UAE residents can now get their Emirates ID within 24 hours.
That’s because of a new service offered by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).
Known as ‘Fawri’ (that’s speedy in Arabic), it can only be used for first-time registrations if you’re a UAE or GCC national officially residing in the country.
But if you’re an expat and want to use the 24-hour service for the renewal of expired, lost or damaged cards, you can.
Expat residents who are not GCC nationals are only entitled to use the urgent service when they want to replace a missing ID.
This is because the issuance of identity cards needs to be linked to proof of residency.
This new Fawri service is beneficial for when you need your Emirates ID card urgently, especially if your card has been damaged, stolen, or lost.
Stolen or lost cards must be reported immediately to your nearest customer Happiness Centre so it can be deactivated immediately.
It’s a legal requirement for all UAE citizens and residents to carry their Emirates ID with them at all times.
The Emirates ID is used for government services, getting a sim card, renting a home and more.
To take advantage of the Fawri service, all you have to do is head to any of the Customer Happiness Centres in person (without needing to make an appointment) with your required documents including an original valid passport, an original valid entry visa, and a valid residence permit.
The Fawri service is available at the following ICP Customer Happiness Centres:
- Al Ain Centre in Abu Dhabi
- Al Barsha, Al Rashidiya and Karama in Dubai
- Al Jazeera Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi
- Ajman Centre in Ajman
- Fujairah Centre in Fujeirah
- Madinat Zayed Centre in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi
- Ras Al Khaimah Centre in Ras Al Khaimah
- Sharjah Centre in Sharjah
- Umm Al Quwain Centre in Umm Al Quwain
You will need to pay the regular stated fees plus an “urgent service” fee to obtain your Emirates ID within 24 hours.
According to the ICP website, it costs expat residents Dhs100 per year, Dhs50 as a service fee, Dhs30 as a typing centre fee and an extra Dhs150 for the urgent service.
