Sciknow Publications Ltd. ITAR 2014, 2(1):1-15 Internet Technologies and Applications Research DOI: 10.12966/itar.01.01.2014 ©Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) Identity Management in the Age of Mobilification Ali M. Al-Khouri * Emirates Identity Authority, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates *Corresponding author (Email: ali.alkhouri@emiratesid.ae) Abstract - In light of the staggering evolution of mobile technologies, the concept of mobility is gaining more attention worldwide. Recent statistics demonstrate mobile channels’ increasing significance in outreach and service delivery. However, governments and businesses face a challenge in reaping the benefits of mobile platforms: how to confirm the authenticity of mobile users and transactions. Mobile devices, by design, are well suited for enabling authentication and digital signing services, similar to traditional PC and laptop environments. But although various implementations support different authentication schemes, they still do not instill sufficient levels of trust and confidence. In this article we explore the practice of mobile identity management. We provide an overview of how EU countries tackle mobile identity. The main part of the article sheds light on the solution framework adopted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to address, recently launched mobile government transforma- tion initiatives. Taking into account the newness of the topic, the content of this article should fuel the current limited knowledge base and trigger debate around the presented approaches. Keywords - Mobile Identity, E-identity, Mobility, M-government, E-government 1. Introduction The snowballing of mobile phones and smart devices has brought the concept of user mobility to the tables of policy makers and practitioners in government and private sectors. Today's citizens are unique, demanding, and participative (Jacobson, 2001). Innovations in mobile devices and apps, directional and location-aware capabilities, personalization and cross-link experiences, all give citizens more control over where, when and how they engage with organizations. Mobile self-service businesses models are compelling niches into which organizations in all industries are moving (Macciola, 2013). User mobility means a single user’s use of the same or similar telecommunication services at different places, with services following him or her (Sørensen, 2011). Having rec- ognized the opportunity, the mobile industry has been de- veloping at explosive rates. Almost half the world population now uses mobile communications. According to the World Bank, global mobile penetration reached 91% in Q3 2013, with nearly 7 billion mobile subscriptions worldwide (Erics- son, 2013; Fitchard, 2013; ITU, 2013; Portio Research, 2013). See also Figure 1. Figure 1. Mobile Subscribers. Source: Fitchard, 2013.