Dubai: If you’ve recently moved to the UAE, or you’re trying to access government services, you’ve likely come across two essential tools: the Emirates ID and the UAE PASS.

Although they are both vital, and are often used together, they serve very different purposes. The Emirates ID is your official identity document, while the UAE PASS is your digital identity for accessing key online services.

Below, we break down exactly what each form of identity does, and how to use it best.

What is the Emirates ID?

The Emirates ID is a government-issued identity card that’s mandatory for all UAE citizens and residents. It is managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and it acts as legal proof of your identity and residency status (for expats) in the UAE.

The card features a unique 15-digit identification number that remains linked to you, permanently. This number unlocks access to government services, banking facilities, healthcare systems, educational institutions, and more.

For residents, the Emirates ID is linked to your visa, and expires when your visa expires. Since it’s crucial to accessing most services in the country, it’s important to ensure your Emirates ID is always valid and active, by renewing it on time.

Emirates ID: Key features

The Emirates ID may look like any other card in your wallet, but within it lies a multi-layered technological ecosystem that combines high-capacity storage with advanced smart card security and biometric authentication.

Security: The Emirates ID is equipped with nine security features that make forgery or fraudulent use nearly impossible. Here are the key components of the ID card, according to ICP:

Micro-chip: It features a high-capacity smart chip that securely stores encrypted personal data.
Biometric verification: It stores your fingerprints, which are a form of unique biometric data, for foolproof identity verification.
PKI technology: It uses Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) digital certificates for secure, legally binding digital signatures.
Non-contact data reading: It’s equipped with advanced non-touch data reading capabilities. This means it can be used for fast and secure remote verification.
3D or ghost imaging: The card includes a hi-res, ghost-printed photograph alongside a 3D picture – this helps prevent physical tampering and forgery.
UV-sensitive ink: The card contains security markings that are only visible under ultraviolet (UV) light.
Hologram: It features a multi-dimensional optical hologram, embedded in the card’s laminate, as a tool to prevent tampering.
Encrypted e-link access: Sensitive data is fully encrypted, and readable through the ICP’s e-link system.
Secure access modules (SAM): The card ensures that only authorised government devices with specialised cryptography-based security modules, can access and extract the data stored on the microchip.

Storage: According to the ICP, the electronic chip on the Emirates ID has the capacity to hold the following information about the card holder:

Identity number
Date of issue
Date of expiry
Full name (Arabic and English)
Passport data
Sex
Nationality
Date of birth
Mother’s first name (Arabic and English)
Occupation
Marital status
Family number
Town number (for UAE nationals)
Sponsor type
Sponsor number
Sponsor name
Nature or type of residence
Residence number
Personal photo
Two fingerprints

Where can I use the Emirates ID?

You will require your Emirates ID anywhere you’re required to show physical proof of identity in the UAE. Some common uses of the Emirates ID include:

Opening a bank account
Applying for a mobile phone plan
Renting a property
Accessing healthcare services
Registering a vehicle
Obtaining a driving licence
Travelling through smart gates or e-gates at UAE airports
Completing government transactions

What is the UAE PASS?

The UAE PASS is the country’s national digital identity platform. It allows citizens and residents to securely access thousands of government, semi-government, and private sector services online, using a single login. This means you no longer have to create and manage separate usernames and passwords – the UAE PASS offers a convenient alternative by serving as a universal digital identity.

Another key feature of the UAE PASS is that it permits you to create a digital signature and use it to sign documents, with complete legal validity in the UAE. Like the Emirates ID, the UAE PASS also has robust security features. It is powered by blockchain technology, so you can securely store, request and share official documents without concerns.

Read all about how to create your UAE PASS, and its many unique features.

Where can I use the UAE PASS?

The UAE PASS can be used for a host of online services, including:

Logging in to government, law enforcement, municipal and other websites and apps
Signing documents digitally
Requesting official certificates
Renewing licences and permits
Accessing utility accounts
Completing banking and financial services
Verifying your identity online

In most cases, the UAE PASS eliminates the need to visit a service centre in person, allowing you to complete formalities, apply for permits, sign documents, and verify signatures from the comfort of your home.

Emirates ID and UAE PASS

While the Emirates ID proves who you are in the real world, the UAE PASS proves who you are online. Both are required for access to services in the UAE.

Sometimes, you may require both forms of identity to complete processes or transactions. For instance, you may open a bank account digitally, using your UAE PASS, and then be asked to visit the branch with your Emirates ID and passport to complete any remaining formalities.

So, it’s best to ensure your Emirates ID and UAE PASS are both active and valid, to make the most of the facilities offered by the authorities.

Which should you get first?

According to the ICP, your Emirates ID is required to create a UAE PASS account. So, make sure you apply for your Emirates ID as soon as you apply for or renew your residence visa.

Once your visa and Emirates ID have been issued, you can download the UAE PASS on your smartphone via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and complete the registration process, using your Emirates ID information. Learn how to register for a UAE PASS account.

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