Blog: Second attempt to get an identity card

Follow Gulf News' Megan Hirons as she tries to get an Identity Card for the second time.

During her first attempt, Megan just succeeded in getting a token. Click here to read that report

9:10am That's it for me. Now home for some much needed coffee, then off to the office to file these photos.

9:08am They say two or three weeks and my card will come. Also, I have been told that people with an appointment will get first priority, and walk-ins can still wait for up to five or six hours, although they can take about 100 people per day.

9.03am In and out in an hour! It pays to get an appointment, I guess

9:02am I've moved to another room for my photo and to get my fingerprints taken. This takes about five minutes. Then she says I am done!

8:45am I'm in! The official has scanned my barcode paper and he is now entering my details into the computer.

8:40am There is an Emirati family in the room now and I can go when they're done.

8:37am It seems I missed my turn when I was getting permission to take photos. Someone is checking if I can go next.

8:26am Have spoken with Abu Dhabi. They have no problem with photos so I have passed on the information. I will continue to take photos. My number is 500 and they are calling 211 and 617 so not sure what that means for me as far as my wait goes.

8:18am I have to speak to a person in Abu Dhabi at the public relations office.

8:15am Have just been stopped from taking photos by a staff member, and have been sent to ask permission. I'm very surprised since I've not had a problem in the past.

8:09am The security guard has recognised me and welcomed me back. The lady at reception checked my confirmation SMS and then gave me a number. There appears to be about 20 women ahead of me and about 40 men. Many have brought books and newspapers and settled in for the wait.

8:00am I am about to enter the EIDA building in Rashidiya.The appointment was for quarter past 8, but I got a text yesterday asking me to arrive 15 minutes early. It is much quieter than when I was last here.