In the last 12 years or so, many governments have launched modern identity management systems. These systems typically integrate a set of advanced and complex technologies to provide identification and authentication capabilities. The major output of such systems is smart identity cards that bind the cardholders’ identities to their biographical data and one or more biometric characteristics. The field of government practice has been focusing on the enrolment capabilities and infrastructure rollout, with little focus on smart card applications in the public domain. This article attempts to address this area in the body of knowledge from a government view point. It explores card reader adoption opportunities in both the public and private sectors, and attempts to outline the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) government’s plans to disseminate card readers and promote their adoption in government and various industrial groups in the country.