Online services for senior Emiratis

The UAE Government provides specific services to benefit the elderly. Services range from providing care at assisted facilities and/or at homes to providing rehabilitation and mobile service units; from providing social assistance and discounted or free transportation and parking facilities, to issuing discount cards for use at retail stores and restaurants.

 

Websites and the online services use simple language and include features such as the option to increase the size of the text, use of vivid colours, text-to-speech software and ALT text to be user-friendly for the elderly.

 

• Apply to register a Senior Emirati in the government elderly care centre – Ministry of Community Development
• Apply to register a Senior Emirati (an elderly) in government home care programme – Ministry of Community Development (This service can also be availed also by visiting and applying to Customers' Happiness Centre for Senior Emiratis at Ajman. Until 2020, 454 Senior Emirati are registered in home care programme)
• Services for senior citizens - Community Development Authority
• Register an elderly person in the ‘home care’ programme - the official portal of Ajman Government

Who are Senior Emiratis?

Individuals who are 60 years of age or over are seniors.

 

Under the National Policy for Senior Emiratis, UAE elderly will be referred to as ‘Senior Emiratis’ in recognition of their experience, giving, dedication and sincerity to UAE.

Law on the rights of Senior Emiratis

Federal Law No. 9 of 2019 on the Rights of Senior Emiratis (450 KB PDF in Arabic) defines Senior Emiratis as UAE nationals over the age of 60 and guarantees them the following rights:

• the right to independence and privacy
• the right to protection from violence and abuse
• the right to an enabling environment, housing, education and work
• the right to social care including the provision of elderly community centres and social clubs
• the right to medical care including preventive health services, medical insurance, mobile nursing units and supportive medical devices
• the right of confidentiality of information pertaining to them
• the right to preferential treatment with respect to government transactions, facilities, social aid and medical services.

 

The law provides punishments which include jail, fines or both to elderly care providers who abuse or neglect their duties towards Senior Emiratis and to elderly care institutions that violate the provisions of the law.

The National Policy for Senior Emiratis

The National Policy for Senior Emiratis is based on an integrated care system to ensure that seniors remain active and have access to government services.

The policy includes seven pillars:

1. healthcare
2. community involvement and active life
3. effective civic participation
4. infrastructure and transportation
5. financial stability
6. safety and security
7. quality of future life. 

Read more on the National Policy for Senior Emiratis.

Social assistance

According to Federal Law No. 2 of 2001, senior citizens residing in the UAE are entitled to receive monthly assistance subject to terms as per the existing laws.

Health and Rehabilitation

Read about health and rehabilitation of senior people.

Retirement

The UAE has retirement homes for the seniors/elderly. These are also called elderly care centres. They are under the responsibility of Ministry of Community Development. These centres provide primary health care, social, psychological and physical therapy for the Senior Emiratis in a nursing home in Ajman. Register a senior Emirati or an elderly person in an elderly care centre. 

Pension

Read about pension and end of service benefits.

Transport and parking facilities

In Dubai, Emiratis and expatriates above 60 years are entitled to discounts on public transport. Emiratis who are both, above 60 years and disabled, are entitled to park for free in public areas. This way, the UAE aims to provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.

Useful references for Senior Emiratis

References for senior/elderly Emiratis across the UAE:

• Services for Senior Emiratis in Abu Dhabi- TAMM
• ‘We Will Reach You’ a mobile unit initiative for the elderly in Ajman - Ministry of Community Development
• Nursing homes for Senior Emiratis- Social Services Department - Government of Sharjah
• Sharjah Age Friendly City- Social Services Department - Government of Sharjah (website in Arabic).

 

Guides

• Our Time for Our Elders Guide (in Arabic, PDF, 1.88 MB).