Getting your Emirates ID biometrics done is one of those things you can’t skip if you’re new here, renewing, or replacing a lost card. It’s just fingerprints + photo, but finding the right center and booking can be a pain if you don’t know where to look.
I’ve done it a few times myself and asked around in groups, so here’s the straightforward guide for 2026 — all the main centers, how to book, what to bring, fees, and tips to make it quick and painless.
Why You Need to Do Biometrics
Basically every Emirates ID process needs it:
- New visa/residency (work, family, golden visa, etc.)
- Renewal when your card expires
- Replacement if lost, damaged, or stolen
- Updates (new passport, change of status, address)
Kids under 15 usually only need a photo — no fingerprints. Anyone 15 and older does full biometrics.
Main Emirates ID Biometrics Centers in UAE (2026)
There are centers in every emirate. Here are the ones people actually use and recommend:
Dubai
- Al Rigga (Deira) — near Al Rigga Metro, always busy but moves fast
- Al Quoz — near the industrial area, usually quicker than Deira
- Jumeirah — close to Jumeirah 1
- Dubai Silicon Oasis — good for Academic City, DSO, Al Warqa people
- Al Barsha — near Mall of the Emirates
- Dubai Festival City — convenient for Mirdif side
Abu Dhabi
- Al Zahiyah (Tourist Club Area) — main one, gets very crowded
- Al Ain — several branches
- Mussafah — good for industrial/work visa people
- Khalifa City — newer and often less packed
Sharjah
- Al Majaz — near the waterfront
- Al Taawun — close to Dubai border
- Muwaileh — most popular for central Sharjah
Ajman
- Al Jurf — main center
- Ajman City Center area — easy access
Ras Al Khaimah
- Al Nakheel — the main RAK spot
Fujairah & Umm Al Quwain
- One main center in each emirate — check ICA website for exact address
Quick tip from experience: In Dubai, Al Quoz or Dubai Festival City usually have shorter waits. In Abu Dhabi, avoid Al Zahiyah if you can — go to Khalifa City or Mussafah instead.
How to Book Your Biometrics Appointment
Best and fastest way: online through ICA.
Steps (takes 5 minutes):
- Go to www.ica.gov.ae or download ICA UAE app
- Log in with Emirates ID or UAE Pass
- Look for “Emirates ID Services”
- Choose “Biometrics Appointment” or start a renewal/new application
- Pick your emirate and nearest center
- Select date and time
- Confirm — you’ll get SMS/email with details
Other ways:
- Typing centers (Ameen, Al Adil, etc.) can book for you — small fee (AED 50–100)
- Walk-in at some centers — but expect 1–3 hour wait
Online booking is free and saves so much time — do that.
Current Fees for Biometrics (2026)
- New application: included in ID fee
- Renewal: AED 100–200 (depends on years of validity)
- Replacement (lost/damaged): AED 300 + biometrics fee
- Late renewal penalty: AED 20 per month after expiry
- Kids under 15 (photo only): no extra fee
What to Bring on the Day
- Passport (original + copy)
- Visa copy
- Emirates ID (if renewing/replacing)
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID (if sponsored)
- Appointment confirmation (print or on phone)
- Entry permit/unified number (for new applications)
For kids: birth certificate + passport/visa.
Tips from People Who’ve Done It
- Book early morning slots — centers are quieter
- Go to less busy places (Al Quoz in Dubai, Muwaileh in Sharjah, Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi)
- Arrive 15 minutes early — they’re strict with timings
- Bring water and phone charger — waits can still happen even with booking
- If you miss your slot: call ICA helpline (600 522 222) to reschedule
- Check ICA website or app the day before — sometimes centers close for updates
The actual biometrics part is quick — 5–10 minutes max (scan fingers, take photo). Most people are in and out in under 30 minutes if booked.
Have you done your biometrics recently? Which center did you go to and how was the wait? Share in the comments — it really helps others!
Good luck getting your Emirates ID sorted! 🆔🇦🇪
Feel free to ask anything — happy to help!