Residents of the UAE can now get their Emirates ID card within 24 hours. Following a recent service delivery by the country's Federal Authority for Immigration, Customs, and Ports Security.

In Arabic, it is called 'Fawri' ('quick') and it can only be used by UAE or GCC nationals living in the country for their first enrollment. However, expats can use the 24-hour service to renew expired, missing or damaged cards. Non-GCC national expat residents can use the emergency service only when they lose their ID.

This is due to the fact that identity cards and proof of residence should be merged. When your Emirates ID card is lost, damaged, or robbed, the Fawri service can be very useful. Your nearest Customer Happiness Centre must be notified immediately if your card is stolen or lost.

The Fawri service is obtainable at the following ICP Customer Happiness Centres:

• Madinat Zayed Centre in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi
• Ras Al Khaimah Centre in Ras Al Khaimah
• Sharjah Centre in Sharjah
• Umm Al Quwain Centre in Umm Al Quwain
• Al Ain Centre in Abu Dhabi
• Al Barsha, Al Rashidiya and Karama in Dubai
• Al Jazeera Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi
• Ajman Centre in Ajman
• Fujairah Centre in Fujeirah

To obtain your Emirates ID within 24 hours, you should pay the regular fees as well as an "urgent service" fee. The following is the cost to acquire an Emirates ID under the urgent service, according to the ICP website:

AED 100: Card issuance fee for five years.

AED 200: Fees for issuing a card for ten years.

AED 50: A service fee.

AED 30: Typing Center fee.

AED 150: Fees for urgent service, which are carried out at customer happiness centers.

Issuance of an ID is carried out through regular services on the Emirates ID website, mobile phone, or typing center. If the data and documents entered are accurate in the application form, it takes one week from the date of application for citizenship, and one week from the date of issuance of the residence permit for foreigners.

For the renewal of Emirates ID, the time limit is 30 days from the expiration date, after which late fees apply. Right before your ID expires, ICP will send you an SMS notification  requesting you to renew your ID. You may be required to visit one of the ICP Service Centers to submit your biometric data.

The introduction of the Fawri service is a new development for UAE residents who are in urgent need of Emirates ID, especially if the card is lost, stolen, or damaged. This effort will save time and effort to obtain an Emirates ID.

For any legal queries or information, contact ask@tlr.ae or call us on +971526443004