Abu Dhabi: Renewing passports and Emirates ID cards is about to become much quicker and easier for Emirati citizens, thanks to a new unified smart service introduced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. The rollout is part of the second phase of the Zero Government Bureaucracy (ZGB) Programme, a national initiative aimed at cutting red tape and streamlining public services.
Launched in June by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the second phase of the ZGB Programme presents a new model for government efficiency. The updated system allows citizens to renew both their passport and Emirates ID through one proactive digital journey, even if their Emirates ID is still valid for more than six months.
At the core of the new service is a unified digital interface that enables users to update personal information and photographs only once. This eliminates the common need to re-upload identical documents across multiple platforms.
According to the authority, the system is expected to cut processing times by at least half and reduce customer inquiries by about 40 percent. By easing the administrative load on both citizens and government teams, the solution delivers a more seamless and responsive experience.
Officials say the initiative reflects the UAE’s continued push to modernise its services through innovation, automation, and data integration. The goal is to provide faster, more reliable, and more integrated services while reducing unnecessary steps and requirements.
The upgraded model places strong emphasis on service quality and user impact. By adopting advanced technologies and global best practices, the UAE aims to make essential government services simpler and more accessible, ensuring citizens can complete important tasks with minimal effort and maximum efficiency.
