The United Arab Emirates has introduced Estafser, a smart digital platform designed to transform how residents manage their travel and legal affairs. This innovative tool provides instant access to travel ban status, court cases, and financial claims. As part of a broader initiative aimed at creating a fully digital and citizen-centric government, Estafser enables users to securely and efficiently check their legal standing without requiring physical visits or paperwork.

Launched by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), Estafser has rapidly gained popularity among residents seeking to stay informed about their legal status. From January to March 2025, the ADJD recorded 6 292 electronic inquiries through Estafser, which shows the increasing public reliance on this digital solution to avoid unexpected complications at border checkpoints or during official processes.

Estafser, which means “Ask” in Arabic, operates as a 24/7 digital legal inquiry service accessible through both the ADJD’s website and mobile application. It provides users with real-time updates on various legal matters, including travel restrictions, pending court proceedings, and unresolved financial claims, all without traditional paperwork or in-person visits to judicial offices.

The platform supports multiple languages, including Arabic, English, and Urdu, ensuring accessibility to the UAE’s diverse population. Users receive updates and responses via SMS, email, and app notifications, allowing them to stay informed anytime, anywhere.

Key features of Estafser include instant checks for active travel bans, court proceedings, and unresolved financial disputes, as well as real-time notifications through various communication channels. The ADJD has reported that 97% of all inquiries made via Estafser are resolved within a single working day, and 99% receive answers within three days, demonstrating the efficiency of the UAE’s digital governance.

Though not a new service, the increasing use of Estafser reflects the UAE’s ongoing progress towards a smart, paperless administrative system. The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department is continually enhancing the platform to align with global digital governance standards, aiming to improve public trust through transparency and real-time communication.

A significant advancement in the UAE’s legal services is the automation of travel ban removals. The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that as of last year, once a legal issue is resolved—such as the settlement of a debt or closure of a case—the associated travel ban is lifted instantly, eliminating the need for any further paperwork or applications. This change has streamlined the process significantly, reducing wait times from days or weeks to mere minutes, thus relieving residents of previous bureaucratic delays.

The shift to online legal services is not confined to Abu Dhabi. Dubai Police has implemented a similar digital inquiry platform, enabling residents to check for travel bans and financial-related restrictions through its official app and website. Additionally, the Federal Public Prosecution and other local judicial entities across the Emirates maintain online portals for residents to verify their legal standing.

These advancements represent a unified national push towards e-governance, aimed at making official procedures more efficient and accessible for all residents, regardless of language or location. With Estafser leading the way, the UAE continues to enhance travel safety and legal transparency, reinforcing its commitment to efficient, paperless governance and seamless border control. As digital infrastructure continues to evolve, platforms like Estafser are set to play an increasingly vital role in supporting the UAE’s vision for a fully smart and citizen-first government.