How to get a People of Determination or Disability card in Dubai

The UAE Government has worked constantly to make the country friendly for its disabled citizens and residents, who are referred to as ‘people of determination’. Whether it’s ensuring wheelchairs are available or offering VIP services for them, UAE is always introducing new initiatives to ease any processes for people of determination. One such important initiative is the People of Determination (PoD) Card, which is a disability card in Dubai and the rest of the UAE that ensures these individuals have unhindered access to privileges and services offered by different entities, like parking, housing programs and legal services. Similarly, the Sanad Card is another initiative by the Community Development Authority in Dubai that offers benefits to people of determination. 

Today, MyBayut provides a complete guide to these disability cards in the UAE. How can disabled workers in Dubai acquire a PoD card? What is a Sanad card and how to apply for Sanad card in Dubai? What are the documents required by disabled expats or visitors to acquire it? Let’s find out.

Who are People of Determination?

In order to recognize their achievements in different fields, individuals with special needs are known as “people of determination.” This is in line with the UAE’s National Policy for Empowering People of Determination — an inclusive law that defines PoD as people who have permanent or temporary deficiencies or infirmities (either physical or mental) that inhibit their abilities to perform tasks as efficiently as people without special needs. These conditions range from chronic diseases to motor disabilities and speech impairments amongst others.

What is the People of Determination Card (PoD Card)?

This is a personal card that is issued by the Ministry of Community Development (MOCD) to people with disabilities. As an official document, the card indicates that the holder is disabled and therefore entitled to the services and rights set forth by the UAE Disability Act of 2006.

PoD Card Benefits in Dubai

PoD ID cardholders enjoy a host of privileges that allow them unhindered access to public and private facilities in the emirate of Dubai. Some of the many perks offered to holders are as follows:

• IMG World of Adventure: Free entry for all disability categories
• Etisalat and Du services: 50% discount for all categories
• UAE ID: Exemption for all fees for all categories
• Sheikh Zayed housing program: Priority housing for disabled UAE citizens (all categories)
• Dubai Municipality: Free entry for cardholder + 2 in public parks, dolphin shows, Dubai Frame and Children’s City
• Ministry of Interior: Free vehicle license for all categories

Keep in mind, a holder might need to produce other documents in addition to his or her PoD card, to take advantage of the mentioned services. This may include requirements like a copy of the holder’s Emirates ID, passport copy and more. For a full list of benefits and additional requirements, visit the MOCD website.

How to get a PoD/ Disability card in Dubai?

Disabled individuals interested in acquiring PoD cards must first create a personal profile on the Ministry of Community Development (MOCD) website to benefit from the service. Documents required for PoD card in Dubai regarding issuance and renewals are as follows:

• Psychological (autism and mental disabilities) or medical reports (sensory and physical disabilities) from a government hospital in the UAE
• Personal photo on a white background
• Copy of the individual’s passport
• Copy of Emirates ID (both sides) 
• Copy of residence visa, which must be valid for six months or more (required for expat residents). Here is how you can check your UAE visa status.

Wondering how to get a PoD card in Dubai? Register a new account or log into the MOCD website, and then select the ‘Issuing People of Determination Cards’ from the list of services. You will then be asked to create a personal profile and upload the required documents. You will receive a confirmation of your request via SMS and email. If the eligibility criteria are met, the PoD card will be issued and delivered to your location. 

Ministry of Community Development Contact

Have more questions regarding this disability card in Dubai? You can contact the relevant authorities with the toll-free number, 800-623. Their working hours are 07:30 am to 02:30 pm and are closed on Friday and Saturday. 

What is a Sanad Card?

The Sanad Smart Card offers holders exclusive services and privileges with up to 50% discounts on selected products or services required by disabled citizens, residents and visitors to Dubai. It’s provided free-of-charge by the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai, and is aimed at building a database for people of determination in the emirate. This will be used to create more services and benefits to meet their requirements. 

It’s in line with an initiative “My Community … A City for Everyone” launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai — a program that aims to transform the emirate into a disability-friendly city by 2020. 

Eligibility Criteria

The Sanad card benefits are many. However, residents or visitors with psychological, mental, sensory, kinetic and mental disabilities must complete specific requirements before they are considered eligible to receive Sanad cards. People who fall under this category include:

• All UAE Nationals with disabilities living in Dubai
• Expats with disabilities living in Dubai
• Visitors to Dubai from foreign countries (Sanad card will be provided on a temporary basis and is valid only for the duration of the stay)

Documentation required for Sanad Card

Documents required for the procurement of Sanad Smart Cards (or disability card in Dubai) differ in terms of nationalities and visit durations. A brief rundown of each will give you a better idea of your options:

UAE Nationals 

UAE Nationals whose passport has been issued in Dubai are required to submit the following documents to be eligible for this disability card in Dubai:

• Copy of Emirates ID
• Copy of the passport (must be valid for six months or more)
• Copy of medical report from an approved diagnostic agency in Dubai that confirms the disability

UAE Nationals whose passports have been issued in other emirates must also submit proof of residence in Dubai to be eligible for the Sanad Card. 

Non-nationals (expats) Residing in Dubai

How to get Sanad Card for foreigners living in Dubai? Non-nationals with disabilities need to provide these documents while applying for the Smart cards:

• Personal photo (size 4 x 5 cm)
• Copy of medical report that diagnoses the medical condition in Dubai
• Copy of National ID card
• Copy of passport (valid for 6 months)
• Copy of residence visa (valid for at least 6 months)

Additionally, expat applicants are also required to produce proof of residence in Dubai to be eligible for this disability card. 

Documents Required for Tourists

A disabled tourist applying for a Sanad Card must produce these documents:

• Copy of (Dubai issue) visit visa
• Certified proof of residence
• Copy of passport (valid for 6 months)
• Clear personal photo (4 x 5 cm)

You can apply for the Sanad Card through the Community Development Authority official website or at the CDA Customer Happiness Centre in the Al Hudaibah Awards Building, Block A, Mezzanine Level. 

A Certificate of Loss Document also needs to be acquired from Dubai Police in case your disability card in Dubai is lost and needs to be replaced. The CDA usually takes 5 days to replace Sanad Cards while renewals and new cards are issued within 5 to 10 working days.

Community Development Authority in Dubai Contact

If you’d like to inquire further about the Sanad Card, you can contact the authorities at the toll-free number, 800-2121. 

That’s all for the requirements for acquiring a disability card in Dubai. For more information on the UAE’s efforts to provide inclusive services to disabled residents and visitors, check out our review of facilities for people of determination in Dubai. Looking for academic institutes for children with special needs in the emirate? Take a look at our recommendations for special needs schools in Dubai.