The UAE Government is committed to achieving a 100% paperless environment and has been successfully meeting its objectives. Today, whether you're settling a fine or renewing your residency permit, you no longer need to stand in line at a service counter. Most electronic services are available through official websites, but if you prefer mobile convenience, you can complete transactions with just a few swipes, anytime and anywhere. Numerous government offices have developed smart apps to enhance service accessibility, and these are readily available in your app store.
While not all are essential, some apps are crucial for UAE residents. Here are a few must-have government apps: UAE Pass acts as your digital identity, granting you access to various government apps without separate registrations. It also enables digital document signing. The UAE ICP app, developed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, offers services related to residency, including visas and Emirates IDs. You can access digital versions of these documents and even store them in your Apple wallet.
ICP services such as visa and ID renewals and fine payments are also accessible via the app. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) app consolidates services from police forces across the Emirates, allowing you to sync records from your Emirates ID to your vehicle license, report accidents, pay fines, and renew vehicle registrations. Each of the seven emirates has its own comprehensive app for government services, including utility bill payments, vehicle registration renewals, visa renewals, and business setup assistance.
Public transport apps enhance mobility across the UAE. In Dubai, apps like RTA, Careem, and S'hail assist with parking payments, taxi bookings, and bus route planning. In Abu Dhabi, Darb and Abu Dhabi Link help with road toll management and bus services, respectively. Sharjah's RTA Sharjah app offers bus schedules, cab bookings, and complaint filing. In Ras Al Khaimah, Sayr provides bus schedules, ticket purchases, and taxi bookings.
