Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The National Information Center (NIC), under the Ministry of Interior, is planning to introduce iris recognition biometric system in all its land, sea and airports as the best method in checking the identity of passengers.

This automated personal identification by iris recognition is part of using the highly advanced technology in the framework of the concept of a safe nation, Al-Watan newspaper reported quoting the center sources.

The NIC unveiled plans to conclude contract with a Saudi company to undertake the import and installation of biometric iris recognition devices that fulfill the high efficiency and international standard as the best form of identification.

The center has invited bids along with outlining the terms and conditions for the import and installation of the device.

According to experts, iris recognition is the better form of biometric identification than the fingerprint. Each eye, especially iris, has its own distinctive and unique features that are not all identical with anyone else and even the features of the eyes of the same individual are not identical.

The passenger’s iris identification is being carried out through a video camera before decoding and preserving it. Later, it is possible to identify it within seconds when the passenger is looking at the camera.

There are several advantages for iris identification than any other biometric identification. This identification is unique, and features of an individual’s iris will never change with the passing of years.