Abu Dhabi: The UAE Ministry of Community Development has launched “Masarrah”, a community card for Emirati citizens who are 60 years and above, which offers them a variety of services and exclusive privileges.
Masarrah is being issued in cooperation with several federal and local government entities as well as private sector businesses.
The ministry aims to support the senior citizens by providing all necessary services, ranging from health care to social services. The initiative also aims at increasing community awareness on the needs of the senior citizens, and help meet their requirements to ensure a decent living for them and their families.
Najla Mohammad Al Awar, Minister of Community Development, said, “Masarrah card embodies the partnership and collaboration between the government and private sector agencies, which have extended total support in offering a variety of services and facilities to meet the needs of the elderly.”
The ministry will, along with the Ministry of Health and Prevention, provide health care and intensive care for those who are 60 years and above, and will meet their medical needs.
Masarrah will also assure its holders priority in booking appointments. It will also ensure help in taking them to and from the hospitals, providing dedicated areas in the hospital for maximum comfort, discounts at private hospitals, as well as support for family members or people who look after them. The ministry cooperates with Mediclinic, Noor Hospitals, Dubai Dental Hospital, RAK Private Hospital, Live Pharmacy, and Gillies Healthcare.
Services associated with the Masarrah card are easy and affordable to holders in all cities across the emirates.
The cardholder will also be exempt from certain requirements for sponsoring housemaids from the Ministry of Interior, to assure home-based care. It will also help in mobile registration service for the elderly at the centres of the Emirates Identity Authority as well as assure private parking, priority in processing applications, and the provision of wheelchairs at all government service centres.
The cardholders will receive discounts on public transport vehicles and taxis, in collaboration with the Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport in Abu Dhabi, the Roads and Transport Authority of Sharjah, the Public Transport Corporation in Ajman Transport Corporation and RAK Transport Authority.
They will also receive municipal services relating to agricultural maintenance, temporary work permits, certificate of infrastructure completion, applications for land settlement, road service and discount on parking fees.
Masarrah card offers discounts on courier services provided by Aramex, as well as social support services from a large number of federal and local authorities and government bodies in various emirates.
The registration for the cards will begin by the middle of this month. A comprehensive guidebook with all the services and benefits across the UAE will also be released.
