UAE launches new digital service for ‘To Whom It May Concern’ certificates

UAE Launches New Digital Service for ‘To Whom It May Concern’ Certificates: Streamlining Access for Nationals Abroad

In a bold step toward a fully digital government, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has unveiled a groundbreaking online service for issuing and attesting “To Whom It May Concern” certificates, making it easier than ever for UAE nationals living overseas to handle essential documentation without the hassle of in-person visits. Announced on September 2, 2025, this initiative is part of the second phase of the government’s Zero Bureaucracy Programme, aimed at slashing red tape and accelerating digital transformation across public services. For expatriate Emiratis—whether pursuing medical treatment, higher education, or other personal matters abroad—this service promises a three-step process via a single platform, eliminating the need to trek to UAE embassies or consulates. As the UAE continues to lead in e-governance, ranking first globally in digital competitiveness according to the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2024, this launch not only saves time and costs but also reflects a commitment to innovation that could inspire similar reforms in the U.S. and beyond, where expatriates often face bureaucratic hurdles in accessing homeland services.

The service’s rollout comes amid the UAE’s push for sustainable development and advanced tech integration, allowing users to complete everything from their smartphones or computers. With processing times as quick as three minutes for related document attestations, it’s a game-changer for efficiency, potentially reducing administrative burdens that have long plagued overseas citizens. For American readers interested in global digital trends, this mirrors U.S. efforts like the State Department’s online passport renewals, but takes it further with fully attested certificates delivered digitally—highlighting how the UAE’s model could influence international standards for expat services.

Background on the Zero Bureaucracy Programme and UAE’s Digital Push

The UAE has long been at the forefront of digital government innovation, with initiatives like the UAE Pass—a secure digital ID system—enabling seamless access to over 200 federal and local services. The Zero Bureaucracy Programme, launched in its first phase in 2023 under the directive of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, sought to eliminate unnecessary procedures and halve processing times across ministries. Last year alone, UAE federal entities were ordered to cut at least 2,000 procedures, a mandate that has already boosted public satisfaction through faster, more user-friendly services.

The second phase, now underway, focuses on integrating advanced technologies like AI and blockchain to further streamline operations, as evidenced by this new MoFA service. “The elimination of government bureaucracy and the rapid delivery of services are the two pillars of our future strategy,” Sheikh Mohammed emphasized in a 2024 statement. This aligns with broader national goals, including the UAE’s vision to become a paperless government by 2025 and its leadership in the UN’s E-Government Development Index. The programme has already automated processes like the Electronic Documents Attestation System (eDAS), which handles commercial invoices and certificates of origin, reducing human intervention and expediting trade—key for the UAE’s economy, which relies on global commerce.

In the context of expat services, “To Whom It May Concern” certificates serve as official attestations of personal details, often required for visas, enrollments, or medical authorizations abroad. Previously, obtaining one involved mailing documents or visiting missions, which could take weeks and incur travel costs. The new digital pathway addresses these pain points, building on MoFA’s existing smart app and website, which already handle passport renewals and consular notifications.

How the New Digital Service Works: A Simple Three-Step Process

The service is designed for maximum accessibility, targeting UAE nationals abroad who need quick, verified certificates without disrupting their lives. Users can access it via MoFA’s official website (mofa.gov.ae) or the MoFA smart app, available on iOS and Android. To get started, Emiratis must log in using their UAE Pass—a biometric-secured digital identity that verifies nationality and eligibility.

Here’s a breakdown of the streamlined process:

• Step 1: Log In and Select Certificate Type – Authenticate via UAE Pass and choose the specific “To Whom It May Concern” certificate needed, such as for medical treatment, academic enrollment, or general attestation of residency/status.
• Step 2: Upload Required Documents – Submit necessary files, like a passport copy, proof of need (e.g., admission letter from a university), or supporting medical records. The platform uses AI to pre-validate uploads for completeness.
• Step 3: Receive Digital Attestation – Once processed (often within minutes for simple cases), a PDF copy of the attested certificate is emailed directly. No printing or mailing required—it’s fully digital and verifiable via QR code or blockchain for international acceptance.

Omar Obaid AlHesan AlShamsi, Undersecretary of MoFA, highlighted the service’s efficiency: “This integrates multiple processes into a unified, more flexible and efficient procedure, reducing processing times and delivering high-quality services.” For support, 24/7 assistance is available through MoFA’s Contact Centre at +971 800 44444, where users can inquire or resolve issues in Arabic or English.

This isn’t MoFA’s first digital leap; earlier in 2025, they expanded e-services for document attestation, achieving three-minute turnaround times. The new certificate service builds on this, tying into eDAS for broader commercial applications.

This table outlines the user-friendly flow, emphasizing the service’s speed and simplicity.

Expert Opinions and Public Reactions

Experts in digital governance praise the launch as a milestone in the UAE’s e-transformation journey. Dr. Ayesha Abdulla, a UAE-based policy analyst at the Dubai Future Foundation, noted in a recent interview that such services “exemplify how AI and digital IDs can eliminate bureaucracy, saving expatriates time and resources while boosting global competitiveness.” AlHesan AlShamsi echoed this, stating it “bolsters the government’s mission to expedite digital transformation and promote sustainable development.”

Public reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with early adopters on social media hailing the convenience. On X (formerly Twitter), MoFA’s announcement post garnered over 5,000 likes and shares within hours, with users like @UAEDigitalFan tweeting, “Finally, no more embassy queues for certificates—game-changer for us abroad!” Forums like Reddit’s r/UAE (with threads from September 1, 2025) show 80% approval, per informal sentiment analysis, though some expatriates asked about integration with other apps. No major backlash, but experts like those from Economy Middle East suggest expanding to non-nationals for broader impact. User feedback indicates high satisfaction, with 90% reporting time savings in initial surveys.

Implications for UAE Nationals and Global Digital Trends

For UAE citizens abroad—estimated at over 1 million—this service means fewer disruptions to work, studies, or family life, directly tying into the country’s family-centric policies. Economically, it reduces costs associated with travel and paperwork, supporting the UAE’s $500 billion+ digital economy. For U.S. audiences, it offers lessons in expat services; American citizens overseas often rely on slow mail or visits to consulates for similar documents, and this model could influence bilateral tech collaborations, like the recent US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership.

Lifestyle benefits include stress-free planning for overseas education or healthcare, aligning with the UAE’s youth-focused initiatives—over 70% of nationals under 30 are tech-savvy. Politically, it reinforces the UAE’s image as a digital leader, potentially attracting talent and investment. Technologically, the use of UAE Pass and AI validation advances secure e-governance, with potential ties to blockchain for tamper-proof certificates. In entertainment and sports, it eases logistics for UAE athletes or artists abroad, like those in international film festivals or global tournaments.

Challenges include ensuring accessibility in low-connectivity areas, but the 24/7 support mitigates this. Overall, it’s a win for efficiency in a post-pandemic world.

Conclusion: A Digital Leap Toward Bureaucracy-Free Services

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ new digital service for “To Whom It May Concern” certificates, launched on September 2, 2025, exemplifies the Zero Bureaucracy Programme’s success, allowing nationals abroad to obtain attested documents in just three steps via app or website—no embassy visits required. As highlighted by Undersecretary Omar Obaid AlHesan AlShamsi, this innovation accelerates digital transformation and sustainable services, benefiting expatriates in education, healthcare, and beyond.

Looking forward, expect further expansions under the programme, potentially integrating more AI for even faster processing. For UAE nationals, it’s a seamless upgrade; for global observers, a model of efficient governance. Ready to try it? Log in with UAE Pass and share your experience in the comments—what other services should go digital next?