UAE Senior Citizens & Elderly Care Benefits
A detailed 2026 guide to Senior Emirati benefits, Dubai Thukher and nol concessions, Abu Dhabi Barkitna/Barakatna services, senior healthcare programmes and retired-foreigner residence.
National welfare benefits and resident concessions are not the same programme. Eligibility, discounts and services vary by Emirate and authority.
UAE Senior-Care Policy
The UAE launched its National Policy for Senior Citizens in 2018. The policy covers seven broad areas, including healthcare, community participation and active life, civic participation, infrastructure and transportation, financial stability, safety and security, and quality of life. Federal Law No. 9 of 2019 on the Rights of Senior Emiratis further protects the rights of senior citizens.
The UAE generally uses the term Senior Emiratisfor citizens aged 60 and above. Local programmes can use the same age threshold while extending selected services to residents.
Senior Emiratis — Federal & National Senior Policy
Main audience: UAE citizens aged 60 and above who meet the relevant eligibility conditions.
National Policy for Senior Citizens — Main Areas
| Policy area | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Access to healthcare, rehabilitation, caregiver support and programmes designed around senior health needs. |
| Community & active life | Social clubs, recreation, intergenerational activities and opportunities for continued social participation. |
| Transportation & infrastructure | Age-friendly infrastructure and transport access, including local concession programmes. |
| Financial stability | Social-welfare and pension mechanisms for eligible citizens; these are governed separately from discount cards. |
| Safety & security | Protection against neglect, abuse and exploitation and support for safe independent living. |
| Quality of life | Cultural, recreational and community programmes designed to support independence and dignity. |
Senior Healthcare & Home-Care Support
Senior-care services differ by Emirate and health authority. The national senior policy supports healthcare access and caregiver programmes, while local initiatives provide more specialised services.
- Geriatric and age-specific healthcare services
- Caregiver training and support
- Community-based senior health programmes
- Home-care and supported-living initiatives in selected emirates
- Preventive-health and chronic-disease programmes
- Social clubs and rehabilitation / physiotherapy activities
Current 2026 Abu Dhabi Senior-Care Developments
Abu Dhabi continues to expand senior preventive-care and community programmes. In 2026, the Healthy Horizons initiative focuses on geriatric medicine, chronic disease management, vision, sleep and mental wellbeing for Emirati seniors.
Abu Dhabi also has Barakatna-related assisted-living and community-care services. These programmes are not equivalent to an automatic nationwide entitlement to free doctor visits for every person aged 60+.
Senior Transport Concessions by Dubai RTA
| Category | Age | Concession | Modes covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Emiratis / senior residents | 60+ | 50% fare discount | Dubai Metro, Tram and Bus; intercity and seasonal buses are excluded from the concession. |
RTA currently states that senior concessions are linked to the appropriate personal nol card and valid Emirates ID.
Applying for Senior Cards
Dubai — Thukher / RTA
- Thukher is a Dubai senior programme for people over 60.
- Senior transport concession requires the appropriate personal nol card and valid Emirates ID.
- Exact Thukher benefits depend on participating entities and current offers.
Abu Dhabi — Barkitna
- Available through TAMM for eligible seniors/residents registered in the relevant database.
- Log in with UAE Pass and verify personal information.
- The digital card can be downloaded from the TAMM wallet after successful issuance.
Related UAE Tools & Guides
2026 VerifiedFrequently Asked Questions
Official Senior-Care & Retirement Sources
This page is based on current UAE Government, RTA, Dubai Government, Family Development Foundation, ICP and GDRFA Dubai materials checked for 2026. It is not government-verified, endorsed or certified by any authority.
Eligibility and benefits can depend on nationality, age, Emirate, residence status, programme registration and the specific service provider. Confirm current terms through the official service before relying on a discount, healthcare service or residence condition.
International Money Transfer & FX Rates — Transparent Cross-Border Wire Rates
Bypass retail bank markups when transferring USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD, or INR. Check today's real mid-market exchange rate instantly before initiating a transfer.