Generating the approximate force of a small hurricane, a collective sigh of relief was heaved across the city when the deadline for applying for national ID cards was recently pushed back from the end of 2010 to the middle of 2011. So far, only 1.5 million people have signed up for them – less than one third of the UAE’s population.
So if you’re part of the large majority who’s yet to register, chances are you’ve got a few questions about the small piece of rectangular plastic about to eat up space in your wallet. Here’s all you need to know…
What is it?
Introduced at the start of 2008, originally just for Emirati nationals, the ID card is designed to protect users from identity theft, while also helping the government gather more information about the nation’s populace. Each card boasts a unique 15-digit identity number, and the built-in chip can hold up to 32,000 characters’ worth of your personal information. Sort of makes you feel important, doesn’t it?
Who needs it?
All UAE citizens and expatriates in possession of a UAE residency visa are required to sign up, with the deadline for registration recently reset to the end of June 2011. Children aren’t exempt either – although under-15s are not required to be present during the registration procedure. Parents will need to bring a passport-sized photograph of their child on a blue background, along with their child’s passport. Just don’t expect the little’uns to be grateful for the hassle you’ll be saving them.
What does it do?
At the moment, you’ll need one to register a vehicle or apply for a driving licence (although they’re not needed to renew either of the aforementioned). For now, that’s pretty much it. However, as of later this month you’ll also require the ID card to set up utility services with Abu Dhabi Distribution Company, meaning those looking to move house ought to think about getting their card sooner rather than later. There are also plans to make the card mandatory for those taking out phone contracts with Etisalat and Du, while other, similar services are likely to be tied in once uptake numbers increase.
How do I get it?
The two-part registration process first requires you to fill in an electronic form at one of Abu Dhabi’s 183 authorised typing centres, listed at www.emiratesid.ae (although amid reports that several centres have withdrawn their ID registration service due to overwhelming numbers, we’d advise calling ahead before heading straight to your nearest location). You’ll need to bring your passport and residency visa. Oh, and don’t forget your credit card – the registration fee is Dhs170, and costs Dhs100 to renew each year. With us so far? Good. Forms filled, you’ll then receive an SMS message telling you where to go and when for the second part of registration, where you’ll be photographed and fingerprinted (and even receive a futuristic retinal scan at some centres). There’s another Dhs20 fee for delivery, and you can expect your card to arrive within a month.
What happens if I don’t get one?
While prospect of fines and jail time brandished by the Emirates Identity Authority back in 2008 seem to have dissipated, the threat of limited access to crucial everyday services remains a large deterrent to anyone thinking about abstaining. So it’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
For more information about the Emirates Identity card, go to www.emiratesid.ae or call 600 523 432.
