What your Emirates ID chip secretly holds

Ever wondered what lies beyond the look and feel of your Emirates ID? With its printed name, photo, signature and Arabic/English text, lies a powerful microchip packed with 20 hidden data points, accessible only via the ICP’s secured “e-link” system.
Here is a list of the data stored on the chip:
Identity number

1. 
   Date of issue
2. 
   Date of expiry
3. 
   Full name (Arabic & English)
4. 
   Passport data
5. 
   Sex
6. 
   Nationality
7. 
   Date of birth
8. 
   Mother’s first name (Arabic & English)
9. 
   Occupation
10. 
    Marital status
11. 
    Family number
12. 
    Town number (for UAE nationals)
13. 
    Sponsor type
14. 
    Sponsor number
15. 
    Sponsor name
16. 
    Nature/type of residence
17. 
    Residence number
18. 
    Personal photo
19. 
    Two fingerprints

This advanced chip, part of the second-generation Emirates IDs introduced since 2021, boasts nine robust security features, making it extremely resistant to forgery and fraud, comparable to the security of modern bank cards.
The chip is a major upgrade, enabling the storage of much more and deeper data than before. It helps streamline interactions between residents and various service providers; authorised entities equipped with ICP provided card readers, making processes faster and more accurate.
More than just an ID card:
The Emirates ID is far from ordinary, it’s a secure gateway linking you to essential services across the UAE. From visa processing and banking to healthcare and government services, this hidden layer of encrypted, biometric, and personal data ensures efficiency and security in nearly every transaction.
As the UAE continues advancing with digital transformation, this smart ID remains a cornerstone of identity assurance, ensuring that only authorised interactions succeed, while safeguarding your most personal information behind multiple layers of protection.