Emirates ID benefits: 9 things every UAE resident should know
Dubai: Pull out your wallet or purse, and most likely the Emirates ID is one of those many things sitting in your wallet. It’s arguably the most vital form of identification for any resident in the UAE. But it serves more than a mere identity card. Do you know exactly what it is providing?
What is an Emirates ID?
If you’ve just reached the UAE, start getting to know your Emirates ID. This mandatory identity card issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) contains a unique 15-digit identification number and a chip that stores all of your personal data in encrypted form like passport information and biometric signature. There are nine security features in the Emirates ID, making it highly tamper resistant. It is an incredibly versatile card: your one-stop mode of identification in the UAE.
But its also does much more than check that you are who you say you are. We simplify everything about the Emirates ID for you to make use of it as much as possible:
Withdraw money from an ATM
Left your debit card at home? As the Emirates ID is connected with many banks in the UAE, you could use it to get an entry to your bank account at any ATM.
Keep in mind that banks have different policies. For example, if you are an Emirates NBD customer, you'll be required to have the bank's mobile app on your phone as well as your Emirates ID. You can enter it at the ATM to withdraw the amount you need. Mashreq Bank: At the ITM (interactive teller machine) of Mashreq, you can withdraw up to Dh50,000 using your Emirates ID, along with other tasks such as opening accounts, clearing bills, updating your information and depositing cash.
So do confirm with your bank before availing the facility.
Pay for fuel
Simply swipe your Emirates ID to pay for fuel at an ADNOC station. Instead of using a bank card you simply insert your Emirates ID into the payment slot and follow on-screen prompts to pay — easy. It can be used with ADNOC Oasis convenient stores and car washes as well.
That said, some prep work is required before you can use this feature. Before using it at the petrol station, you’ll have to download the ADNOC Wallet on your phone, link Emirates ID with it and charge up your account.
Use it as your health insurance card
So if you walk into any clinic in the UAE holding an Emirates ID, you’ll be able to access medical treatment – even if you fail to bring along your physical health insurance card or a UAE health card.
The reason is that both are linked to your Emirates ID. The best part? Your Emirates ID is biometrically matched to almost every current insurance policy issued in the UAE through the Unified Digital Health Licensing platform covering over 200,000 healthcare professionals and ongoing verification of policies.
Giving the clinic your Emirates ID allows them to retrieve your current insurance policy, network tier, co-payment rules and benefit limits — all in real time. So whether it’s for the renewal of a residency visa or a medical screening, all is contained within one digital record.
You won’t have to worry about leaving family member cards at home, either. Dependents such as children, sponsored parents or even domestic workers are directly linked to the primary policyholder’s plan in regard to their Emirates IDs.
Spend less at the airport’s Smart Gates
If you have seen some people rushing past you via passport control, they most likely use Smart Gates — an advanced version of regular passport control at Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, Abu Dhabi International Airport and Sharjah International Airport. Such automatic gates facilitate the process of leaving or entering UAE, depending on facial recognition. They are self-service and free of charge, you will simply need your Emirates ID with you in order to slip into the e-gate. For UAE citizens and residents, they are automatically signed up for the service so one can simply just log in without any need for pre-registration.
Here’s how it works: At the Smart Gate, simply swipe your Emirates ID (your government-issued identification card) and look into the green light at the gate. As soon as you get the green light, you’re off to your next stop!
Access government services
You might not be aware of the wide array of government services that you have access to, courtesy your Emirates ID. Whether you wish to apply for or renew your driving license, register your vehicle, settle a traffic fine, apply for utilities or municipal services, access digital government platforms – all these and more are made possible with an Emirates ID.
If you are a UAE national, travel to Oman
The Emirates ID will not do when you’re travelling in place of your passport, except one condition. Emiratis, your Emirates ID is a valid cross-border alternative to your passport when heading for Oman.
Under the GCC common travel agreement, citizens from all six Gulf states — the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman – can visit each other’s countries on their national ID card instead of having to show a passport.
Free Visa̶ or Visa on Arrival
Even if you aren’t a UAE national, having an Emirates ID and passport allows for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival (depending on your nationality) at several places including Azerbaijan, Georgia, Maldives and Montenegro.
As per the flydubai website, the Emirates ID serves as proof of residency when securing a visa on arrival, but is also a compulsory document for all UAE residents travelling outside the country and returning back.
Use your digital signature
It also serves as an online signature through its integration with UAE Pass. In fact, you can sign and verify documents, apply for permits and share official contracts without having to physically visit service providers. It saves you a lot of money and moves important business tasks to online rather than tedious print-outs.
Unlock discounts and loyalty programmes
Simply showing your Emirates ID can score you a wealth of deals and discounts around the UAE. For example, Emirates ID cardholders can receive up to 25 per cent off the best available room rate at several luxury hotels across Dubai.
Your Emirates ID also enables you to register for memberships in programs such as Fazaa, a community discount card sponsored by the government; and Esaad from the Dubai Police, which is a privilege program that gives residents access to potential savings in categories like retail, education, health and hospitality. Both cards offer fantastic shopping, dining and entertainment discounts around the city.
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