Dubai: If you need to apply for a government-related service online, you usually have to download an app or create an account. But, if you want to avoid downloading another app on your phone or just don’t have enough space, you can easily complete essential services via WhatsApp, too.
WhatsApp is one of the most used instant messaging apps in the world and is an accessible way for people to reach out to government departments when they need to raise an issue or query.
In the UAE, many federal and local government departments have WhatsApp business accounts, usually powered by a virtual assistant or have a representative who will respond to the user.
All you have to do is initiate the conversation with a simple ‘Hello’ and you can start chatting. Through these WhatsApp services, you can pay for parking, report a crime, or book a doctor’s appointment.
Here are six government services that are available on WhatsApp in the UAE.
How to identify official government accounts on WhatsApp
UAE Government departments on WhatsApp are business accounts and are verified. There will be a green badge next to the contact’s name confirming that this is an authentic business account.
1. Pay public parking in Dubai
Whatsapp number: +971 58 8009090
In Dubai, you can pay for your parking via WhatsApp, and it also helps you save money on the additional 30 fils service charge you incur when using mParking, the SMS service for public parking.
This WhatsApp service is from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and you pay for the parking by sending a message to RTA’s chatbot ‘Mahboub’ on WhatsApp on the number +97158 8009090.
Here is how to do it in three steps:
1. First, add the number +971 58 8009090 to your contact list.
2. Then send the message in the following format: [Plate Number] Space [Zone Number] Space [Duration].
For example: If you wish to park your vehicle, which has a plate number A00000 in parking zone – 000A – for two hours, you would need to send the following message on Whatsapp: A00000 000A 2
3. The payment for the parking will deducted in one of the following two ways:
• The amount will be deducted from your mobile phone balance or added to your bill in case of postpaid numbers, according to the parking fee amount.
• Through RTA’s ‘e-Wallet’ account – this service enables you to use your e-Wallet as a method of payment for RTA related services. If you choose this option, you will receive a link to make the payment using your credit or debit card.
Once you have completed the payment, you will receive an SMS confirming your parking ticket. Your plate number and parking ticket will be automatically linked.
2. File a labour complaint
Whatsapp number: 6005 90000
You can also raise labour-related complaints through the verified WhatsApp account by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). You simply need to save the number 600590000, and then send a message on Whatsapp. You will then be connected to a customer service representative from MOHRE.
You can also submit any questions you might have related to the UAE’s labour law, follow up on an application, and access the Labour Law, and its executive regulations, as well as the law on domestic helpers and other ministerial decrees that regulate work environment in the UAE.
The service is available 24×7 and it is available in Arabic and English.
3. Apply for a birth certificate
Whatsapp number: +971 42301221.
If you have a newborn, it’s hard to take the time out to complete errands and important tasks. In the UAE, you can apply for a birth certificate for your child in a few minutes through WhatsApp.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) introduced the new WhatsApp service in November 2022, and parents can obtain a birth certificate via the Ministry’s dedicated WhatsApp number: +971 42301221.
However, to use this service, the child has to be recently born in a public hospital managed by MOHAP, and you will also need the ‘Qaid’ number of the child.
Parents in the UAE can only get the ‘Qaid’ number once they have submitted certain documents to the hospital when they register for the birth of their child with the establishment. These documents include an attested marriage certificate and both the parents’ passport and Emirates ID copy. You also need to provide your contact details such as an email address and a mobile number.
Once the child is born, you will receive a ‘Qaid’ number, which is a birth notification number that is issued for each child born in the UAE. You will find the Qaid number in the electronic birth notification provided to you by the hospital.
Applying for the certificate only takes a few minutes and it is issued within two days. It costs Dh65.
For a step-by-step guide on how to use the service, and the details you need to enter, click here.
3. View your DEWA bills and check your electricity and water consumption:
Whatsapp number: 04 6019999
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) WhatsApp service, launched in 2019, allows customers to contact and communicate with Dewa 24×7 to receive help with any queries related to their electricity and water connection.
The WhatsApp service is powered by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) Chatbot, that provides a list of services from DEWA, and you have to select the type of service you want.
Through the WhatsApp service, you can view your DEWA bill, and check your consumption by providing your ‘account number’ which is stated on your utility bill. Click here if you do not know how to find your Dewa account number.
4. Report a crime through the Al Ameen service
Whatsapp number: +97154 800 4444
If you have witnessed any illegal activity or are a victim of a crime, you can report it through the Al Ameen Service from Dubai Police.
You can reach out to Al Ameen by saving the number – +97154 800 4444 on WhatsApp, by calling their toll-free number – 800 4444 – or contacting them via their social media handles – @alameenservice.
The Al Ameen service was launched in 2003, and their services provide safe, secure and confidential communication channels to citizens, residents and visitors. The WhatsApp service is available around the clock.
According to Al Ameen, their representatives will keep your identity and personal details confidential to make sure you do not face any legal consequences.
5. Report abuse or violence against women and children in Dubai
Whatsapp number: +971800111
Victims of domestic abuse or harassment can reach out to the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) through WhatsApp on the number +971800111. Victims can also request for psychiatric, social, or legal advice.
The service was launched in December 2022 and aims to shorten the Foundation’s response time. Apart from the WhatsApp service, DFWAC also has a 24×7 helpline – 800111
6. Book a medical appointment in Abu Dhabi
Number: 971 24102200
If you reside in Abu Dhabi you can book a medical appointment at Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha), health facilities, clinics or hospitals.
Through the service, you can make and manage new and follow-up appointment bookings, cancel appointments, and display all booked appointments.
If you want to book an appointment, send a message to the saved number. You will have to undergo an authentication check using your Emirates ID and registered phone number.
The WhatsApp service was officially launched in 2021, and is linked with the Seha patient portal, ensuring all appointments booked, changed or cancelled are immediately reflected across their system.
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