If you live in the UAE, you almost certainly carry an Emirates ID. It’s a legal must-have for all residents and citizens.
Issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, this little card does more than prove who you are. In fact, your Emirates ID is packed with more power than you might realise.
Not only does it store 20 vital details about you, but it can also be used for some pretty handy day-to-day tasks.
Here are five ways your ID could make your life easier (and, in some cases, less expensive!).
Several banks in the UAE allow customers to withdraw money by using their Emirates ID.
You must bank with the bank, and different banks have different rules.
If you are an Emirates NBD customer. You can withdraw cash with your EID if you have the Emirates NBD mobile app on your phone. You’ll use the app to generate a code that you’ll then use at the ATM to withdraw the amount you need.
Mashreq Bank allows customers to open accounts, pay their bills, update their personal information and withdraw and deposit cash by just showing their Emirates ID.
When using a Mashreq ATM, the customer’s existing bank cards will appear on the ATM screen, allowing them to choose from several options, including cash withdrawal, local and international transfers and chequebook and statement requests.
Emirates IDs can also be used for cash withdrawals and transfers through Al Hilal Banks’ ATMs.
If you want to use your Emirates ID to pay for fuel, you need to download an ADNOC Wallet. Once you have the app, your Emirates ID is linked to it and you can add money to your account.
When filling up your petrol tank at ADNOC petrol stations, you can insert your EID into the card payment slot and follow the on-screen instructions to pay for your fuel.
You can also use your EID to pay for stuff at ADNOC Oasis convenience stores and car washes if you have an ADNOC Wallet.
Don’t worry if you forget your health insurance card during your next visit to the doctor’s clinic, as you can show your Emirates ID. Medical service providers can use EIDs to process medical insurance.
Smart gates are an automated self-service border control system. They use facial recognition technology to identify travellers and can be found at Terminal 3 of DXB airport.
Smart gates match faces to data connected to immigration databases, which will know if the traveller is a UAE National, GCC National, UAE resident or a visa-on-arrival guest.
If you want to use your Emirates ID to head through the smart gate, then all you need to do is register your Emirates ID with the ICP, swipe your Emirates ID card and look into the green light at the gate. You must remove glasses and hats before passing through.
Probably the most fun aspect of holding an Emirates ID is that it can unlock discounts across the UAE.
Several hotels and attractions offer cut-price deals to residents, and all you have to do is flash your EID.
