Signature/seal creation devices come in many forms to protect the electronic signature/seal creation data (e.g. private key) of the signatory/creator of the seal, such as smartcards, SIM cards, USB sticks.

A qualified signature/seal creation device (QSCD), by following stricter requirements laid down in the UAE laws (see below), offers higher guarantees regarding the protection (e.g. mitigating any kind of replication or forgery) of the electronic signature/seal creation data (such as the private key) and brings therefore higher legal certainty regarding the created qualified electronic signatures/seals.

For example, a smartcard (e.g. ID card), when following specific requirements, can be seen as a QSCD as, in order to “unlock” the electronic signature creation data, the signatory shall physically possess the smartcard and know the associated PIN code.

A QSCD is not necessarily in the physical possession of the signatory/creator of the seal but can also be remotely managed by a qualified trust service provider (QTSP). This type of QSCD is known as “remote QSCD”. Those remote QSCD may offer an improved user experience while maintaining the legal certainty offered by qualified electronic signatures/seals.

The UAE legal framework for trust services requires QCSDs prior to be approved by TDRA for use/provision by QTSPs to be certified by a certification body designated or approved by TDRA to confirm that the QSCD meets the requirements of the UAE laws.

The following list provides information (e.g. name, contact details, accreditation details and certificate, and TDRA approval status) about the certification bodies approved by TDRA.

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This information is provided by the TDRA in accordance with the Cabinet Resolution No. (28) for 2023 on the Executive Regulations of Federal Law by Decree No. (46) of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services and with the Resolution No (xx) for 2023 on the rules and conditions regulating the qualified signature creation devices resolution, their certification and approval, adopted pursuant to Article (21) of Federal Decree-Law No. (46) of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services, and pursuant to Articles (26) and (27) of Federal Executive Regulation No. (28) of 2023.