The UAE is empowering its residents with Estafser, a smart digital platform that provides quick, easy, and secure access to travel ban and legal checks. This initiative aligns with the UAE's broader push towards complete digital governance, prioritizing citizen-centric services.

Estafser, launched by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), allows users to securely check their legal status, including travel bans, court cases, and financial claims, without the need for physical visits or paperwork. Between January and March 2025, the department recorded 6,292 electronic inquiries through Estafser, demonstrating public trust in this digital solution.

Available 24/7 via the ADJD website and mobile app, Estafser, which translates to "Ask," connects users with real-time updates on their legal status. The platform supports Arabic, English, and Urdu, ensuring broad accessibility. Updates and responses are delivered via SMS, email, and app notifications.

Key features of Estafser include instant checks for active travel bans, court proceedings, and unresolved financial disputes. The platform offers multilingual support and eliminates the need for physical documents and in-person appointments. The ADJD reports that 97% of inquiries are resolved within one business day, and 99% receive responses within three days.

The increasing adoption of Estafser reflects the UAE's progress toward a smart, paperless administrative ecosystem. The ADJD continually enhances the platform's functionality in line with global digital governance benchmarks. By offering direct and secure access to legal updates, the government aims to reduce administrative bottlenecks and enhance public trust through transparency, convenience, and real-time communication.

One significant recent advancement is the automation of travel ban removals. Once a legal matter is resolved, such as settling a debt or closing a case, the associated travel ban is lifted immediately, eliminating the previous nine-step process that took days or weeks.

The transition to online legal services is not limited to Abu Dhabi. Dubai Police offers a similar digital inquiry platform, allowing residents to check travel bans and financial restrictions. The Federal Public Prosecution and other local judicial entities also maintain online portals for users to verify their legal standing.

These services represent a unified national push toward e-governance, aiming to make official procedures more efficient and accessible for all residents, regardless of language or location. By providing quick, secure, and multilingual legal inquiry tools, the UAE is actively reducing the need for in-person government visits and ensuring legal transparency becomes a fundamental component of daily life.

As the digital infrastructure evolves, platforms like Estafser are expected to play an even more significant role in supporting the UAE's vision for a fully smart and citizen-first government.