8 important Dubai numbers every resident should know – and where to find them

Dubai: If you’re a Dubai resident, there are certain numbers you will likely be asked to produce, from time to time. One may grant you access to your bank account, another may help you find your way around the city, and yet another is a must-have if you’re a motorist. What are these numbers, and do you have them all handy? Find out via our curated list below. 1. Emirates ID number Required for almost everything, the Emirates ID is a mandatory, government issued identity card for all UAE citizens and residents. It features a unique identification number that acts as your national identity. The Emirates ID unlocks a host of services for residents of the UAE, from business, property rental, banking, telecommunications, and educational services, to healthcare and seamless travel at the airport. It also gets you great discounts at recreational and hospitality venues around the UAE. Where to find it : You can find your 15-digit Emirates ID number printed prominently on the front of your ID card. 2. Makani number Do you have guests visiting from out of town, and are they having a hard time finding your home? One number – your Makani – will offer immediate clarity. Makani is the official smart geographical addressing system of Dubai – a unique 10-digit number that leads you right to the entrance of the building or address, making it easy to find any location on smartphones and navigation systems. Where to find it : You can find your Makani number on a plaque in the lobby of your apartment building, on the building facade, or at the entrance of your villa. If you’re unsure where it’s located, you can find it via the Makani app. Follow these steps . 3. DEWA premise number Electricity and water supply are vital components of any home, and yours depends on your Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) premise number. This is a unique nine- or 10-digit identifier assigned by DEWA to each property in Dubai that receives its services. You will need it to access and manage your utility accounts, pay bills, and track consumption. DEWA also requires it in order to locate your property and to provide maintenance and repair services. Where to find it : If you’d like to locate your DEWA premise number, you’ll find it at the top of your monthly utility bill. 4. Ejari registration number Do you rent your villa or apartment in Dubai? Then you’re already familiar with Ejari , the Dubai government’s official online registration system for tenancy agreements. Your Ejari number is a prerequisite for subscribing for utility services (electricity and water) from DEWA. It is also required when you file rental disputes, or when you need to show proof of accommodation for certain visas – for example, when sponsoring a domestic worker. Businesses are also required to provide their Ejari number to receive or renew their trade licences, so it’s a vital piece of information to have on hand. Where to find it : Find your Ejari number on the top-left corner of your official Ejari e-Contract Registration Certificate, or on the first and last pages of your registered tenancy contract. 5. Traffic File Number Whether you need to renew your car registration or driving licence, pay your unpaid fines , or track your black points , you will need to locate your Traffic File Number (TCN) to do so. The Traffic File Number, also known as Traffic Code Number or Unified Traffic Number, is an eight-digit number that acts as your traffic ID. It keeps all your motoring details in one place, and links your driving licence, all the vehicles registered under your name, every traffic fine you have ever received, and your black points. This number is created automatically for you when you first open your traffic file, which occurs when you get your driving licence or register your first car. Where to find it : You can find your TCN prominently displayed on the back of your driving licence, or on the front of your vehicle registration card (Mulkiya). 6. Unified Number When it comes to visa or immigration matters, few numbers are as important in Dubai, as your Unified Number (UID) . This unique 9-to-15-digit number is assigned by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) to every resident issued a visa in the UAE. Your UID is permanently linked to you, and reflects your entire immigration history. It is required for a range of government services and official processes in the UAE, like applying for or renewing your Emirates ID, tracking your residence visa application, and other Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) services. Where to find it : Locate your UID on the top of your UAE visa copy, or on the back of your Emirates ID, under the barcode. 7. Vehicle plate number If you drive a vehicle in Dubai, it might be best to memorise your vehicle plate number, or have it on hand. You require this information to legally drive in the city, track your toll and parking fees, and identify your car for safety and law enf