Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Identity Authority (Eida) has made it easier for Emiratis to travel to other GCC countries, except for Saudi Arabia, without the need to carry a passport, a senior spokesperson at the Authority said.
Abdul Aziz Al Maamari, Public Relations and Marketing Director at the Eida, said, "We have introduced this to help ease matters for Emiratis during their travels." He did not wish to comment on why ID cards are not valid for Saudi Arabia. An Emirati resident in Al Ain welcomed the decision to help ease travelling procedures for Emiratis.
"When I travelled twice to Oman last month, I was only required to submit my national ID, which is very practical, as I don't always plan my trips. Being able to drive to Oman, whenever I want to, without having to carry a passport has made my life easier," he said. An Emirati woman, N. Al Hammadi, believes that the new decision presents both advantages and disadvantages.
"It's easier not to have to carry my passport all the time, the ID is small and I can just put it in my purse. However I think this will create problems as it opens the door for girls to travel to near-by locations like Oman without their parents' consent."