In a major digital shift, Emirates Health Services (EHS) has begun implementing a plan to abolish the health card, replacing it with the Emirates ID as the primary identifier for patients across its hospitals and healthcare centres.

The move is aimed at simplifying access to treatment and cutting administrative red tape.

What’s changing?

For years, patients needed a valid health card to register and receive treatment at EHS facilities, including renewals when expired.

Under the new system:

• The Emirates ID will serve as the unified patient identifier
• No separate health card will be required
• Registration procedures will be streamlined
• Administrative steps will be reduced

The aim? Faster access, shorter waiting times and smoother admissions.

Who will benefit first?

According to EHS, the rollout will happen in phases.

Phase One:

• Emirati citizens
• UAE residents
• Nationals of GCCcountries

Later phases will include:

• Children of Emirati women
• Spouses of Emirati citizens
• People of determination
• Additional categories requiring coordination with other entities

Saif Abdullah Al Hassani, Head of Service Development and User Experience at EHS, said the move aligns with the UAE’s digital transformation agenda and national database integration.

In simple terms: one ID, one system, less paperwork.

EHS confirmed it is technically ready to cancel the health card for all groups immediately. However, a phased rollout is being adopted to monitor system performance and address any operational challenges before full implementation.

When will it be fully implemented?

The first group of beneficiaries has already completed technical and regulatory preparations, with a formal announcement expected soon.

Further categories will be added gradually as coordination with external entities is completed.

What this means for patients

Once fully implemented:

• No more renewing health cards
• Faster registration at hospitals
• Reduced paperwork
• Improved patient experience

In a major boost to national transport readiness, Etihad Rail has successfully operated a passenger train connecting Al Ghuwaifat on the Saudi border to Al Faya in Abu Dhabi.

The operation forms part of the project’s ongoing trial runs, and it’s not just about testing tracks.

Strategic passenger link activated

The trial run was conducted in coordination with the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi (ADCMC).

The link between Al Ghuwaifat and Al Faya is designed to:

• Support transport of residents
• Enable authorities to activate alternative routes
• Strengthen emergency response mechanisms
• Enhance national transport continuity

This is part of broader response plans aimed at maintaining stability during various operational scenarios.

Focus on logistics and risk management

According to Etihad Rail, the trial run ensures:

• Integration of roles between government entities
• Stronger logistical security
• Alignment with business continuity strategies
• Multi-scenario risk management preparedness

In short, it’s about making sure the system works seamlessly when it matters most.

Eng. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Chief Projects Officer at Etihad Rail, emphasised that the goal is to provide:

• Safe
• Reliable
• Well-organised transport solutions

Especially during periods when maintaining the national transport ecosystem is critical.

He added that teams continue working closely with government partners to ensure sustainable operations and smooth traffic flow across the country.

The UAE’s rail network is increasingly playing a strategic role beyond cargo, evolving into a backbone for passenger movement, emergency readiness, and cross-border connectivity.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially postponed more Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations across several Middle East countries, impacting thousands of Indian curriculum students.

The decision applies to exams scheduled on March 5 and March 6.

What students need to know

In its latest update issued on Tuesday, CBSE released Circular-2, extending its earlier announcement made on March 1.

Here’s what’s confirmed:

• Exams on Thursday, March 5
• Exams on Friday, March 6
• Applicable to both Class 10 and Class 12
• Applies to CBSE-affiliated schools in multiple Gulf countries

Countries affected by postponement

The postponement impacts CBSE schools across:

• UAE
• Bahrain
• Iran
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia

Thousands of students across these countries are now awaiting revised exam dates.

CBSE to review situation on March 5

CBSE has clarified that:

• New exam dates will be announced later
• The Board will reassess the situation on March 5, 2026
• A decision regarding exams scheduled from March 7 onwards will follow after review

This means more updates could be coming soon.

How will students be marked?

CBSE has confirmed that marks will be awarded through a composite evaluation method, which includes:

• Internal assessments
• Pre-board examination performance
• Continuous evaluation records

This means students will not be required to reappear for the cancelled language papers.

“No student will be failed”

In a significant assurance to students and parents, the Board clarified that:

No student will be failed in the affected subjects.

The move is expected to ease anxiety among families who have been closely monitoring exam updates.

Advisory for students and parents

Students are advised to:

• Stay in close contact with their respective schools
• Follow only official CBSE announcements
• Avoid unverified updates circulating online

Schools will communicate further instructions as needed.

The postponement comes amid ongoing uncertainty in parts of the region, creating stress and confusion for families and students preparing for one of the most important academic phases of their school journey.

More updates are expected if further changes are made.