This page provides information about how senior Emiratis are protected and empowered through services and facilities in the areas of pensions, health, transportation, and more.
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.
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 (450 KB PDF in Arabic) defines Senior Emiratis as UAE nationals over the age of 60 and guarantees them the following rights:
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:
Read more on the National Policy for Senior Emiratis.
Read about health and rehabilitation of senior people.
Read about pension and end of service benefits.
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.
References for senior/elderly Emiratis across the UAE:
Guides
Popular searches
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.