Which Discounts Can UAE Residents Get With Their Emirates ID?

The Emirates ID is a mandatory identity card for all UAE citizens and residents, issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP). Beyond its role as a primary identification document, the Emirates ID unlocks a variety of discounts and privileges across the UAE’s seven emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. This article explores the range of discounts available to UAE residents by presenting their Emirates ID, covering sectors like hospitality, dining, entertainment, transportation, retail, and more, with specific examples from various emirates.

Hospitality and Staycations

UAE residents can enjoy significant savings on hotel stays and staycation packages across the emirates by presenting their Emirates ID. Many hotels offer exclusive “UAE Residents” rates, particularly during off-peak seasons like summer. Here are some notable offers:

• Abu Dhabi:
  • Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel offers a UAE Residents Rate where the room cost is fully credited back as food and drink credit during the stay. This deal is ongoing and ideal for a luxurious getaway with dining benefits.
  • Bab Al Qasr Hotel on the West Corniche provides a one-night stay package for UAE residents, including breakfast, a Family Day Brunch (Saturday/Sunday), and pool/beach access.
  • Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort in Ruwais offers an all-inclusive family package, including meals and unlimited house beverages. Children aged 5 and below stay and dine for free!
  • Emirates Palace provides a deal for stays of three nights or more, offering the second room at half price for families, along with complimentary airport transfers and children’s amenities.
  • Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island gives a 20% discount on room rates for stays of two or more nights for UAE residents.
• Dubai:
  • Al Jaddaf Rotana offers an all-inclusive staycation package with breakfast, a three-course lunch at Timo or poolside, a three-course dinner, unlimited house beverages, and late check-out. Prices vary based on booking dates.
  • Rove Hotels frequently provide UAE resident discounts, such as 20–30% off room rates, particularly during summer promotions, accessible with Emirates ID verification.
• Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah:
  • Hotels in these emirates also offer staycation deals, though specific promotions are less frequently advertised. For instance, The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah in Ajman provides seasonal discounts for UAE residents, often including spa credits or dining vouchers, verifiable with Emirates ID. Residents should check hotel websites or contact properties directly for emirate-specific offers.

Dining and Food Outlets

Restaurants and cafes across the UAE often provide exclusive discounts for residents presenting their Emirates ID, particularly at high-end or hotel-based dining venues.

• Abu Dhabi:
  • Many restaurants in hotels like Fairmont Bab Al Bahr offer dining discounts as part of staycation packages, such as the Grandest 36-hour Weekend package, which includes brunch and poolside lunch for UAE residents.
  • ADNOC Distribution service stations in Abu Dhabi allow Emirates ID holders to use the ADNOC Wallet for fueling, offering a convenient payment method linked to the ID’s smart chip. This service, initially piloted in 2016, is now widely available.
• Dubai:
  • Restaurants in Dubai, especially in hotels like Atlantis The Palm, offer resident discounts on dining experiences, such as 15–20% off at outlets like Nobu or Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, upon showing Emirates ID.
  • Talabat, a food delivery service, partners with banks like Citibank to offer 20% discounts on orders for UAE residents using eligible credit cards linked to their Emirates ID.
• Sharjah:
  • Dining discounts in Sharjah are less common due to stricter regulations, but some cafes and smaller eateries may offer 10–15% off for residents with Emirates ID, especially in malls like Sahara Centre.

Entertainment and Attractions

UAE residents can access discounted rates at various attractions and entertainment venues by presenting their Emirates ID.

• Dubai:
  • Dubai Parks and Resorts offers resident discounts on annual passes and day tickets for attractions like Motiongate, Legoland, and Bollywood Parks, often reducing prices by 15–25% with Emirates ID.
  • Global Village provides special resident rates during certain promotional periods, typically 10–20% off entry tickets.

• Abu Dhabi:
  • Yas Island attractions, including Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World, and Warner Bros. World, frequently offer UAE resident discounts, such as 20% off single-day tickets or combo passes, upon showing Emirates ID.
• Sharjah:
  • Sharjah Museums (e.g., Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization) offer free or discounted entry for UAE residents, with savings up to 50% on regular ticket prices.
• Ras Al Khaimah:
  • Jebel Jais adventure activities, such as zip-lining and hiking tours, provide UAE resident discounts, often 15–20% off, with Emirates ID verification.

Transportation and Travel

The Emirates ID facilitates travel-related discounts, particularly for UAE nationals traveling within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

• GCC Travel:
  • UAE nationals can use their Emirates ID as a valid travel document for visa-free entry to GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia), eliminating the need for a passport and associated visa fees.
• Public Transport:
  • In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offers discounted Nol card top-ups for residents, sometimes including promotional fares for metro and bus services, verified via Emirates ID.
  • Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport provides similar resident discounts on bus fares, particularly for monthly passes, with Emirates ID.

Retail and Shopping

Retail discounts are available at various stores and malls, particularly during major sales events like Dubai Summer Surprises or Abu Dhabi’s retail festivals.

• Dubai:
  • Carrefour and Amazon.ae, in partnership with banks like Citibank, offer 10–15% discounts on purchases for UAE residents using credit cards linked to their Emirates ID.
  • Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates retailers, such as fashion and electronics stores, often provide 5–20% off for residents during promotional campaigns, verified with Emirates ID.
• Sharjah:
  • Mega Mall and City Centre Sharjah offer resident-specific discounts during sales seasons, typically 10–15% off at participating stores like H&M or Virgin Megastore.
• Abu Dhabi:
  • Yas Mall and The Galleria Al Maryah Island provide UAE resident discounts, such as 10–20% off at luxury and mid-range retailers, upon showing Emirates ID.

Banking and Financial Services

Certain banks and financial institutions offer perks for UAE residents using their Emirates ID.

• Citibank Credit Cards:
  • UAE residents with an Emirates ID can apply for Citibank credit cards (e.g., Emirates-Citibank World Credit Card, Citi Premier Card) and enjoy benefits like up to 2.5 Skywards Miles per USD spent, unlimited airport lounge access, and discounts on travel-related spending (e.g., 15% off at Carrefour, 20% at Talabat).
• Al Etihad Credit Bureau:
  • Banks can use the Emirates ID to access credit history, simplifying loan and credit card applications for residents, which indirectly facilitates access to promotional financing rates.

Healthcare and Insurance

The Emirates ID is linked to healthcare services, offering cost-saving benefits.

• All Emirates:
  • The Emirates ID has replaced health insurance cards in many cases, streamlining access to medical services. For example, Khalifa General Hospital in Umm Al Quwain links patient data to the Emirates ID, reducing administrative costs and time for residents.
  • Sharjah Medical District plans to fully integrate Emirates ID into the medical insurance system, reducing fraud and potentially lowering insurance costs for residents.

Additional Benefits

• E-Gates and Smart Gates:
  • UAE residents can use their Emirates ID to pass through eGates and smart gates at airports like Dubai International and Abu Dhabi International, saving time and bypassing manual immigration processes.
• Utility Registration:
  • Emirates ID is required for setting up utilities (electricity, water, telecom), and some providers offer initial discounts or waived connection fees for residents.
• Voting and Civic Participation:
  • UAE nationals use their Emirates ID to register and vote in Federal National Council elections, a privilege that enhances civic engagement without additional costs.

How to Maximize Emirates ID Discounts

1. Check Official Websites: Visit hotel, attraction, and retailer websites for UAE resident offers, as many require Emirates ID verification at booking or entry.
2. Bank Partnerships: Leverage bank promotions (e.g., Citibank, Emirates NBD) that require Emirates ID for eligibility, especially for dining and retail discounts.
3. Seasonal Promotions: Look for summer and winter sales events, such as Dubai Summer Surprises or Abu Dhabi Retail Festival, which often include resident-specific deals.
4. Contact Providers Directly: Some discounts, especially in smaller emirates like Ajman or Umm Al Quwain, may not be widely advertised. Call or visit customer service desks with your Emirates ID.
5. Stay Updated: Subscribe to newsletters from malls, hotels, and attractions, or check platforms like Time Out Dubai and Abu Dhabi for the latest resident deals.

Conclusion

The Emirates ID is more than just an identification card—it’s a key to unlocking a wide range of discounts and privileges for UAE residents across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. From luxurious staycations and dining offers to entertainment, travel, and retail savings, presenting your Emirates ID can lead to significant cost reductions. Residents should regularly check with hotels, retailers, and service providers for the latest offers, as many promotions are seasonal or subject to change. By leveraging these benefits, UAE residents can enjoy the UAE’s vibrant lifestyle at a fraction of the cost.