delivery across federal and local entities, reduces bureaucratic friction, and strengthens national security. As the UAE seeks to attract global talent and investment through programs like the Golden Visa, ICA’s ability to process applications efficiently and securely is a critical enabler of Vision 2031’s competitiveness goals.

  • Golden Visa - Long-term residency program administered through ICA
  • Smart Government - Digital governance strategy that ICA’s platforms support
  • UAE Cabinet - Federal authority overseeing ICA’s mandate