20 things your Emirates ID chip knows about you

Time Out Dubai

07-05-2025

Your Emirates ID is your most important card for life in the UAE, and you'll need it to do most things.
From opening a bank account to getting some impressive perks and discounts, the card is a legal requirement for all UAE citizens and residents.
But did you know in that tiny little card chip, there are over 20 pieces of information stored?
According to the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security), your Emirates ID has nine security features to make it very difficult to falsify, in addition to a fingerprint biometric.
On the front, you will see your 15-digit identification number, which will stick with you forever no matter how many times you get a new Emirates ID.
But what is inside the ID chip itself?
Own an Emirates ID? You need to know this
The information stored on your Emirates ID chip
The chip contains personal data of the holder, with some information encrypted so it can only be viewed by the authorised authorities.
Your Emirates ID chip holds the following data:
Identity number
Personal photo
Date of issue
Date of expiry
Full name
Passport information
Occupation
Two fingerprints
Sex
Nationality
Date of birth
Mother's first name
Sponsor name
Sponsor number
Sponsor type
Marital status
Family number
Town number (for UAE national)
Type of residence
Residence number
You can also have a digital version of your Emirates ID that can be stored on your phone instead of carrying around the physical copy. You can learn more about how to get one in our guide here and how to check on the status of your ID here.
What can I get with my Emirates ID?
Once you've got your Emirates ID, you can use the physical or digital card to redeem a host of benefits.
For example, there are plenty of discounts to enjoy just for being a UAE resident, including a range of hotels and attractions.
Even travelling through the airport is easier, as you can pass through the E-gates just by swiping your Emirates ID.
You'll also find your ID handy to have if you need to take out money from a cash machine, as it can stand in for your bank card. You can read more about how to use this service correctly here.
What does the number on my Emirates ID mean?
You might have noticed the individual number on your Emirates ID, and wondered what the 15-digit code means.
The first section, which reads 784, is the UAE ISO country code. The second section is related directly to you, and the four digits will most likely be your year of birth.
The third section, made up of seven digits, is a number chosen at random, and the final one digit is a verification code.
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