Every UAE resident carries an Emirates ID. Most people know it as the card they flash at the doctor’s reception or hand over at immigration. But many people don’t realise there are some impressive Emirates ID perks that come with holding this card. But there’s a lot more packed into that chip than a photo and a number.
Here are eight Emirates ID perks that most residents in the UAE have never used — and a few that could genuinely save you time and money every week.
1. Withdraw Cash at ATMs Without Your Bank Card
Several major UAE banks allow cardless cash withdrawals using your Emirates ID, which is genuinely useful when you’ve left your wallet behind or your card is blocked. Here’s how it works at each bank:
| Bank | How It Works | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates NBD | Generate a one-time code via the ENBD mobile app, then enter it at the ATM | Active ENBD account + mobile app |
| Mashreq Bank | Insert Emirates ID at Mashreq ATM; linked accounts appear on screen for withdrawals, transfers, deposits | Mashreq account; supports bills, statements, chequebook too |
| Al Hilal Bank | Insert Emirates ID at Al Hilal ATM for withdrawals and transfers | Al Hilal account |
| ADCB | Use ADCB Mobile app to initiate cardless withdrawal, confirm at ATM | ADCB account + Touch ID enabled on app |
The process varies by bank, but the principle is the same: your Emirates ID chip is linked to your identity, and the bank’s app or ATM authenticates you without needing a physical card.
2. Pay for Petrol at ADNOC Stations
You can use your Emirates ID as a payment device at any ADNOC petrol station, ADNOC Oasis convenience store, or ADNOC car wash. Here’s how to set it up:
- Download the ADNOC Wallet app (iOS or Android)
- Register using your Emirates ID details
- Top up your ADNOC Wallet balance
- At the pump, insert your Emirates ID into the card payment slot
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transaction
Your ID chip communicates with the ADNOC system via the loaded wallet, so no PIN is needed for smaller transactions. It’s particularly useful if you’re using a company vehicle and don’t have a personal card to hand.
3. Use It as Your Health Insurance Card
Left your Daman, AXA, or MetLife card at home? No problem. Under UAE health regulations, all licensed medical service providers can verify and process health insurance claims using your Emirates ID alone. The chip stores your insurance data and links to the national health information system.
This applies to clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and specialist centres across the UAE. Simply present your Emirates ID at reception and ask them to pull your insurance details from the system. Most front-desk staff are familiar with this process.
4. Skip the Queue at Dubai Airport E-Gates
Dubai International Airport’s smart gates use facial recognition combined with your Emirates ID to clear immigration automatically, with no passport required for UAE residents and nationals. The gates are available at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 and are typically far faster than the staffed counters.
To use them:
- Register your Emirates ID with the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) via the ICP Smart Services app or website
- At the gate, swipe your Emirates ID on the reader
- Look directly into the green light for facial recognition
- Remove glasses and headwear before scanning
Registration is a one-time process and takes under five minutes online. Once registered, the gate process takes seconds. Smart gates are also available at Abu Dhabi International Airport and several other UAE land and sea border crossings.
5. Access Hundreds of UAE Resident Discounts
This is arguably the most underused Emirates ID benefit. Dozens of hotels, attractions, theme parks, restaurants, and leisure venues across the UAE offer exclusive resident pricing — often 20–50 per cent below tourist rates — and all you need to unlock them is your Emirates ID.
Common categories where resident discounts apply:
| Category | Typical Discount | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Theme parks | 20–40% | IMG Worlds, Dubai Parks, Legoland, Motiongate |
| Hotels | 15–30% | Many 5-star properties run UAE resident rate campaigns |
| Waterparks | 20–35% | Wild Wadi, Aquaventure, Laguna Waterpark |
| Attractions | 10–25% | Burj Khalifa At The Top, Dubai Frame, Museum of the Future |
| Dining | Varies | Select restaurants and brunches during resident promotions |
Discounts are not always advertised loudly — it’s always worth asking before paying full price anywhere in the UAE. Many venues have a resident rate that only appears if you ask for it at the counter.
6. Log In to All UAE Government Services via UAE PASS
UAE PASS is the country’s official digital identity platform, and your Emirates ID is the key to it. Once registered, a single UAE PASS login gives you access to over 6,000 government and semi-government services across federal and emirate-level entities, including:
- MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources) — labour cards, permits, complaints
- GDRFA — visa renewals, residency applications, travel permits
- RTA — driving licence renewal, vehicle registration, Salik account
- DEWA — utility bills, move-in/out requests
- Dubai Courts — case filing and status tracking
- DHA/DOH — health records, insurance verification
Set it up once, and you’ll never need to carry physical documents or queue at a service centre for the vast majority of government transactions in the UAE. Download the UAE PASS app and register with your Emirates ID number and a biometric scan.
7. Register Your Nol Card and Protect Your Balance
Your Emirates ID can be used to register your RTA nol card online or via the S’hail app, which does two important things: it protects your balance if the card is lost or stolen (registered balances can be refunded or transferred), and it unlocks the nol card’s partner discount programme.
An unregistered nol card is essentially like carrying cash — if it’s gone, the balance is gone with it. Registration takes two minutes and links the card permanently to your Emirates ID.
8. It Stores 20 Data Points About You
The chip embedded in your Emirates ID holds up to 20 categories of personal data, including your full name, nationality, date of birth, residency status, visa type and expiry, biometric data, and health insurance information. This is why it functions as a universal verification document across so many services in the UAE.
The data is encrypted and can only be read by authorised readers — standard NFC readers or smartphones cannot access it. You can view a summary of what’s stored on your chip via the ICP Smart Services app.
Emirates ID Perks: FAQs
Can I use my Emirates ID as a health insurance card in the UAE?
Yes. All licensed UAE medical providers can process health insurance claims using your Emirates ID. Simply present it at reception and ask them to pull your insurance details from the system. You do not need to carry your physical insurance card separately.
Which UAE banks allow ATM withdrawals with Emirates ID?
Emirates NBD, Mashreq Bank, Al Hilal Bank, and ADCB all support cardless ATM withdrawals using Emirates ID. The process differs by bank — some require a mobile app to generate a code, while others read the ID chip directly at the machine.
How do I use my Emirates ID at Dubai Airport smart gates?
Register your Emirates ID once via the ICP Smart Services app or website. After that, swipe your ID at the gate reader, look into the green facial recognition scanner (remove glasses and headwear first), and you’ll clear immigration in seconds. No passport required.
Can I pay for petrol with my Emirates ID?
Yes, at ADNOC stations. Download the ADNOC Wallet app, link your Emirates ID, add credit to your wallet, then insert your ID at the pump’s card reader to pay. The same method works at ADNOC Oasis stores and car washes.
What is UAE PASS and how does it relate to my Emirates ID?
UAE PASS is the official national digital identity app that uses your Emirates ID as its authentication method. Once registered, it gives you a single secure login for over 6,000 federal and emirate-level government services, including visa renewals, RTA, DEWA, MOHRE, and Dubai Courts.
How do I get UAE resident discounts with my Emirates ID?
At most venues, you simply show your Emirates ID at the ticket counter or reception and ask for the resident rate. Discounts of 20–50 per cent are common at theme parks, hotels, waterparks, and major attractions. Resident pricing is not always advertised, so it’s always worth asking before paying the standard rate.
