Dubai: The number of people with disabilities who are privilege card users in Dubai has more than quadrupled since it was first launched in January last year but officials urged more residents to sign in to benefit from the programme.

The Sanad (Arabic for “To Support”) Card has gained traction among people with disabilities (PWD) in Dubai as users are now numbering 1,460, up from just 260 in February last year.

The Sanad Card, issued free of charge by the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai, is in line with the “My Community” initiative launched by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council. The initiative aims to transform the emirate into a disability-friendly city.

The card offers exclusive privileges and services with up to 50 per cent discount on select services and products PWDs need. These services include exemption from public transportation fees, vehicle registration and Salik fees, 50 per cent discount for registration fees on new utility applications, wheelchair and Marhaba service, discounts on medical, dental and legal services, among others.

Currently, a total of 934 Emiratis are already benefiting from the card, 314 of whom are women. Some 526 Dubai-based expatriates have also signed up for the service.

“People should apply for the Sanad Card so the CDA can build a database for people with disability. The database provides decision-makers in the CDA with detailed information about the PWDs and their needs, which will allow the authority to develop programmes and services that match their needs in the emirate of Dubai,” Huraiz Al Mur Bin Huraiz, CEO of Social Care and Development Sector at the CDA, told Gulf News.

Bin Huraiz said the new registration target for 2016 is 1,000.

Based on statistical calculations, there are around 12,000 people with disabilities in Dubai. Some 28 per cent of Emiratis with disabilities are totally dependent, while 35 per cent need some help and 37 per cent are totally independent, according to the Dubai Social Study 2013-14. The conditions vary from motor disabilities, chronic diseases, mental retardation, speech difficulties, visual impairment, among others.

“We need to know how many PWDs there are in the emirate and [determine] their needs [so we can help them accordingly],” Bin Huraiz said.

How to apply for the card

  • Dubai residents can apply through the following channels:
  • Online through CDA website (https://www.cda.gov.ae)
  • Walk-in at Al Manara Centre
  • Walk-in at Dubai Early Childhood Development Centre
  • CDA_Dubai smart application

Required documents

  • Medical reports approved by a governmental entity proving the kind and severity of the disability.
  • National ID Card
  • Passport Copy
  • A proof (such as Dewa bill, lease contract) of residence in the emirate of Dubai for expats
  • A copy of the Social Affairs Card, if any.

Privileges of Sanad Card-holders

(Note: List is not exhaustive. For the full information, visit CDA’s website)

Roads and Transport Authority:

Vehicle registration fee exemption in Dubai (1 vehicle/person) excluding technical test

Salik fee exemption (1 vehicle/person)

Public transportation fee exemptions (trains/marine/ buses)

Free parking permits (1 vehicle/person)

50% discount on all fees to obtain a driving licence

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority

50% discount for UAE nationals on the following services:

Registration fees of new applications

Issuance fees of the final bill

Issuing a clearance letter

Meter examination fee (if meter intact)

Free update to the subscriber’s data

Dubai Municipality

50% discount on tender documents

A discount on vehicle storage fees

Free access to the Children’s City and public parks in Dubai

Dubai Sports Council:

Free entry to sports clubs in Dubai

Free entry to conferences, events and sporting activities

Humaid Darwish Advocates and Legal Consultants

Free legal advice

Home-based consultation if needed

10% discount on attorney fees

Instalment payments of 25% per payment

Saudi German Hospital:

50% discount on all consultations

30% discount on other services

Dr Abdul Wahab M. Elhamy Dental Clinic

50% discount on services