Saudi Arabia launches new electronic passport
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Jeddah: Saudi Arabia Minister of Interior Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Naif launched the Kingdom's new electronic passport on Thursday. The passport has state-of-the-art security features and is conceived in premium design, and is part of the Kingdom's shift to digitalisation, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030, Arab News reported.
The new passport was born out of the joint effort of the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Finance, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority. The passport has an electronic chip that protects its owners' personal data, photos and verification codes meant to be scanned at international borders. It will have three images of the holder; each would have different technology. The pages of the passport feature Saudi's cultural and historical icons, such as the Clock Tower of Makkah.
During his visit to the Directorate General of Passports in Riyadh, the interior minister was told about the services department provided to the citizens and foreigners. The minister reviewed the electronic facilities available in the department.
The Director General of Passports, Lt. Gen. Sulaiman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Yahya, said in his speech that the department had achieved great development in recent years. He thanked the support extended by King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the interior minister.
Later, all those who attended the ceremony watched a short video featuring the passport departments progress, achievements and awards it received.