Etisalat unveils microchip implant at Gitex Technology Week in Dubai

If you thought having a mobile can bring the whole world in your hand, then here's an update for you.

A new concept introduced at the 39th Gitex Technology Week is promising people the ultimate form of mobiles by giving humans bionic abilities via microchips implanted in their bodies.

Etisalat has partnered with Swedish company Biohax International to implant microchips in a person's hand that can be loaded with all kinds of data, including your medical history, passwords etc.

The demonstration of the microchip NFC card was shown on the opening day of Gitex Technology Week 2019 to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, who lauded the technology.

Several ministries including the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance also showed interest in imbibing the technology and are in talks with the Swedish firm to integrate it.

This rice grain-size biocompatible NFC implant can be inserted just under the skin between the index finger and thumb. The chip can be injected under the skin exactly like a 'vaccine shot', explained Jowan Osterlund, the founder and CEO of Biohax International. His firm has manufactured thousands of such chips in Sweden and Europe.

This biocompatible NFC implant enables seamless digital interaction with most everyday encounters, for example, getting rid of keys, loyalty tokens, money and access cards.

"You can even open doors or start a car, for example. They can also be loaded with medical data that can be accessed if the person was ever in an accident, Jowan told Khaleej Times, adding that the chip can stay inside the human body for 10-20 years and can be replaced after that.

The cost price of the chip is 150 Euros (Dh607 approx) but for students, Jowan said they will give a 50 percent discount.