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.

The 'Taqdeer' package

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), in cooperation with Ministry of Community Empowerment, offers the 'Taqdeer' (Respect) package of services to senior citizens and People of Determination who benefit from the social support programme.

The package is available to senior citizens aged 60 and above who are beneficiaries of the social security programme, as well as People of Determination holding a card issued by Ministry of Community Empowerment. Eligibility is verified through institutional data integration, without the need to submit documents.

Under the package, ICP proactively renews the beneficiary's passport and Emirates ID before they expire, without requiring an application. The renewed passport and Emirates ID are then delivered to the beneficiary at their place of residence.

Useful links

• Services of senior citizens - Abu Dhabi
• Services for senior citizens - Community Development Authority
• Register an elderly person in the ‘home care’ programme - the official portal of Ajman Government

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.

Federal Law No. 9 of 2019 on the Rights of Senior Emiratis and its Executive Regulations define 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.

Read about the Senior Citizens’ Protection Specialists programme.

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.

Read about Social Welfare Programmes. 

Read about health and rehabilitation of senior people.

The United Arab Emirates is committed to providing an integrated support system for senior citizens, based on social empowerment, the promotion of mental health, and the enhancement of quality of life in later years. In line with its vision of building a cohesive and sustainable society, federal and local government entities have launched a range of programmes, initiatives, social clubs, and community centres aimed at reducing social isolation, supporting independence, and encouraging the active participation of senior citizens in community life.

These programmes operate within a clear legislative and executive framework that guarantees seniors the right to social, health and psychological care, and enables them to access services specifically designed to meet their needs. These include social activities, cultural and recreational programmes, and family and community support, delivered through partnerships between government entities and the community sector.

Barakatna initiative for enhancing community care for senior citizens
Under the patronage of H. H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the Barakatna Initiative was launched under the supervision of the Community Development Authority – Abu Dhabi, with the support of several entities, to enhance the quality of life of senior citizens within the family and the wider community.

The initiative includes:
alternative home care services when families are unable to provide direct supervision
support for improving and adapting senior citizens’ homes to ensure safety and suitability
facilitation of housing loan repayments to enable families to care for senior members
flexible work arrangements for family caregivers.

Thukher social club for senior citizens
In the emirate of Dubai, the Thukher social club for senior citizens operates as a social and recreational centre that supports psychological and social well-being. It includes:

• regular cultural and social engagement sessions

• programmes to promote physical and mental health

• opportunities for inter-generational knowledge and experience exchange.

 
Al Asala Clubs
The Al Asala clubs, affiliated with the Sharjah Social Services Department, welcome senior citizens in the areas of Al Hamriyah, Al Dhaid, Al Madam, Al Batayeh, Kalba, Khorfakkan, Dibba Al Hisn, and Mleiha. These clubs provide social and recreational activities as well as conduct physiotherapy sessions for senior citizens.
Apply for membership to Al Asala club.

Useful links:

• Forever Fit Program – Abu Dhabi Sports Council
• Membership Request for Barakat Al Dar Club – Abu Dhabi
• Age-friendly Sharjah – Sharjah Social Services Department (website in Arabic)

The United Arab Emirates places great importance on senior citizens, stemming from its belief that they are a fundamental pillar of society, and partners in the journey of development. In this context, the State has developed an integrated system of supported living services aimed at enabling older people to live independently and safely, while ensuring they receive appropriate healthcare, social and psychological support. This approach preserves their dignity and enhances their quality of life.
 
Barakatna Initiative to Support Assisted Housing and Improve Living Conditions – Abu Dhabi
H. H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, launched the Barakatna initiative targeting senior citizens as part of Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive community care system. The initiative aims to enhance their quality of life and ensure their wellbeing, in addition to supporting family cohesion and social solidarity.
 
Key services under the initiative include:
1.       temporary alternative care service for senior citizens - in cases where family members are unable to fulfil caregiving responsibilities
2.       home improvements for senior citizens service - to support primary caregivers in carrying out home improvements at facilities used by senior citizens, and
3.       extending the term of housing loans service to extend housing loan repayment periods by five years to ease financial burdens on caregivers.
 
Furthermore, the initiative offers flexible work systems for parents caregivers service, according to specific conditions and standards, allowing caregivers to achieve a balance between their personal, professional and social responsibilities, while enabling them to care for their parents efficiently and effectively.
 
These initiatives are implemented through collaboration between the Community Development Authority – Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Authority, and other government entities, with the aim of supporting families in providing safe and suitable housing for senior citizens.
 
Sharjah Elderly Care Home
The Sharjah Elderly Care Home provides accommodation and comprehensive care for senior citizens aged over 60 who do not have family care. The home offers integrated services including accommodation, healthcare and nursing care, physiotherapy and nutrition, in addition to social and recreational programmes aimed at improving quality of life and enhancing social integration. It also works to protect residents’ rights, manage their financial affairs, and support their re-integration into their families whenever possible.

Housing Finance Guarantee Initiative for Senior Citizens – Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme
The Housing Finance Guarantee initiative supports senior citizens, by providing life insurance that fully covers the value of housing finance. The initiative addresses challenges previously faced by senior citizens, as the maximum age for loan repayment was limited to 70 years, which in some cases led to the rejection of financing applications. By raising this limit to 95 years, senior citizens are now able to benefit more easily from housing support, enhancing opportunities for home ownership and reducing insurance or financing risks that may hinder the achievement of this goal.
 

Useful links 

• The National Policy for Senior Emiratis – u.ae

Read about pension and end of service benefits.

Seniors in Dubai and Sharjah get dedicated parking spaces. They can apply to the respective transport authority for the parking permit.

Further, seniors can use public transportation within Sharjah city without paying any fees.

References for senior/elderly Emiratis across the UAE:

• Services for Senior Emiratis in Abu Dhabi - TAMM
• 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).