Appointments are not mandatory and it’s an extra add-on service offered by the

authority (first service of its kind to be offered among UAE government’s organizations).

However, when booking an appointment, the application process function based on the following steps:

1- Click on the appointment system link from the main website

2- From the appointment system page, click the service type you would like to have:

1. Cancel/Update Appointment (requires your booking number)

2. Mobile Appointment (please note that the main reason of launching this

first ever introduced mobile registration service in the UAE is for elders

and People with special needs whom are not able to visit our registration

centers)

3. Appointment booking

i.              Fill the form with the following information: your name, nationality,

mobile number, appointment type “personal or family”, Gender and

count of family members, residential Emirate, nearby center, and

SMS language preference. Then click Next

ii.            An SMS with confirmation/reference code to prove the genuinely of

the Process & requestor shall be sent to the provided mobile

number. It reader (Emirates Identity Authority Welcomes you to its

Registration Appointment System, please use the following number

to confirm your appointment #########”, please enter this code in

the reference box, then the “OK” box

iii.           Appointments are subject to availability and number of applicants.

Select the preferred week, date and time. If available, finish the

process to get a second SMS with the confirmation code detailing

the date & time of the appointment and the selected registration

center.

iv.           With this code you must come in to the center at least 15-20 minute

prior to the appointment to confirm your appointment using the

Kiosk machines or the at the Customer service desk.

3- Residents who do not make prior appointments can walk into any registration

centre of the EIDA and apply for the ID card (first-come-first served, and its

subject to center registration capacity and number of confirmed appointments.)

Note: The process could change for better usability early 2009, please refer to our the Emirates ID website for updated information. (http://www.emiratesid.ae).

8. How will people with special needs, the elderly and the sick register?

Applicants who cannot visit registration centers will be granted the free mobile

registration service (registration fees are not waived and shall be collected, but they will not have to pay the Dh500 fee for the mobile service assuming they requests the service for themselves alone). However, if their family members want to avail themselves of the mobile service, the Dh500 mobile service fee per family will apply, inaddition to the ID card fees. The number to call for the service is 600523432, or through the appointment system on EIDA website

9. Will expatriate professionals who have not registered by December 31, 2008 be fined?

The EIDA has stressed that no fines will be issued to expatriate professionals.

Moreover, the EIDA is not concerned with issuing fines. We are not the authority to do that. We are service provider.

10. Will expatriate professionals be able to carry out regular transactions (financial, educational, health, etc) if they have not registered within the December 31, 2008 deadline “missed enrollment strategy deadline”?

For Emiratis, no service shall be provided without the ID card from January 1, 2009 as per the law. So far, no such measures have been announced against expatriate professionals who fail to register within the Enrollment Strategy deadline. But ID card is the only valid identification document for professional expatriates from January, 1 2009.

If any organization demands the card for official transactions and expatriate

professionals do not have them, the EIDA cannot be held responsible. Like any other organization in the UAE, EIDA obey by the government regulations and will demand the ID Card from its employee, and customers in order to provide services.

11. Must the ID card be carried at all times?

Yes, it is your valid identification document in the UAE, thus you have to carry it all the time to prove your identity.

12. What steps are to be taken if the ID card gets lost or is stolen?

The card holder must notify the nearest EIDA registration centre. A new ID with same  unique number will be issued for a fixed fee of Dh300. Once the case is reported, the system automatically deactivates the card and it cannot be used anymore.

13. My visa expires before June 2009; will I face trouble conducting transaction next year if I do not have a card?

All expatriate professionals have to register irrespective of the validity period of their visa. It is advisable to register now and avoid the rush in the future when priority will be given to new category to register, thus EIDA bear no responsibility for the delay and missing the enrolment strategy deadline. EIDA would not refuse registering any one with valid residency period.

14. I am on vacation and unable to access the website due to heavy traffic. I cannot return before the deadline. What are my options and will I be fined?

It is your responsibility to register before the enrollment strategy deadline. The EIDA cannot be held responsible for your absence. The EIDA will continue to register all expatriates until the end of 2010. No fines will be imposed, but if the ID card is required for any official transaction, the EIDA cannot be held responsible for your delay.

 We recommend that you register at your first opportunity when back to the UAE.

15. What is the deadline for Legal Residents to register? Will it be extended?

As per the law/regulation, the deadline for all legal Residents is December 31, 2010.

And in order to regulate the registration flow and ensure every National & Residents gets registered before the deadline, EIDA prepared an enrolment strategy to support the government deadline. Hence, each category has been given a specified period.

-       UAE Nationals/Citizens: from June 2005 – December 31st, 2008. The reason for the longer duration was given until EIDA positioned itself over the UAE Emirates, which happened early 2008

-       Residents working for the public sector and their families: from May 2008 –October 31st, 2008

-       Professional Residents working for the private sector and their families: from July 2008 – December 31st, 2008

-       Other categories shall be announced early January 2009

The EIDA will continue registering these categories even after the deadline, but it’s at their own risk and they will have to put up with the long queues because other categories will also be registering and given priorities. No extension has been given and/or considered for the time being.

16. It has become impossible to find registration forms, or register on the website? Will I be penalized?

It is your responsibility to register. New software for ‘Pre-Registration’ is now available on the EIDA website and hosted by about 50 other organizations. You can fill out the form within ten minutes, using the software for you and your family members on your personal computer. Free CDs of the software will be issued soon at EIDA centers.

 This online service (first free of charge application among government entities) is made available as an add-on service, where other channels were made available to get this service from such as Emirates Post centers, and 3rd party typing center within major EIDA centers for Dh40.

17. The website does not allow me to book an appointment for my entire family. If I sponsor my spouse and children, will I have to go with them for every appointment?

The appointments until December 31, 2008 have already been booked in major

registration centers. But half of the registration capacity of the EIDA centers has been kept for walk-in registrations. Each category has to register with their families.

Although the card is optional for children below 15 years old (but registration is

compulsory) the guardian’s consent is required to issue the card. Children must be present. One guardian must accompany the children for registration.

18. Will hospitals not treat me if I do not have an ID card?

This is not within our jurisdiction. If entities demand the ID card, that is up to them. From a humanitarian point of view everyone should be entitle of medical treatment in emergency situation.

19. What is the need for a barcode?

The barcode expedites the registration process; it provides security and privacy to applicant information. The barcode guarantees that the information provided by the potential card holder is accurate and genuine.

20. If an expatriate holds a diploma and works as a professional, will he be required to register for an ID card?

He/ she must register.

21. If a professional has a degree and does not work, will it be mandatory for the spouse to apply for an ID card?

Yes, family is a unit and required to register if one of the spouses is part of the category we called upon for registration according to our enrollment strategy.

22. If an employed professional has children who have completed their university studies and are unemployed, do they have to register for an ID card? If so, when is the deadline?

Yes. December 31, 2008. Again family is a unit and required to register if one of the spouses is part of the category we called upon for registration according to our enrollment strategy.

23. What about new professionals joining after December 31, 2008?

They must register immediately after obtaining a residency permit.

24. If one is able to generate an online application and fix an appointment, will it be possible to change the appointment date?

Yes, you can, but you have to give 24 hours notice that you want to change or cancel. And you can use the online appointment system for that.

25. As an expatriate woman married to a man from the GCC countries, I already have a GCC ID card. Will I need to register for an ID card in the UAE as well?

Yes.

26. Is the cost of the national ID card the responsibility of the sponsor or the company?

The law does not force the employer to pay the fees for his employees but it must ensure the employees register. By law, it is the resident’s/individual responsibility to pay the fee. But if an organization wants to pay the fee, it is their decision.

27. Is there a grace period for those who get their residence visas on December 30 or 31, 2008? Do they have to rush to get an ID card?

They have to register as soon as they get a valid residence visa, EIDA shall not be responsible of any delay.

28. Are professionally qualified housewives required to register for the card before 2009?

Yes.

29. What happens to the ID card if one dies after obtaining it?

Currently, the ID card gets automatically deactivated, once we receive an automatic update from the government entity that authorize and authenticate this event.

30. What is PIN Management and facial recognition?

Once an ID card is issued, the card holder gets a four digit pin code number which is a security code of the card. The pin number is used to protect the card holder’s private information as well as authenticating his or her identity when performing transactions through the ID card. It is recommended to change the pin code regularly using card reading program offered by the EIDA in the near future to the public.

The pin and the Fingerprint recognition are used to logon to computers, networks, and online services and access internal applications such as intranet. The ID card can be put into a card reader, then access it by entering the pin code and or using fingerprint.

According to the EIDA, the three factors of authentication are, the ID card, the pin code and the fingerprint.

The Captured photo also can be used online to perform facial recognition to identity card holders, thus don’t be surprise one day to walk by an ATM machine and gets recognized without an ATM card based on your facial elements.

31. What is in it for me?

We are all supporting UAE government to build an accurate population register, and out of this we shall obtain an innovative PKI based Smart ID card which can offer services today (please refer to the FAQ for more details on what is it for me) and in the future to ease the process of obtaining services from various sectors and we at EIDA are working hard and according to solid strategy to achieve the maximum result. The accurate sensors shall be provided to decision makers for better strategic planning and resource utilization for our future. We realize that we are going through and require a cultural change and we would like to count on you.

Let us join forces, spread the words, and pray for EIDA and the Population Register & ID Card (PRIDC) program to be successful in achieving its strategic goals – while maintaining the best customer service level.

32. Upgrade your appointment system?

EIDA is the first ever Government organization to offer appointment system to get services. And our appointment system was updated on November 17th, 2008. The appointment is not a mandatory requirement for registration. And it was slow due to the pre-registration application heavy demands. As an add-on service we have offered only half of the registration center capacity to the appointment system, and since it was launched in July 2008 almost all the appointments in major centers has been fully booked. As such walk-in is the only solution now to get registered and our centers are open from 7:30 Am, and we are not responsible for people waiting in queue prior to this time. However and according to some innovative suggestions received in this regard EIDA shall upgrade the appointment system process early 2009 to enhance usability.

33. Please clarify who will be liable to bear the payment of our Registration fee, is it our Employer or we employees?

According to Decree # 9 of 2006, we are supposed to collect fees from each individual, and thus it’s not EIDA responsibility to decide who is liable for these fees. Some companies paid for their employees, some paid 50% some 100%, and some did not pay any at all. So no mandate forces the Employer to pay the fees for his employees but employer is responsible by LAW to make sure all of the employees gets registered in order for them to have a legal status as employee.

34. Please advise to me how i apply for registration and please send the Application?

Registration Process

1.  Filling the Pre-Registration form at the typing centers within our Registration Center or Emirates Post Centers at a cost of 40 AED or free of charge from our website

2.  You can optionally schedule an appointment through our online appointment system (subject to availability); or basically skip to step 3

3.   Visiting in person the Registration center with the following documents:

• UAE Nationals

- Pre-Registration Form (With 2D barcodes)

- Original Valid Passports

- Original Family Book

• Residents

- Pre-Registration Form (With 2D barcodes)

- Original Valid Passport, with

- Valid Residency permit

• GCC Citizens

- Pre-Registration Form (With 2D barcodes)

- Original Valid Passport, with

- Document to proof residency in UAE (valid work certificate, or certified and

valid lease / ownership of real state, marriage certificate to a Citizen)

Note:

• Children’s below 2-years must be present at the Registration Center along with 2

Personal Photos (5.5X4.5) size, with light-blue Background

• Colored contact lenses or Hand Henna (for ladies) are not allowed; Traditionalwear based on applicant nationality is preferred

Registration Fees

• UAE Nationals

- 100 AED registration fees and 20 AED Card delivery fees (ID Card valid for 5

years, as for children’s they must renew the ID Card once they become 15 years

old in respective of the card validity)

• Nationals with welfare

- Free of charge, Proof of receiving welfare is required

• Residents

- 100 AED registration fees against each valid year in his/her existing residency

permit (part of the year is a year) and 20 AED Card delivery fees (ID Card expiry

date linked to residency expiry date)

• Residents from the GCC

- 100 AED registration fees for each year requested by the applicant (5 years are

the maximum duration allowed ex. 500 AED) and 20 AED Card delivery fees (ID

Card expiry date linked to number of years selected)

• All children below 15 years

- Regardless of nationality the registration in the population register is mandatory

and free for children below 15, but issuing the ID Card is optional for 50 AED and

20 AED Card delivery fees (ID Card expiry date is specified above according to nationality)

35. I have kids below 15 years old (daughters have 9 years and son 5 years) do they have to register?

First let us distinguish between registration and obtaining/issuing an ID Card. The LAW stated that all Citizens and Legal Residents irrespective of ages are mandated to register and it’s the responsibility of the household to make sure that this takes place; but the issuing of the ID Card is optional for Kids below 15, thus they must come to EIDA center with the application form and register along with the guardian, we recommend to issue an ID Card for the kids as some services going to be enabled through it (fee of registering kids below 15 is free, but fees for issuing ID Card is 50 AED for all kids below 15 despite nationality). We treat the family as a unit, and if member of this unit is part of the category we announced to register then it’s recommended for the whole family to register at the same allocated duration.

36. After Applying for the Pre-registration form with Emirates Post Office; how many days it will take to receive the call for appointment?

Emirates Post Office are not responsible to set appointments, in order to have an

appointment you will have to use the electronic online system available on EIDA

website or call EIDA call center to help 600523432 and individual must check the

system for availability if any, else you are required to visit the nearest center as a walk-in applicant (first come first serve, and its subject to Center daily Capacity).

37. I arrived in the UAE approximately 3 months ago. Once I received my residency about 4 weeks ago, I applied for my wife. However, her application is still in process. I was wondering what will happen if she is issued her residency after the December 31, 2008 deadline. Can you please clarify?

Emirates Identity Authority registers residents with valid residency permit only, thus if you expect that her application will be issued after the Dec 31, 2008 deadline, then you need to register alone and then when she obtain her residency permit she would be welcome to come and register even if it’s after the end of this year.

38. Who is included to register and what are the ((Enrolment Strategy)) deadlines?

• All Residents working for government (federal/local) and semi-government and their family members: Deadline Dec 31st, 2008

• All professional and graduate residents working for the private sectors such as

(Directors, managers, Consultants, specialists, doctors, teachers, engineers,

journalist, PRO’s, Accountants, financial experts, IT professionals, technicians,

programmers and their family members: Deadline Dec 31st, 2008

The Authority shall also call upon the following categories early next year:

• Residents – All private sector administrative workers and School/College/University

Students starting early First Quarter of 2009

• House keepers, servant, farmers, general transport drivers, caterers, and guards

starting early Second Quarter of 2009

• Construction workers and unskilled workers starting early Third Quarter of 2009

Posted Dec 2nd, 2008, for updated information on the Enrollment Strategy, please visit our website: www.emiratesid.ae, If you still have a doubt whether it’s your turn or not, then we recommend that you come and register, we do not send anybody back that desire to register regardless of their professional status.

39. I am a resident with UAE resident visa having a free-zone company in Ajman. I read on your website that those with resident visa need this ID card before 1^st Jan 2011? Or they will be fined, Is this true?

Fines set by the LAW shall not apply on residents until the end of 2010, but registration shall be aligned with EIDA Enrollment Strategy according to the category it specify and the allocated timeframe. So far we have the support of many government, semigovernment and private sector that will require the ID Card from individual after their registration deadline expire in support for this national initiative. As for UAE Nationals, by Law no services shall be provided to them without the ID Card starting Jan 1st, 2009.

40. Can you supply my organization with the Mobile registration service?

Unfortunately we have long queue of organizations already since August 2008, and we are trying to commit to service them, but with the rush and the deadline approaching, we are not going to be able to provide the service to new request until 2009. For that please address your requests to Emirates Identity Authority in order to evaluate the request and get back to you, currently more consideration is given to organizations with 1000 employee and more.

41. I have already submitted my form with the required documents, they said I have to wait for a call or sms to proceed with the picture and finger print. Right now I'm still waiting for my appointment, what I'm worrying is that I'm going for vacation this First week of December and what if they schedule me when I am still on vacation. Is it possible to ask for an earlier appointment?

As we have stressed appointment is not a mandatory requirements for registration, and you have submitted your Form to Emirates Marketing and Promotion a subsidiary of Emirates Post, once you receive the form with a 2D barcodes, it’s your responsibility to schedule an appointment using our online system or walk-in to the nearest registration center to register and obtain your ID Card.

42. I wanted to find out when you will be announcing the deadline extension for ID cards as it is clearly impossible for everyone to get them before December 31st. Especially with National Day and Eid falling in between. Surely it makes more sense to announce it now rather than on the 30t of December?

We appreciate your confident, but no extension shall be announced and we can’t keep on extending our deadlines because people waited to the last minute to register. We announced the enrollment strategy deadline and called upon the professional category late June early July of 2008 (in both Arabic and English), and if you and/or many others were not aware then we are sorry to say that you should have been aware about the laws and regulations that impact your status in the UAE.

43. I am new to UAE and just started my job and therefore am going through the process of getting my visa sorted. If this takes longer than the ID card deadline what happens. I don't see how it is fair for me to be fined when I am brand new to the system.

First we welcome you to the UAE, and comfort you by saying you shall not be fined, once you get your visa sorted out, and obtain your resident permit, please approach Emirates ID to register immediately.

44. I am finance professional & I have done my ID card. I have visited two times to the center with my family (Wife & 8 years son) but could not get the chance to register. My wife does not work & we are going on vacation on 27th Nov’08, what should we do?

You as a unit must register together, and we apologies for any inconvenient, but we ask you to be patient and keep on trying until you register, if you do leave the country then have a safe trip and remember to register immediately when you are back, also remember that EIDA bear no responsibility towards you missing the deadline.

45. How will you consider professionals & graduates? Is it as per mentioned on the Labor Contract their profession? If we have “SALES” employees working for Real Estate where their degree certificates were not required, do they have to register this year?

Professional is determined by the career type, and also if you are a degree holder then you are also required to register. If you are not certain if you belong to this category or not, then we advise you to come forward and register at the soonest.

46. If the husband is out of the country from October and will re-enter before six months. How does he register?

He should register immediately once he comes back safely. And we recommend that you register now.

47. If the Labor Contract states the profession as “Stock Broker” and the employee is a diploma holder. What is his time limit?

Before Dec 31, 2008

48. I came to know from the news paper that 31st Dec 2008 is cut of date for locals & 31st Dec 2011 for expatriates. Is it true?

This is the Deadline given to Emirates Identity Authority to register people in order for them to avoid fines. Accordingly we prepared enrollment strategy to guarantee that everybody gets register smoothly before the end of the deadline. And the dates given by the government were Dec 31, 2008 for Citizens, and Dec 31, 2010 for Residents. For more details on enrolment strategy, please refer to FAQ # 15.

49. I request you to kindly increase number of Centres in Sharjah and other emirates to apply for Emirates ID card. It will greatly help reduce the problem faced by the residents and the authorities in this process.

We are in the process of building our own permanent center in Sharjah, also there is plan to increase the number of centers in the near future. Also we would like to mention that the current number of centers is more than enough to register the residents, and we can’t open more centers and hire more human power just because a category waited to the last minute to register. Furthermore, we constantly study the needs and take preventive and corrective actions in order to ease things for our customers.

50. I was told that I have to presents myself to any EIDA registration center to complete the process, but I haven’t got the pre-registration form with the

barcodes!. Please confirm whether I have to start again the registration process or just visit EIDA center with the print out of the application No.?

The Pre-requisite for registering in the population register and ID Card system is to have your original documents and the form with the 2D barcodes.

51. I have been trying to Select the days under appointment, i cannot see any days except the below message. “Dear user: the search result depends on the number of members that you entered before , Please try to split the family into many appointments, to update click here,” As you have rectified the problem of registration application, it is highly appreciated if something is done as well for the appointment.

Thank you for the suggestions, please note that the message you have represents the system attempt to support you in finding appointment, and one of the reasons applicants can’t find an appointments is related to number of dependents. However, if you select one person and still don’t manage to get any availability, then this means all appointments are fully booked. The system shall go through some enhancements that focus on usability early 2009.

52. Does the deadline of December 31, 2008 apply to our families as well? Our PRO says that it is not compulsory for them until 2010.

Yes the deadline does apply on your family; your PRO is incorrect about his/her

statement.

53. Could we get an appointment beforehand or should we go to the ID center at 5AM to be the first to get the tokens.

EIDA centers working hour’s starts at 7:30Am. And appointment is not mandatory for registration.

54. Is it possible that we can just go directly to any registration office and then fill-out the form there, pay at the same time and then process the form? In this way, there is no need to fill-out the form online (for those who can’t access it) and also to set an appointment, but just go directly to the office with the necessary documents.

Can we just have it “first come first serve” basis instead of making

appointments?

No, it must be pre-filled; however we do have independent typing centers at most of the centers that are capable of filling the forms for you for a fee of 40AED per person. As mentioned appointments are not mandatory for registration and we accept walk-in based on first come first served basis.

55. Is it compulsory for every individual including the house wives & children? I heard it is compulsory only for the graduates who are working. I'm totally confused about it.

Sorry about your confusion, but the answer that you and your family must come forward together as a unit to register if any of you is a member of the category we asked to register.

56. I have got the pre registration form and now I have to visit you for the

appointment, tried calling the toll number but no response, so what is the best way to get the appointment. Or should I walk in Emirates post office after 6.00pm.

You don’t need to have an appointment, and the only way you can get an appointment is through our website and online appointment system (subject to availability) and we know that appointments are fully booked in major centers, so your only option for now is walk-in to any EIDA center.

57. I am stationed at Al Shahama and so please advise me which will be the nearest contact centre for me?

It will be Al-Mushref center, Behind Carrefour on Airport road.

58. i have an e-gate card but it is expired, due to not renewed timely. After obtaining this Emirates Identity Card, will this card serve as an e-gate card? If so with effect from when?

Shortly Ministry Of Interior shall announce the process, validity and fees of enabling the e-gate service on the UAE National ID Card as an alternative. The technical aspect of this service has been completed successfully.

59. If this new ID Card is lost and not found is there any penalty / fine to obtain a new card?

Yes, a replacement fee would be a fixed price of 300AED despite your nationality.

60. From where it should be obtained? After obtaining this ID Card is it necessary to activate over phone or by person going to the EIDA centre?

The Registration takes place throughout Emirates Identity Authority Registration center all over the UAE, you will not be required to activate this card over the phone, it gets delivered to you activated with a PIN chosen by you during registration process. Individuals must come in person for the registration process once.

61. Please let us know if we can go to another location like RAK and register for the Emirates ID there? Also where is the office?

Yes, the choice is yours to select any center to complete your registration. And you can find details about the registration centers contact details and directions from our website

62. My wife is travelling before 31-Dec-2008 and still did not manage to register, what will i have to do? And what If i make the ID card after she comes back, is it okay?

We recommend that she register before the end of allocated enrollment strategy

deadline, and we can’t be responsible for her delay. Nevertheless, our doors are open to register all, but priority will be given to new category of Residents.

63. I and my Wife would like to ask for your suggestion how we can apply before we can take our vacation to the East Asia. We were so worried on the consequences that may arise while we are not in the country after the deadline on Dec31st, 2008?

We recommend that you and your respected wife register before your vacation,

however if you have left the country already then enjoy your holiday and there are no consequences such as fines will apply, and you must register immediately when get back to UAE, but note that priority will not be given to your category so longer queues.

64. I don’t have any problem to go any center as a walk-in customer and wait for 4-5 hrs provided I get a chance. I will appreciate your suggestion? and promise you can count on my commitment to make this project successful.

Thank you for your commitment to make this project a success, unfortunately our

suggestion would be to visit the center and if you get a queue number for registration you can ask for the approximate waiting time and come back before that time instead of waiting.

65. My application could not be processed even after I got the barcode typing done, as there is a small mistake in my passport. While I went to The my country Embassy here to get the issue sorted out, I was told that it would be easier to go back to my country and approach the Passport Office which issued my passport to get this matter sorted out. I am now going to my country on my vacation on the 2nd of December; and I will be back on the 29th of December. Will I be permitted to proceed with my application for the National Identity Card after I return?

Yes you will be allowed to do it, but we don’t bear any responsibility toward this delay.

66. Please let me know that how can I bring original passports of my dependants who are at my home country currently and they are planning to come to UAE on April 2009

Not required to bring the passports now, when they get back to UAE, you can register them immediately if they have resident permit, they need to come to the center in person with you “if minors” in order for them to register.

67. My occupation in my visa is secretary. Is it necessary that I should apply for this identity card by this year?

No, we shall invite you early 2009, keep visiting our website, and reading the news papers. To be honest it’s your employer responsibility as well as you to make sure when this will take place and inform you that you need to get registered and obtain the ID Card before the deadline we assign.

68. Friend of mine Sponsored by his wife. She is working in ministry of health and he is retired. He shall be back to UAE early 2009, and his residence permit is valid until 2011, the wife is also sponsoring their three children. Two of the children’s are studying abroad, and one son in UAE. Kindly advise how to proceed with their registration, keeping in mind that the registration fees are costly?

According to your friend wife, she need to register as well as her son in the UAE, as for the husband he also need to register once he gets back to the UAE. As for the daughters they will also be required to register once they get back to the UAE in June.

The registration fees are mandated by the government.

69. What is the different between the Government Deadline and your enrollment strategy deadline?

In order to support the Deadline set by the government (Minister cabinet Decision 201/1 of September 2007), Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) and according to the authorization given to H.E. the Director General of EIDA, we established the Enrollment Strategy to ease the registration process/flow and to ensure everybody gets registered before the deadline, and not wait to the last minute to avoid crowding our centers.

As such, since End of June 2008 we called upon the Professionals Residents to

register and their family members before the end of 2008. And the rush we have now on our registration center is due to most of them waiting to the last minute and not making use of the previous months, or the appointment system, or the mobile service.

having said that, No fines will apply on Resident as long as they register before the end of 2010, but if they missed the deadline set by the enrollment strategy then this will be at the Resident own risk and according to a lot of governments, semi-government and private sector entities they might ask them to provide their ID card starting from the beginning of 2009 in order to provide them with services (but for sure, bank accounts won’t be freezed as mentioned in the news papers, and emergency medical treatments will still be always provided to those in need). Also missing the enrollment strategy deadline means you will have to come and register during the reserved period of allocating the registration timeframe to different category of residents where priority will be given to this new category; which means much longer waiting time and possibly missing the end of 2010 deadline where fines and more would apply.

70. We would like to host the software for pre-registration form in our website. Kindly let us know the formalities to get and publish the software enabling us and UAE community to register and apply for the National ID Card?

If you desire to host and/or host the Pre-Registration Application software, please add the How to download/install the software, the legal note information, FAQ’s, and Supply EIDA with the URL/link to refer to it on our website. We would appreciate if you can name the title: UAE EIDA Pre-Registration Application Download. Also provide EIDA with your organization name & Logo, in order to use it in the Powered by section, in recognition and appreciation to your support.

Legal Note: It is prohibited to use this application for any commercial purposes (typing centers) or in any other aspect; and dedicated solely for personal use only

How to download/install the software:

8 Check to make sure that you have Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 or above and Java SE

Runtime Environment 6.0 or above for windows and JAVA 5.0 for MAC users

installed on your computer, If not they can be easily downloaded/installed from the

below links:

o Adobe acrobat reader 9.0 from Adobe.com website or can be downloaded &

installed from:

http://ardownload.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/win/9.x/9.0/enu/AdbeRdr90_en_US.exe

o JRE 6.0 from Sun.com website or can be downloaded & installed from:

http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp

8 Once the above two software are installed/available; you can unzip the EIDA

Preregistration file and click on the software file to install.

8 After installation, you shall see an icon on your desktop with EIDA LOGO, click on it

and enjoy after selecting your preferred language setting.

8 The application can be used for individuals as well as family members.

8 Please make sure you fill the maximum fields you can (even optional fields when possible), once you reach the last step, a PDF file shall be generated and opened for you to either print on LAZER PRINTER (it’s the Barcode technology requirements for quality) or save in order to print it at another location.

8 Barcode numbers various based on information entered, so it could be 4, 5, and/or 6.

8 Once printed and prior to closing the application, you will be able to modify your entries by clicking on back button, if application is closed you will have to retype the information again.

At this stage, make sure to approach any registration center in the UAE regardless of your location or residency permit issuing Emirate; no appointment is required to come and register. (Make sure you have your 2D barcode application, original valid passport with valid residency permit for residents and original Family book along with valid passport for UAE Nationals.

71. We are six members in the family. We are like cousins and families. During the time of submission can we all come together as one family and submit it waiting in the family queue or is it that bachelors to be separate and families to separate waiting queues?

You can register as a family

72. I am unable to open the zip file, I get a message “FILE QUARANTINED Microsoft IT has removed EIDA_Pre-Registration_V1.0.rar->pre-registration.msi since it has been found to match the FILE FILTER= unnamed: <in>*.msi file filter.” Why?

This is due to strict security measures taken by your company, thus you will not be able to receive any attachment as a ZIP file or exe. Thus and since we do not offer this software in any other format; you either have to download the same at your personal computer, or request from your IT team to download and install this software for you using administrative mode.

73. I will be leaving for my vacation next week and still i am not able to register for Emirates ID, as whenever I went to empost forms were not available. May I know if I can register for the Emirates ID after i return in January 2009, else is there any other process (fast / urgent process) so that i can register for Emirates ID before I leave?

First let me correct you and say that the Pre-Registration forms are outsourced to

Emirates Marketing and Promotion one of the Subsidiary companies of Emirates Post holding, and they over this service through the 95 Emirates Post offices. Empost is also EIDA partner and one of the Subsidiary companies of Emirates Post holding but they are responsible for the ID Card delivery only. Emirates Identity Authority recommends that you register during the allocated timeframe and we can’t be responsible for your delay. If you come in January and we are able to service you while given priority to another category then we shall do so happily.

74. What does Emirates Identity Authority stand for, and to which ministry does it report?

Emirates Identity Authority does not report to any ministry or governmental institution.

Rather, it is an independent federal body, established under Federal Law No. 2 for 2004, by which it was fully empowered to put into implementation Population Register and New ID Card program for United Arab Emirates. For more information, please refer to "Decree of Emirates Identity Authority "

75. What are the goals of Emirates Identity Authority?

Overseeing the implementation of Population Register and ID Card Program, EIDA plays a leading and distinguished role in sustainable development as well as the civilizational and economical progress being seen in U.A.E. in terms of adoption of advanced and innovative technology to manage its affairs.

The vision of the Authority is '' to be a role model and reference point in proofing

individual identity and build wealth Informatics that guarantees innovative and

sophisticated services for the benefit of UAE.

The mission of EIDA is “to Identify and protect individuals’ identity to facilitate their transactions through the development of an accurate population registry and the issuance of a unified, multi-purpose PKI-based identity card to support decision makers with essential statistical data that contribute to the overall development of the UAE’s society”.

76. What is the Population Register?

The Population Register is an electronic centralized database, currently being set up and developed by EIDA, so as to cover all population of U.A.E. whether nationals or expatriates. All population of U.A.E. is currently being entered into Population Register and ID Card Program based on a planned study through registration centers spreading nationwide. Population Register is deemed to be a governmental, centralized, trustworthy and comprehensive source of information that would assist with decision making process and allocation of resources due to the fact that it contains the most important and vital information about individuals within a frame of full secrecy and access control to such information. It is anticipated that Population Register will be connected to all ministries and vital governmental bodies operating in the State, which is set to enhance governmental performance and further improve services.

77. What is the Identity Card?

The ID card is an electronic means of identification that EIDA undertakes to issue for all population of U.A.E. It is mandatory for each national or expatriate person above 15 years old. Coupled with sophisticated technological features, ID card is a safe and fine means for identification of persons and verification of their identities. It contains an ID number that links every individual to his/her own personal and biological lifetime data.

The ID Number serves as a reference for the respective individual in his/her identityproved transactions with government bodies and private organizations. It is expected that the ID card as an identification card would, later, replace all currently applicable other identification means such as labor permit, health card, driving license, etc .

78. What is the exterior face of the card like?

It is simply a plastic card, on the front side of which appear the name, nationality,

personal photo and 15-digit card number of the holder. In addition, there is the electronic chip that contains information about the holder, including face photo, digital certificates and fingerprints. However, the back side of the card demonstrates birth date, gender, and specimen signature of the holder as well as card validity date and number .

79. What type of information has been stored in the electronic chip of the card ?

The electronic chip contains face photo, name, date of birth, gender, nationality,

mother's name, marital status, entry brief information (Family and town numbers),

number of ID card, card's serial number, issue date, expiry date, fingerprint data, an electronic certification for authentication and an e-signature, as well as other information relating to nationality and residence for expatriates such as sponsor's number, type, number and expiry date of residence permit, knowing it is lawful to have some amendments or additions made to the card without need to get replacement. In order to limit access to the card only to concerned bodies, some of the above-mentioned information has been encoded to preserve secrecy and private nature of it .

80. How far important is the ID card?

An ID card is a safe and precise means of personal identification and verification. Being the only reference available to confirm identity, ID card would make it easier for the holder to obtain all governmental and non-governmental services in the future. Among the most important benefits and features of the card are enhanced sense of belonging, protection of identity, ease and convenience and providing an integral database.

81. What are the main characteristics and features of the ID card?

ID card is distinguished for its identification number that links the ID of an individual to his/her personal and biological data, where the number serves as a reliable reference respecting all transactions that require ID verification. However, the technological formula of the card does ensure the highest degree of safety and precision via three major techniques: contact Smart card, Public key infrastructure and Fingerprints.

For further information, please refer to ‘’ About Population Register and ID Card.

82. Is the ID card mandatory, and who must enroll to obtain it?

ID card is mandatory for all inhabitants of United Arab Emirates, whether nationals or expatriates of above 15 years old, who are living lawfully in U.A.E. Enrollment for Population Register and ID Card Program is also mandatory for children below 15 years old. While obtaining/issuing an ID card for them is a matter of choice and subject to guardian's consent .

83. Is it possible to use ID card as a travel document abroad?

Only U.A.E nationals can use ID card to commute between countries of Gulf

Cooperation Council without the need to carry their passport.

84. Is it possible for children below 15 years old to be issued ID card?

Enrollment of children below 15 years old in the Population Register System is

mandated. However, issuance of an ID card is optional. Yet, guardians consent is required to issue an ID card for children against affordable payment of 50 AED despite nationality.

85. Where can I apply for the ID card?

Enrolment for Population Register to obtain an ID card is available through EIDA's registration centers around the UAE. These centers operate only during the official working days (From Sunday to Thursday and Half Day Saturday). For further information about EIDA's registration centers, please refer to Registration Centers, or contact our Call Center 600 523432 .

86. What are the procedures for enrolment?

Each applicant will go through the following steps respectively :

1.     Completion of pre-registration form: it’s accessible on the Authority’s website. Care must be taken to ensure that correct and accurate information is filled in the

application form to avoid any errors or legal proceedings. This also expedites the

enrollment process.

2.         Reporting to any registration center: to complete enrolment formalities including

verification of supporting original documents and personal details filled in application

form; taking personal photo, electronic signature and fingerprints .

87. What are the documents required for enrolment?

o UAE Nationals

8 Pre-Registration Form (With 2D barcodes)

8 Original Valid Passports

8 Original Family Book

o Residents

8 Pre-Registration Form (With 2D barcodes)

8 Original Valid Passport, with

8 Valid Residency permit

o GCC Citizens

8 Pre-Registration Form (With 2D barcodes)

8 Original Valid Passport, with

8 Document to proof residency in UAE (valid work certificate, or certified and

valid lease / ownership of real state, marriage certificate to a Citizen)

88. What are the charges for enrolment and ID Card validity?

• UAE Nationals

- 100 AED registration fees and 20 AED Card delivery fees (ID Card valid for 5

years, as for children’s they must renew the ID Card once they become 15 years

old in respective of the card validity)

• Nationals with welfare

- Free of charge, Proof of receiving welfare is required

• Residents

- 100 AED registration fees against each valid year in his/her existing residency

permit (part of the year is a year) and 20 AED Card delivery fees (ID Card expiry

date linked to residency expiry date)

• Residents from the GCC

- 100 AED registration fees for each year requested by the applicant (5 years are

the maximum duration allowed ex. 500 AED) and 20 AED Card delivery fees (ID

Card expiry date linked to number of years selected)

• All children below 15 years

- Regardless of nationality the registration in the population register is mandatory

and free for children below 15, but issuing the ID Card is optional for 50 AED and

20 AED Card delivery fees (ID Card expiry date is specified above according to

nationality)

89. How can I receive my card?

Emirates Identity Authority ensures delivery of ID cards to applicants via express

mandatory registered courier against payment of 20 AED to be made during registration.

90. I am an East Asian working in a company as a clerk and my husband is working in another company as an accountant. I was not able to get a common answer from newspapers on the registration deadline and when we are due to register?

Since your husband belongs to the category we called upon to register, then you are included as a family member to come along as a unit and register too.

91. I managed to print my pre-registration form, and tried to get an appointment without any luck, and was told to visit any centre and stand in line (first-come first served) and off course I left from Sharjah at 03.00 am and I went to one of the Dubai centers and stand with other people in the line and my number was 257 ,after waiting until 06.00 am the security officer came and told us that for those without an appointment should not be allowed to wait and submit the application and an appointment must be obtained from the website!! I told him that I tried to get appointment but no appointment were available, please tell us how much more time must we waste? Can someone help me?

Kindly note that having an appointment is not mandatory for registration and our

registration centers opens from 7:30 Am, we apologies for the inconvenient you may encountered, and after clarifying the case with the centers, please note and according to your number that the center capacity is around 400 registration per day, and only after we have reached the maximum number of walk-in allowed; the security guard was obliged to inform everyone that we reached the maximum and no more walk-in shall be allowed, only appointment since they reserved the other 50% capacity of the center daily throughput capability. Also note that we do have a center in Sharjah.

92. If I may suggest, setting up a mobile registration team that would be dedicated for companies employing 800 and above employees would facilitate fast, organize and smooth registration activities. Instead of relying only to government resources, private entities will be willing to share their resources just to complete this important activity in the Government. Since majority of people living in UAE are expats & employed, completing your project thru companies would be fast

Thank you for the suggestion, service outsource was an option in earlier time, but as you know this service is so critical and accountability must be applicable on all

operators, also this process requires screened employees and background checks prior to operating the system. Therefore this suggestion is not applicable at the moment, and we shall consider it in the future, meanwhile we do not believe that we have a manpower issue, its people commitment toward the allocated enrollment strategy timeframe that worries us.

93. How many Barcodes we should be generated after filling the form, as some of us have got 5 some 11?

The number of barcodes varies according to the provided information, thus it could be from 4-11, and if you fill the form with all the required and known information then you don’t have to worry about the number of barcodes as long as there are minimum 4 barcodes.

94. I would like to inquire if it’s possible to submit my application with my labor card only because my original passport including my residence visa page is still with my company. Our PRO still have not claimed yet. This is the issue holding me back from registration?

The answer is no, you must have your original valid passport and original valid

residency permit in order to register. Also it was reported to us that PRO’s holds

employees passports and according to Labor laws and regulations this is not legal.

95. When i printed the pre-registration form i received two pages one that shows my full name and related information and the other one with the barcodes, why is this?

This is the way it’s developed, the first page to provide you with the critical information you have provided for confirmation, and the second page with the barcodes to be scanned during registration.

96. The problem we are facing is about getting a chance to register. I have a daughter of 5 years who do EIDA think it is right to wake her up at around 3am so we can get in line at 4am until I don’t know what time. Would any parent allow their children to go through this kind of ordeal? Please let me know if there is anything the authorities are doing to help the people with this situation?

The Authority Centers open its door at 7:30Am only, and we have done everything in our power to educate and inform Locals and residents to avoid similar situations to what you have describing. We announced that our enrollment strategy deadline for expats professional is Dec 31st, 2008 from Late June 2008 and spent millions on marketing campaigned in both Arabic and English; however when a rumor about fines was circulating Expats took this seriously. The Authority is also constantly reviewing the facts and will not hesitate to take preventive and/or corrective actions when needed to enhance the way we provide services

97. What will happen if someone cancel his visa and he is on process with a new residency visa with a new employer considering that he applied for the ID while he was on the old employer?

If you have registered with EIDA already and received or in the process of receiving your ID Card, then once you obtain your new residence permit you will needs to update these information at EIDA centers through the dedicated PR Lines, in this case you will have to replace your ID Card as your ID Card expiry date will change.

98. Does a parent have to register their married daughter, or her husband?

She can register with her parents and/or husband, and we recommend they register all together as a unit.

99. What about the child below 2 years, do they have to register?

Yes, irrespective of the age group all legal citizen and residents must register in the population register and ID Card system and appear in person to register at the centers.

100. What if the residence permit expires less than one month before the ID

application enrollment strategy deadline?

Irrespective of the expiry date of your permit, if you are required to register then you need to complete the same within the allocated timeframe. We can’t be responsible for the delay, and if you would like to wait until you renew the permit, then we advise you to register immediately after the renewal.

101. What if an accountant doesn’t have college degree?

Simple, he is professional then he is (and/or) required to register. And if anyone is uncertain about when he/she should register, we recommend that they come forward to register at this stage without further delay and/or assumptions.

102. In EIDA website you have specified the Phd’s, Doctors, Master Degrees, Managers, accountants, Engineers and IT professionals! Who work for the private sector should apply for the ID before the end of December 08. However it look to me that you are mixing eggs and oranges in one basket, but let me ask what about bachelor degree holder? Who are not Managers, not accountant and not necessarily Engineers or IT professionals?

First I advise you to select better wordings in addressing and forwarding your questions to government entity and/or official. We are not mixing; we based our strategy according to facts and numbers. The category we called upon is based on and/or conditions. So if you are a degree holder and/or a professional and working for the private sector then you need to register. Therefore bachelor degree belong to degree holders and they are required to register.

103. I have some people with professional education like “Ships Captains” whom cannot be classified as academic degree holders, but in fact their licenses are more than a bachelor degree level will they be required to register before the given deadline of 31 Dec 08?

Yes, they are required to register.

104. What about someone who’s daughter is married and still on his sponsorship? Will the sponsorship be the factor or the family formation?

Both are considered, but not condition for registration. Since they are a family we

recommend that they come forward as a unit to register.

105. For people who has a semi managerial category like Assistant Manager with a bachelor degree or higher? Will they be included?

Yes they are already included as degree holders.

106. Which form will be accepted out of the three aforementioned?