Dubai Sanad Card Program
Offered by Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)
KHDA-led inclusive education hub providing assessment, individualised education plans, and inclusion support for children of determination in Dubai schools.
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</p><h2>Dubai Sanad Card Program</h2><p>
</p><h3>What is the Sanad Card?</h3><p>The <strong>Sanad Card</strong> is an official disability support card issued by Dubai's Community Development Authority (CDA) for <strong>People of Determination</strong>, including children and adults with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, ADHD, learning difficulties, sensory impairments, and other conditions.</p><p>
</p><p>The card provides access to:</p><ul><li><p>Government services</p></li><li><p>Inclusion support</p></li><li><p>Transportation benefits</p></li><li><p>Parking privileges</p></li><li><p>Discounts and accessibility services</p></li><li><p>Partner benefits from private organisations in Dubai</p></li></ul><p>
</p><p>Official page: <a target="blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cda.gov.ae/">cda.gov.ae</a></p><p>
</p><h3>Who can apply?</h3><p>Eligible applicants include:</p><ul><li><p>UAE citizens living in Dubai</p></li><li><p>Dubai residents (including expats)</p></li><li><p>Residents from other emirates living in Dubai</p></li><li><p>Tourists visiting Dubai with disabilities</p></li></ul><p>
</p><p>Conditions commonly accepted include:</p><ul><li><p>Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)</p></li><li><p>ADHD</p></li><li><p>Intellectual disabilities</p></li><li><p>Learning disabilities</p></li><li><p>Physical disabilities</p></li><li><p>Hearing or visual impairments</p></li><li><p>Communication disorders</p></li><li><p>Psychological and developmental conditions</p></li></ul><p>
</p><h3>Benefits of the Sanad Card</h3><p>Benefits may vary by case and partnership, but commonly include:</p><p>
</p><p>Transportation & mobility</p><ul><li><p>Free People of Determination parking permits</p></li><li><p>RTA transport support</p></li><li><p>Salik-related exemptions in some cases</p></li><li><p>Free or discounted metro, bus, and tram access</p></li><li><p>Reduced taxi fares for eligible users</p></li></ul><p>
</p><p>Education & inclusion</p><ul><li><p>Easier access to inclusion support in Dubai schools</p></li><li><p>Assistance during school accommodations and support planning</p></li><li><p>Recognition during inclusion-related processes in some schools and therapy centres</p></li></ul><p>
</p><p>Lifestyle & community</p><ul><li><p>Discounts from participating private companies</p></li><li><p>Access support at attractions and public venues</p></li><li><p>Telecom and service-provider discounts reported by families</p></li></ul><p>
</p><p>Family support</p><ul><li><p>Access to People of Determination services through CDA</p></li><li><p>Easier coordination with government departments and partner organisations</p></li></ul><p>
</p><h3>Documents required</h3><p>Applicants are generally asked to submit:</p><ul><li><p>Emirates ID</p></li><li><p>Passport copy and visa copy</p></li><li><p>Passport-size photograph</p></li><li><p>Medical report confirming the diagnosis</p></li><li><p>Proof of Dubai residence (for residents)</p></li><li><p>Existing UAE PoD card if available</p></li></ul><p>
</p><p>For autism applications, families commonly upload:</p><ul><li><p>Autism diagnostic assessment</p></li><li><p>Developmental paediatrician report</p></li><li><p>Psychology or therapy reports</p></li><li><p>Educational assessments, if available</p></li></ul><p>
</p><h3>Validity</h3><ul><li><p>Dubai residents: typically valid for 2 years</p></li><li><p>UAE nationals: up to 5 years</p></li><li><p>Tourist Sanad Card: short-term validity for visitors</p></li></ul><p>
</p><h3>How to apply</h3><p>Applications can be submitted through:</p><ul><li><p>CDA website</p></li><li><p>Dubai Now app</p></li><li><p>CDA Dubai app</p></li><li><p>CDA Customer Happiness Centres</p></li></ul><p>
</p><p>Apply here: <a target="blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cda.gov.ae/">cda.gov.ae</a></p><p>
</p><p><strong>Important note for autism families:</strong> Many UAE autism families apply for <strong>both</strong> cards — the Federal UAE People of Determination Card <em>and</em> the Dubai Sanad Card — because some services accept one card while others specifically request the Sanad Card. The Sanad Card is commonly used alongside therapy centres, KHDA school inclusion systems, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and autism support services in Dubai. </p><p>
</p><h3>Issuing organisation</h3><p>Issued by the Community Development Authority (CDA), Dubai.<br> Official website: <a target="blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cda.gov.ae/">cda.gov.ae</a></p><p>
</p><p>Eligibility, documents, and benefits are set by the CDA and can change. Please confirm the latest details on the official CDA channels before applying.</p>