The major federal project is yet to be finalised, but preparations are nearing completion at the UAE level, officials attending a coordination meeting in Dubai said.

'The two centres in Dubai should be at appropriate locations and away from areas known to have traffic congestion', said Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police.

'The centres should also have ample parking lots and special transaction areas for women to be operational on certain days of the week', said the police chief.

The meeting of the project committee for identity and residence cards, with unified numbers, was held on the instructions of Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Under-Secretary of the Interior Ministry.

Lt. Gen. Dhahi also attended the meeting.

The project director, Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, director of the IT Administration at the General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police, reviewed details of the project and discussed its progress with the committee members.

The mechanisms for the implementation of the key project were given priority attention.

'Procedures should be made as simple as possible as we want people to avoid long queues and waiting time', said Lt. Gen. Dhahi.

He added that the committee should start launching a media campaign to explain the importance of the national project and give the public a complete idea on how to comply with the procedures.

'This is a very important national project for citizens and residents alike. It will facilitate and streamline so many procedures for all as the identity card will be the official identification document for nationals and expatriates', said Lt. Gen. Dhahi.

The police chief also said the committee should explain the procedures adopted to officials in all the emirates.