Digital Signature Certificate in UAE: Benefits, Process & How It Works

The UAE is gearing up for mandatory e-invoicing by 2026, and with this, the use of Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) is becoming more important than ever. (DSCs are like a digital version of a handwritten signature.)

In the UAE, DSCs are already used for filing taxes, signing contracts, registering companies, and even securing banking transactions. With Saudi Arabia already mandating digital signatures for e-invoices, the UAE is likely to follow the same path soon.

For businesses, this means now is the time to adopt DSCs. So, what is a digital certificate, and how do you use it?

This blog covers:

• What is a digital certificate in UAE?
• How to use a digital signature certificate?
• How to get a digital signature certificate?
• Where can you use DSC?
• Why should you use DSC?

What is a Digital Signature?

A digital signature is proof of your identity represented by a code. The code uses advanced encryption to prove that the document or message is really from you and hasn’t been tampered with during transmission.

Digital signatures are widely used in various sectors, like:

• Legal
• Financial
• Governmental

The biggest advantage of using it is that it requires less paperwork and provides additional trust and security. A digital signature certificate certifies the authenticity of a digital signature.

Digital Signature vs Digital Signature Certificate

To understand the clear distinctions between digital signatures and digital signature certificates, we have prepared a table for you. 

How Does a Digital Signature Work?

A digital signature has two parts typically. A private code and a public code. This is explained below:

• When you want to sign something digitally, a unique "signing key" (a secret code) is used to create a signature for your document or message. The key is unique to both you and the document.
• This private key is linked to a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) issued by a trusted Certifying Authority, such as the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).
• The document is run through a cryptographic algorithm to create a unique hash value (a digital fingerprint). This hash value is encrypted using the signer’s private key, forming the digital signature.
• When someone receives your signed document, they use a "verification key" (a public hash) to check if the signature is genuine. This hash is compared with the hash value generated from the received document. If they match, it confirms that the document has not been altered. 

This process confirms two things:

• The document or message is really from you.
• It hasn’t been changed or tampered with since you signed it.

This system works because the signing and verification keys are mathematically linked but separate. The person verifying the signature doesn’t need to know your signing key; it is unique to you and you only. This makes the system secure.

How to Get a Digital Signature Certificate in UAE?

If you want to create your own digital signature certificate in UAE, follow these steps:

• Select a recognized DCSP authorized to issue DSCs in your region. The registration process can be completed via MOHRE website or app where you will only be charged a government registration fee of 120 dirhams. Other service providers might charge extra for additional features.
• Complete the application and submit the required documents. Include proof of identity and address, such as a passport or government-issued ID.
• Complete the identity verification process, which may include in-person or online verification.
• Once approved, you’ll receive the DSC, which can be downloaded and installed on your device.
• Keep the private key associated with your DSC secure. It’s used for signing documents and must not be shared.

Use Cases of Digital Signature Certificate?

DSCs are very versatile. Any space requiring paperwork can include an application of DSC. Here are some use cases:

1. In UAE, you can use your DSC to log in to government websites that require identity verification, such as income tax filing portals or company compliance websites.
2. Documents signed with DSCs are admissible as evidence in courts, as they guarantee the signer’s identity and the document’s integrity.
3. The DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) mandates using DSCs for uploading electronic documents on its portal. Every Export-Import (EXIM) transaction organization must have a DSC for secure and authenticated dealings.
4. DSCs are used to generate and authenticate e-invoices, ensuring their legitimacy. This is especially important for businesses in regions where e-invoicing is a regulatory requirement.
5. DSCs can even be used on portals that support them to secure access to corporate banking services and fund transfers.
6. After the mandatory implementation of e-invoicing in UAE, they might also mandate digital signing of all e-invoices like ZATCA has implemented in Saudi. 

Benefits of Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs)

In the UAE, CAs are also called Digital Signature Service Providers (DCSPs). The government’s validation provider is the ICP, which provides Emirates ID cards as DSCs for online authentication and signing.

• Building trust as a DCSP issues them after thoroughly verifying the applicant’s identity.
• It binds the identity of the user to a key that is unique to the person, so making it secure.
• When you receive a document authenticated by DSC, you can check the certificate to confirm the signer’s identity and any signs of tampering. If even a small change is made, the signature becomes invalid.
• They act as digital ID for online transactions.
• They enable faster approvals, document signing, and contract execution.
• DSCs add an immutable timestamp, verifying the exact time and date of the signature.
• ICP’s Validation Gateway (VG) allows users to sign and authenticate online government services using the Emirates ID card.
• DSCs will be crucial for businesses in complying with mandatory e-invoicing regulations starting in 2026.

Conclusion

As the UAE becomes a digital leader, DSCs are key to every new change, even e-invoicing. They are crucial for staying competitive and compliant. It’s not just a matter of convenience but also staying up to date with the new changes. 

DSCs will soon become a fundamental part of everyday digital transactions in the UAE and beyond as digital processes continue to grow.