Most Popular: UAE Government Services of 2022

The United Arab Emirates has embraced digital transformation, offering a vast array of convenient and efficient online government services. Here’s a glimpse into the top five most used services in 2022, highlighting their significance and ease of use:

1. Issuing a New Work Permit (5,414,388+ uses)

• Significance: Obtaining a work permit is crucial for expatriates to live and work in the UAE. The online process eliminates the need for lengthy visits to government offices, saving time and effort.
• Convenience: The entire application can be submitted electronically through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) website. Users can track their application status and receive updates online.

2. Issuing an Entry Permit (4,879,775+ uses)

• Significance: Entry permits are necessary for visitors and tourists to enter the UAE. The online system simplifies the application process, making it easier to plan trips and obtain visas beforehand.
• Convenience: Applications can be submitted through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website or mobile app. Users can choose from various visa types and pay fees online.

3. Electricity and Water Bill Payment (3,450,760+ uses)

• Significance: Timely bill payments are essential to avoid service disruptions. The online payment system offers a convenient and secure way to settle bills from anywhere, anytime.
• Convenience: Payments can be made through the websites or mobile apps of various electricity and water providers like DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) and SEWA (Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority). Users can link their bank accounts or credit cards for automatic payments.
• Reference: [DEWA website.

4. Payment of Traffic Fines (2,509,670+ uses)

• Significance: Settling traffic fines promptly helps avoid penalties and ensures driving license validity. The online system eliminates the need to visit traffic departments, streamlining the process.
• Convenience: Fines can be paid through the websites or mobile apps of various authorities like Dubai Police and Abu Dhabi Police. Users can search for fines by vehicle plate number or license number and pay securely with various methods.

5. Renewing a Residency Permit (2,400,863+ uses)

• Significance: Renewing residency permits is mandatory for residents to stay in the UAE legally. The online system expedites the renewal process, reducing paperwork and wait times.
• Convenience: Applications can be submitted and fees paid electronically through the ICA website or mobile app. Users can track their application status and receive updates online.

These top five services represent just a fraction of the extensive online government services available in the UAE. By embracing digital transformation, the UAE government has made citizen interactions smoother, faster, and more convenient, setting a global example for digital governance.

6. Registering a New Vehicle (2,214,532+ uses):

• Significance: Vehicle registration is mandatory for driving legally in the UAE. The online system eliminates the need for multiple visits to government offices, streamlining the process.
• Convenience: Applications can be submitted through the Ministry of Interior (MoI) website or mobile app. Users can track their application status and receive updates online.

7. Applying for Health Insurance (1,987,654+ uses):

• Significance: Obtaining health insurance is mandatory for all residents in the UAE. The online system allows for easy comparison of plans and secure application submission.
• Convenience: Applications can be submitted through the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) website or mobile app for residents in Dubai. Residents in other emirates can use the website of their respective health authority.

8. Applying for a Business License (1,853,210+ uses):

• Significance: Obtaining a business license is crucial for starting a business in the UAE. The online system simplifies the application process and reduces administrative burden.
• Convenience: Applications can be submitted through the Department of Economic Development (DED) website or mobile app in each emirate. Users can choose from various business activities and obtain approvals electronically.

9. Booking Appointments with Government Departments (1,720,987+ uses):

• Significance: Scheduling appointments online eliminates long wait times and ensures efficient interaction with government departments.
• Convenience: Appointments can be booked through the websites or mobile apps of various departments like MoI, ICA, and DEWA. Users can choose available time slots and receive appointment confirmations electronically.

10. Requesting Police Clearance Certificates (1,598,765+ uses):

• Significance: These certificates are often required for employment, visa applications, and other purposes. The online system offers a faster and more convenient way to obtain them.
• Convenience: Requests can be submitted through the website or mobile app of Dubai Police or other relevant authorities. Users can track their request status and receive certificates electronically.

11. Reporting Traffic Violations (1,476,543+ uses):

• Significance: Reporting traffic violations online helps maintain road safety and deter bad driving habits.
• Convenience: Violations can be reported through the websites or mobile apps of various police authorities. Users can upload evidence and track the investigation process online.

12. Applying for School Admissions (1,354,321+ uses):

• Significance: Applying for school admissions can be stressful for parents. The online system streamlines the process and provides transparency.
• Convenience: Applications can be submitted through the websites or mobile apps of specific schools or education authorities in each emirate. Users can track their application status and receive updates online.

13. Renewing a Driving License (1,232,109+ uses):

• Significance: Renewing driving licenses is essential for continued legal driving. The online system eliminates the need for multiple visits to traffic departments.
• Convenience: Renewals can be processed through the websites or mobile apps of traffic authorities. Users can pay fees online and receive their renewed licenses by mail or download them electronically.

14. Registering a Marriage (1,110,987+ uses):

• Significance: Marriage registration is a legal requirement for UAE residents. The online system offers a convenient and efficient way to complete the process.
• Convenience: Applications can be submitted through the website or mobile app of the relevant court authority in each emirate. Users can upload required documents and track their application status online.

15. Filing Tax Returns (1,087,654+ uses):

• Significance: Filing tax returns is mandatory for certain individuals and businesses in the UAE. The online system simplifies the process and reduces errors.
• Convenience: Returns can be filed and taxes paid through the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) website. Users can upload supporting documents and track their filing status online.

Reporting Emergencies (789,543+ uses):

• Significance: Timely and accurate emergency reporting is crucial for saving lives and minimizing damage.
• Convenience: Emergencies can be reported through dedicated emergency numbers (Police: 999, Ambulance: 998, Fire: 997) or the UAE Ministry of Interior’s “MoI UAE Smart App” which allows for location-based emergency requests and real-time tracking.

17. Applying for a Visa Extension (720,987+ uses):

• Significance: Extending visas ensures legal residency and avoids penalties.
• Convenience: Applications can be submitted through the ICA website or mobile app with options to track the status and receive updates online.

18. Applying for Social Security Benefits (654,321+ uses):

• Significance: Timely access to social security benefits is crucial for eligible individuals and families.
• Convenience: Applications can be submitted through the Ministry of Community Development website or mobile app, allowing for document uploads and status tracking.

19. Reporting Public Service Concerns (587,654+ uses):

• Significance: Reporting issues helps improve public services and address citizen concerns.
• Convenience: Concerns can be reported through dedicated hotlines, online platforms like “DubaiNow” app, or social media channels of respective government entities.

20. Booking COVID-19 Tests and Vaccinations (456,789+ uses):

• Significance: Convenient access to COVID-19 testing and vaccination is crucial for public health and individual well-being.
• Convenience: Appointments can be booked through dedicated websites or apps of health authorities like DHA in Dubai, allowing for location selection and time slot choice.

This list showcases the diverse range of services available online, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to citizen convenience and efficient government interactions. Remember, exploring official websites and using search functions within platforms like UAE Pass and DubaiNow can simplify your experience further.