Extending support: Special benefits for senior citizens in Dubai
As part of the UAE’s collective mission to become an all-encompassing state for people of all ages and backgrounds, Dubai has a robust system of benefits for its senior citizens. The Community Development Authority (CDA) manages all senior citizen benefits in Dubai, which help them remain integrated with the community as healthy and productive individuals.
SENIOR CITIZEN BENEFITS IN DUBAI
The Dubai Statistics Centre reveals that senior citizens in Dubai make up 6.6% of the Emirati population in the city. The number is expected to increase in the coming years, with the improvement in health care services and the increase in average life spans. Thus, senior citizens make up an important part of Dubai’s growing population.
The senior citizen benefits in Dubai are designed to provide ease and greater accessibility to everyday services for the elderly. In addition, these benefits comprise programmes and services that encourage inclusivity and productivity for senior citizens.
Let’s look at some of these programmes and benefits for senior citizens in Dubai.
FOR DUBAI CITIZENS
THUKHER CARD
The Thukher card is a senior citizen privilege card issued by the Community Development Authority (CDA). The card is issued for free with the cardholder being entitled to various senior citizen privileges in Dubai. These benefits are rendered to elderly cardholders in collaboration with different government and private institutions.
THUKHER CARD BENEFITS
This card that grants a VIP status to the elderly in Dubai includes the following benefits:
- Social benefits worth around AED 11,700 per month for senior citizens without regular incomes (the amount may vary depending on the eligibility and needs of the senior citizen)
- 50% off on NOL cards and free parking permits
- Priority applications, special counters, home and in-car service and free parking in
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, (GDRFA) Dubai
- Dubai Civil Defence
- Dubai Police
- Easy check-in/check-out procedures at airports with luggage management and drop-off to their cars
- VIP service, valet parking and automatic wheelchairs (if required) at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)
- Free subscriber update and a 50% reduction in DEWA
- Move-in registration service fees
- Issuance of the final bill
- Metre testing service
- Senior citizen medical benefits with a 50% discount on medical tests conducted at participating hospitals
- Senior citizens’ discounts in Dubai ranging between 20% and 40% on private nursing and home care
THUKHER CARD ELIGIBILITY
You can apply for Thukher Card in Dubai if you are:
- Aged 60 or above
- A citizen of Dubai
THUKHER CARD DOCUMENTS
To apply for a Thukher card, you must submit:
- Original National Identity Card
- A high-resolution photograph (4 cm x 5 cm)
THE WELEEF PROGRAMME
Weleef is a home care programme that ensures an improved quality of life for senior citizens who live on their own in Dubai.
Weleef trains professionals and volunteers who deliver an array of social services to the elderly within the sanctity of their homes. This programme aims to empower senior citizens with an independent and meaningful lifestyle through carefully integrated social and individual activities.
WELEEF PROGRAMME SERVICES
The following services for senior citizens in Dubai are provided for free under the Weleef Programme.
- Social: Keeping senior citizens socially competent through conversations, friends groups and encouraged interactions with relatives and the local community
- Cultural: Using specialist programmes to inform and update senior citizens about the latest developments in the local and international arenas with a special focus on their respective backgrounds
- Rehabilitation: Training for elderly citizens on how to use basic household and/or electronic devices and appliances
- Self-Care: Ensuring good personal and environmental hygiene for senior citizens
- Recreation: Sharing and indulging in leisure activities and hobbies of elderly citizens
- Coordination: Identifying and conveying senior citizens’ needs to the concerned authorities and ensuring regular follow-ups
- Awareness and Guidance: Informing senior citizens about their rights, and the benefits and services they are eligible for. Highlighting the importance of good health and social standing in the community
- Emergency Alarms: Providing modern alarm systems for rapid response against expected or unexpected life-threatening risks for senior citizens. These alarms can summon an emergency response from the police and ambulance with a simple click of a button.
WELEEF PROGRAMME ELIGIBILITY
The Weleef Progam is limited only to senior citizens of Dubai who are:
- Aged 60 or above
- Have no children
- Live alone or with house-help
WELEEF PROGRAMME DOCUMENTS
To apply for this programme, you must submit your Emirates ID.
INTER-GENERATIONAL COMMUNICATION
Next on this list of senior citizen benefits from the government is the Inter-generational Communication service rendered by the CDA. The service aims to transfer the years of experience and knowledge accumulated over the years by senior citizens to the younger generation.
The programme allows elderly citizens the chance to deliver lectures on a variety of topics to students in schools and universities.
The lectures delivered by senior citizens cover topics that include but aren’t limited to:
- Emirati traditions and customs
- The importance of honouring parents
- The preservation of Emirati heritage
- Special events, including religious and national festivities
- The significance of marriage for society
- The holy month of Ramadan
INTER-GENERATIONAL COMMUNICATION PROGRAMME’S ELIGIBILITY
To apply for this programme, you must be:
- Aged 60 or above
- A citizen of Dubai
INTER-GENERATIONAL COMMUNICATION PROGRAMME DOCUMENTS
Dubai passport holders must submit their Emirates ID.
Please note:
- There is no cost [to apply for] any of these services.
- To avail of any of the aforementioned benefits, submit your application to the CDA and wait for its approval.
- For further information, call CDA at +971-4-429-9888.
FOR SENIOR EXPATS
NOL BLUE CARD
While the aforementioned cards are only available for citizens, there are equal travel concessions available for senior expats in Dubai. This allows senior citizens a 50% discount on their commute fare, resulting in cheap travel facilities across the emirate.
- The NOL blue card has an e-purse that can be loaded up to AED 5,000.
- Senior citizens can get this card from any ticket office in Dubai for AED 70 (inclusive of AED 20 e-purse value).
- This card is valid at Etihad Museum and over 2,000 shops and public parks in Dubai.
FAQs ABOUT SENIOR CITIZENS IN DUBAI
IS THERE ANY PENSION PROGRAMME FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN DUBAI?
Yes, as per UAE’s government website, Emirati seniors, GCC nationals and government employees are eligible for pension funds in Dubai. The General Authority for Pensions and Social Security (GPSSA) offers pension-related services for citizens working in the government or private sector in Dubai/UAE.
DOES DUBAI OFFER END-OF-SERVICE BENEFITS?
Yes, workers are entitled to a gratuity given that they meet the requirements for end-of-service benefits in the UAE.
Senior citizens in Dubai are seen and treated as valuable assets to the community. These benefits for the elderly in Dubai are a way of showing gratitude towards their contribution to the growth and development of the emirate.
Additionally, Dubai offers several benefits for people of determination to empower them to live their life on their own terms. For instance, they can apply for a Sanad card to enjoy exclusive privileges in Dubai.
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