Securing an Emirates ID in Dubai — A Firsthand Experience

During a recent business trip to the United Arab Emirates, visiting both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I came with a clear mission: to meet with cryptocurrency exchanges and investors to present the Global Development Token (GDT) project and explore future collaborations. However, I also recognized that to conduct business in the UAE on a proper and ongoing basis, one must operate within the country’s legal and administrative framework. This led me to take a step that many expatriates and entrepreneurs eventually face — obtaining an Emirates ID, the national identity card issued to residents.

One of the key requirements for obtaining an Emirates ID in Dubai is undergoing a mandatory medical examination. Unlike many countries where identification procedures are purely administrative, the UAE requires a health screening as part of its residency process. This involves both a blood test and a chest X-ray, primarily aimed at screening for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, and HIV. The reasoning is clear: in a country that attracts workers, investors, and professionals from around the globe, public health measures are taken seriously. The process is well-organized — from scheduling the medical appointment to receiving results — and ensures that new residents meet the country’s health requirements before their Emirates ID is issued.

For my medical examination, I visited a facility called Smart Salem, which represents a striking contrast to the healthcare procedures I have experienced in Japan. In Japan, while medical check-ups are thorough and well-managed, they are often paper-based and can be time-consuming due to multiple in-person steps. In Dubai, Smart Salem operates as a fully digitalized and high-tech service center, designed for speed, efficiency, and customer convenience. The facility integrates biometric verification, digital health record management, and automated workflows, minimizing waiting times and paperwork. Upon arrival, I was greeted with a seamless check-in process, followed by quick and precise blood collection and a chest X-ray, all handled by attentive staff in a state-of-the-art environment. The entire process, from entry to completion, took less than half an hour — a pace that would be almost unimaginable in many traditional healthcare systems.

Completing the health check was the final step toward receiving my Emirates ID. With the card in hand, I can now conduct business in the UAE with the full recognition of the country’s regulatory authorities. Beyond being a legal requirement, the process offered valuable insight into the UAE’s forward-thinking approach to administration and public health. By integrating high technology with rigorous standards, the system ensures both efficiency for residents and protection for the wider community. For anyone planning to establish a serious business presence in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, securing an Emirates ID is more than a formality — it is a gateway to building long-term partnerships in one of the most dynamic markets in the world. My experience at Smart Salem left a lasting impression, not just for its efficiency, but as a symbol of how the UAE blends innovation with tradition to create a world-class business environment.