The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has announced that UAE nationals can now renew their Emirates ID cards up to one year before their expiry date, doubling the previous early renewal period of six months.

The new measure, which came into effect on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, forms part of the authority’s broader strategy to deliver proactive digital government services, enhance customer convenience and improve access to essential public services, a WAM report said.

Reads more-Emirates ID renewal made easy: UAE introduces one-step process

According to ICP, the initiative is designed to help citizens manage official documentation more efficiently while supporting the UAE’s vision of building a flexible, customer-centric service ecosystem powered by advanced digital infrastructure.

Integrated passport and Emirates ID renewal

The latest enhancement builds on ICP’s earlier decision to allow UAE nationals to renew their passports up to one year before expiry. Where passport and Emirates ID expiry dates coincide, citizens can now complete both renewals through a single integrated transaction.

The authority said the combined service is expected to reduce processing time and administrative effort while enabling a larger number of citizens to benefit from the streamlined renewal process.

Major general Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, director general of ICP, said the decision to extend the Emirates ID renewal window reflects the UAE leadership’s commitment to delivering proactive government services that place citizens at the centre of service development.

“Extending the Emirates ID renewal period from six months to one year reflects the UAE leadership’s directives to deliver proactive government services,” Al Khaili said.

He added that the move demonstrates ICP’s commitment to responding to citizens’ evolving expectations by providing greater flexibility and allowing them to complete transactions at a time that best suits their personal and professional schedules.

According to Al Khaili, the initiative is expected to enhance quality of life, improve customer satisfaction and contribute to the overall well-being of UAE nationals through easier access to government services.

Supporting the UAE’s digital transformation

Al Khaili also highlighted the UAE’s strong global standing in the field of identity management, noting that the Emirates ID is recognised for its security, reliability and ease of issuance. He said the card plays a central role in enabling access to a wide range of government services through an integrated electronic network connecting public and private sector entities.

He added that extending the renewal period will further strengthen the regional and international reputation of the UAE’s identity card ecosystem, positioning it as a benchmark for other countries seeking to modernise identity management services.

The initiative also supports the objectives of the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme by simplifying customer journeys, reducing procedural duplication and strengthening service integration through the use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

ICP said the latest enhancement aligns with its long-term vision of delivering fully integrated, proactive government services, shifting from standalone transactions to bundled services while creating a more seamless and efficient customer experience.

Iran said it launched fresh attacks on US facilities in the Gulf on Friday after a sixth consecutive night of US strikes on Iranian military facilities, as last month’s truce descended into daily attacks and counterattacks.

The US military said it completed another night of strikes on Iran “to further degrade Iranian military capabilities”, including on Qeshm Island and near Bandar Abbas, home to Iran’s largest port and key navy and Revolutionary Guards facilities.

“US forces, including fighter jets, aerial drones, and warships, launched precision munitions that hit dozens of Iranian military targets such as coastal surveillance and air defense sites, military logistics infrastructure, and maritime capabilities,” the US Central Command said in a statement.

Iran has fired missiles and drones at US military bases in neighbouring states, including an air base in Jordan.

In the early hours of Friday, Iran’s military said it had attacked U.S. facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait. Several explosion-like sounds were heard in the Qatari capital Doha, according to a witness, and the Ministry of the Interior said a child was injured by shrapnel.

Iranian media reported that five bridges were hit in the latest round of US strikes, as well as the train station in coastal Bandar Khamir and Iranshahr Airport in southeastern Iran.

Seven people were killed in U.S. attacks on bridges in Bandar Khamir, a port city in southern Iran, state news agency IRNA reported.

Reuters ​could not immediately verify the reports.

Shipping halted again in Strait of Hormuz

The escalation has once again largely halted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important shipping route for oil and gas, pushing up global energy prices.

Tehran resumed its blockade of the strait and Washington again blockaded Iranian ports from Wednesday.

Iran has signalled it could prod its Houthi allies in Yemen to close another key strait: the Bab al-Mandeb at the mouth of the Red Sea, if Washington attacks Iran’s infrastructure.

Iran last week hit ships moving through a corridor in the strait. Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, told a briefing on Thursday that US President Donald Trump would not “sit by and allow these active acts of terrorism to take place in the strait without ensuring Iran pays consequences for that.”

But she added the president was “always open to diplomacy at the very same time.”

Within Iran, the renewed bombing has unnerved residents.

“Living with this fear that war could start again is very exhausting. You cannot live like this… Personally, I want diplomacy to prevail,” Mahlegha, 46, a government employee, said.

Iran keeps grip on Strait

Iran wants all ships using the Strait of Hormuz to travel through a channel close to its shores, and intends to charge passage fees at the end of a 60-day negotiation period set in last month’s memorandum.

Washington had encouraged ships to use an alternative route to the south, along the Omani coast.

US forces said their airstrikes have hit military targets along the coast to cripple Iran’s ability to control the strait. Iranian Army spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia said on Thursday this would not work because Iran could strike the strait from anywhere on its territory.

Trump has not ruled out the possibility of using ground forces, including to seize Kharg Island, the site of Iran’s main oil export terminal. He has repeated threats to hit Iranian power plants and bridges next week unless Tehran resumes negotiations.

The Dubai Media Office has dismissed as false a Reuters report claiming that explosions were heard in Downtown Dubai, stating that the information published was inaccurate.

In a statement, the media office said the report did not reflect the facts and urged both media organisations and the public to rely exclusively on official and trusted sources when seeking information about developments in the emirate.

The office also stressed the importance of verifying the accuracy of information before publishing or circulating it, warning against the spread of rumours, misinformation and inaccurate media reports.

Authorities warn of legal action

The entity reiterated that legal and regulatory measures will be taken against media institutions that publish false or unverified information related to the emirate of Dubai.

According to the statement, any action will be carried out in accordance with the laws and regulatory frameworks in force across the Emirate of Dubai and the UAE.

“The Dubai Media Office confirms that the Reuters report regarding explosions in Downtown Dubai is false,” the statement said. “The media office urges the public and media to rely only on official sources for accurate information and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information.”

The office further stated: “The media office confirms that action will be taken against media outlets that publish false news or unverified information about Dubai, in accordance with local and federal laws and regulations.”

The statement underscores the government’s position on the importance of accurate reporting and responsible information sharing, while reaffirming that official channels remain the primary source for verified updates concerning the emirate.

In a ruling that could expose automakers to greater liability over India’s ethanol-blended fuel policy, an Indian consumer court has ordered Maruti Suzuki to provide a new car to a customer who alleged mandatory E20 fuel damaged his car.

The first-of-its-kind ruling is likely to be closely watched as legal experts said it could embolden other vehicle owners who believe the fuel has caused problems with their cars to seek compensation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and automakers, including Maruti, have in recent weeks defended last year’s rollout of so-called E20 fuel, which has 20 per cent ethanol, saying it is safe for all vehicles.

The E20 programme, intended to reduce crude oil imports and cut emissions, has become one of the administration’s biggest political challenges, with critics alleging the policy was rolled out too quickly and without offering motorists alternative fuel choices.

Hearing the plea of a doctor who alleged the fuel caused damage to his car, a consumer court in the state of Chhattisgarh said Maruti must offer a new replacement of its Grand Vitara SUV car or 2 million Indian rupees ($20,760) in damages.

Maruti, India’s biggest carmaker, denied the allegation and told the consumer forum that the defects stemmed from use of adulterated fuel. Judges did not agree, according to a court order issued this week that went viral online on Thursday.

Maruti Suzuki did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on the ruling. The company has the option to appeal the verdict before a higher forum.

Harsh Gursahani, a partner at Indian law firm PLR Chambers, said the ruling could prompt a number of other consumers to file cases “which will be a big headache for Maruti and other automakers.”

The judgment quickly fuelled criticism online, with motorists questioning earlier assurances from Maruti that E20 fuel was safe.

“Every person who has a problem … should move to consumer court and get justice,” said X user Gaurav Pradhan.

Maruti said earlier this month its checks on older cars manufactured ​before 2023 “have not found anything ‌of ⁠concern”.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has approved a special resolution introducing the National Framework for Licensing Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as part of efforts to implement the Federal Decree-Law on Higher Education and Scientific Research.

The newly approved framework will serve as a unified national reference for licensing higher education institutions across the UAE, including institutions operating in free zones. It aims to ensure compliance with national standards while maintaining coordination with the responsibilities of relevant local authorities, a WAM report said.

Framework designed to boost quality, transparency and competitiveness

The resolution seeks to strengthen institutional governance, simplify regulatory procedures and enhance the overall student experience. It also aims to encourage stronger partnerships between higher education institutions and economic sectors while improving the quality and efficiency of educational outcomes.

Read more-How UAE higher education maintains academic continuity under pressure

The initiative is expected to contribute to the UAE’s ambition of becoming a leading global destination for higher education and scientific research by creating a more consistent and effective regulatory environment.

Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said the approval reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to developing an integrated licensing system involving the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR), local authorities and higher education institutions.

“The approval of the National Framework for Licensing Higher Education Institutions by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reflects the UAE’s commitment to building an integrated licensing system involving the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR), local authorities and higher education institutions,” Dr Al Awar said.

He added that the framework would provide greater clarity and consistency in licensing and oversight, reduce duplication in procedures and improve access to essential services.

Data-driven oversight and stronger institutional accountability

The framework introduces a data-driven monitoring system through electronic integration between higher education institutions and national records. It also ensures coordination with relevant local authorities, particularly for institutions operating within free zones.

This approach will support evidence-based regulatory decisions by using accurate and updated information. It will also strengthen alignment with the National Higher Education Institutions Classification Framework and other quality, performance and oversight systems.

The comprehensive framework covers every stage of institutional licensing, including requirements for establishing new institutions, risk assessments, compliance measures, sustainability standards, license renewal procedures and safeguards to ensure continuity of education.

Supporting sustainable growth of UAE’s education sector

The framework also establishes clear regulations for ownership structures, governance bodies, and executive and academic leadership roles. By ensuring a separation between ownership, management and academic decision-making, it promotes greater transparency, accountability and balanced governance.

Additional measures focus on the financial and operational sustainability of higher education institutions. These include requirements related to financial guarantees, audited financial statements, student protection measures and academic continuity plans for different operational scenarios.

The approval of the National Framework reflects MoHESR’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the preparedness of higher education institutions in cooperation with local authorities. The initiative supports national priorities to develop a highly skilled workforce and reinforces the UAE’s position as a global hub for education, innovation and scientific research.