Special services for senior citizens

Dubai: The senior citizen initiative has been rolled out and Emiratis above the age of 60 can now look forward to free parking, slaughtered animals delivered straight to their homes, and free hepatitis shots.

The initiative for the elderly came into effect at the start of the year, where dozens of Emiratis who registered with the Community Development Authority (CDA) received their ‘Thuker’ card.

“The services were launched to ease the lives of the elderly in our community, and to promote a healthier lifestyle. We were eager to join the initiative because they have played a vital role in the development of the UAE with their experience,” said Khalid Badri, Director of Customer Relations Department, Dubai Municipality.

According to the CDA, 4.3 per cent of the Emirati population living in Dubai is above the age of 60, and more than 9,000 files are being processed.

Elderly Emiratis are required to register with the CDA in order to be eligible for the card. Once registered, applicants will be offered a variety of services from governmental departments in Dubai.

“Some of the new services we introduced that specifically cater to the elderly, include free parking at the Fish Market, and free hepatitis shots in their homes. And as the abattoirs are usually busy, we facilitated the service of buying and slaughtering animals, and delivering them for free at the homes of card-holders,” Badri said.

Further services aimed at giving priority to senior citizens include a 10 per cent discount in leasing facilities at Children’s City, in addition to a discount for up to 50 sacks of compost per year.