Qatar’s Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQatar) has selected Gemalto, a global leader in digital security, to enhance access security of its national eGovernment services portal.

Using Qatari citizens’ national eID card as a strong authentication token, Gemalto’s Coesys eGov 2.0 solution will boost usage of the eGovernment services portal – the Hukoomi.

Qatar plans to expand the existing service to integrate more than 50 eGovernment initiatives over the next years.

Qatari citizens, as well as residents holding an electronic identity document, will enjoy considerable ease of access to their national eGovernment services from the comfort of their homes, and perform administrative procedures such as visa application, commercial registration, electricity bill payment or health card renewal, a statement said.

In addition, users will be able to digitally sign official documents and forms on the Web.

Gemalto is also providing the associated services including software integration, training, support and maintenance.

The Gemalto solution requires no additional software installation by the end-user; they simply use their eID card as the single credential and a personal code to authenticate themselves.

This pioneering technology allows web applications running in a standard web browser to seamlessly access a smart card connected to the user’s computer, thereby enhancing the security and usability of web applications.

This also enables the Hukoomi portal to dynamically deploy and update its services in a transparent way for the citizens.

“Gemalto is a long-standing trusted partner with a strong presence in the Middle East and has a proven track record of eGovernment solutions all around the world,” said Mohannad Oman Naim, service delivery manager from ictQatar. “The Coesys 2.0 solution is a key enabler to modernize our government services.”

“Building on the successful deployment of eID cards in Qatar, Gemalto is pleased to continue supporting the Qatari government to deliver new citizen-centric solutions,” added Hisham Surakhi, sales director Middle East Government Programs at Gemalto.

“Qatar is a pioneering country spearheading the eGovernment services of tomorrow, with convenience and security which open more access to eGovernment services for a greater number of citizens,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service