The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has published a list of requirements that the Photo must meet in order to be accepted by smart readers, in accordance with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).  To ensure that smart systems can recognize your picture on documents, the specifications must be followed. In addition, the authority stated that digitally edited images would not be accepted.

Requirements

• A high-quality image is necessary. It cannot be older than six months and must be colored. The photo must be 35 mm by 40 mm in size.
• The image must have a white background.
• The resolution must be at least 600 dpi without ink traces or shrinkage.
• Natural, neutral expressions must be maintained. They must not be overdone.
• The head must be straight and parallel to the photographic lens.
• The eyes must be open to the camera and free of colored lenses.
• Spectacles are acceptable as long as they do not obscure the eyes or reflect light.
• The UAE’s official dress code (for citizens) must be followed.
• Head coverings are permitted in accordance with national dress or religious belief.

This new regulation is to be followed by meeting the specified requirements for the purpose of taking photographs, the failure of which can lead to legal consequences.