What are People of Determination benefits in the UAE?

In the UAE, persons with disabilities are officially termed 'People of Determination'. Key benefits include: Sanad Card (Dubai) / MOCD POD Card granting free public transport (Dubai Metro/Bus), exemption from Salik tolls, free public parking permits in metered zones, priority healthcare, inclusive education support, and employment quota rights under Cabinet Resolution No. 43 of 2018.

How do I apply for a People of Determination (POD) card in the UAE?

Apply online through the Ministry of Community Development (MOCD) portal (mocd.gov.ae) or the RTA Dubai Sanad Card portal. You must upload a medical/psychological diagnostic report issued by an accredited DHA/MOHAP/SEHA medical center.

Are Salik tolls and parking free for People of Determination in Dubai?

Yes. Registered People of Determination holding a Sanad Card / RTA permit receive 100% exemption from Dubai Salik tolls (up to 2 vehicles per cardholder) and are granted free parking permits for designated POD bays and public metered parking zones.

Home/Uae/Disability People Of Determination Benefits Guide

Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 & Cabinet Resolution 43/2018

UAE People of Determination Benefits Guide

Comprehensive directory of statutory rights, transport subsidies, Salik toll exemptions, free parking permits, inclusive education framework, and employment protections for People of Determination.

National Strategy for People of Determination

The UAE protects and empowers persons with physical, sensory, cognitive, or intellectual disabilities under Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 regarding the Rights of People of Determination and Cabinet Resolution No. 43 of 2018 on Employment of People of Determination.

Benefits are accessible to both UAE citizens and resident expats holding a valid People of Determination (POD) Smart Card issued by MOCD or RTA Dubai.

Statutory Exemptions & Privileges (Sanad / POD Card)

Benefit Area	Exemption / Support Level	Issuing Authority & Details
Salik Toll Gate Exemption	100% Toll Exemption (Free)	Exemption from Salik tolls in Dubai for up to 2 vehicles registered to cardholder or direct family
Public Parking Permits	100% Free Parking	Free parking in all public RTA metered zones & reserved POD parking bays across Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Public Transport (Metro/Bus)	100% Free Travel	Unlimited free travel on Dubai Metro, Tram, & public buses using personalized Nol Card
Employment Protection	Non-Discrimination Rights	Equal employment rights, accessible workplace accommodations, and private sector hiring incentives
Inclusive Education	Mandatory Admission	KHDA & ADEK policy mandates private schools cannot refuse admission to POD students
Healthcare Subsidies	Priority & Extended Coverage	Dedicated health insurance packages, specialized rehabilitation grants, & priority hospital care

How to Apply for MOCD / RTA POD Card

1. Obtain official diagnostic medical report from DHA, MOHAP, or SEHA hospital
2. Apply online at MOCD portal (mocd.gov.ae) or RTA Sanad Card app
3. Upload Emirates ID, medical report, passport copy, & photo
4. Digital POD Smart Card issued within 3 to 5 working days
5. Link POD Card to RTA Salik and Nol Card accounts for automatic toll exemptions

Golden Visa for Caregivers & Therapists

Specialized professionals working with People of Determination qualify for a 10-Year UAE Golden Visa:

⭐ Special Education Teachers & Inclusion Specialists
⭐ Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, & Physiotherapists
⭐ MOCD / Zayed Higher Organization accredited rehabilitation directors

Frequently Asked Questions

Key benefits include free public transport (Dubai Metro/Bus), 100% Salik toll exemptions, free public metered parking, priority healthcare, inclusive education support, and employment protection under Cabinet Resolution 43/2018.

Apply online via the Ministry of Community Development (MOCD) portal or RTA Dubai Sanad Card portal uploading an accredited medical diagnostic report.

Yes. Registered cardholders receive 100% Salik toll exemption (up to 2 vehicles) and free parking permits for designated POD bays and public metered parking.

🤲 Special Needs Caregivers Golden Visa Guide →🛣️ Dubai Salik Toll Gate System Guide →🅿️ UAE Parking Rules & Exemption Permits →

MOCD & RTA Verified

• Ministry of Community Development POD Services: mocd.gov.ae
• RTA Sanad Card Services: rta.ae