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.

Dubai Sanad Card Program

What is the Sanad Card?

The Sanad Card is an official disability support card issued by Dubai's Community Development Authority (CDA) for People of Determination, including children and adults with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, ADHD, learning difficulties, sensory impairments, and other conditions.

The card provides access to:

• Government services

• Inclusion support

• Transportation benefits

• Parking privileges

• Discounts and accessibility services

• Partner benefits from private organisations in Dubai

Official page: cda.gov.ae

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• UAE citizens living in Dubai

• Dubai residents (including expats)

• Residents from other emirates living in Dubai

• Tourists visiting Dubai with disabilities

Conditions commonly accepted include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• ADHD

• Intellectual disabilities

• Learning disabilities

• Physical disabilities

• Hearing or visual impairments

• Communication disorders

• Psychological and developmental conditions

Benefits of the Sanad Card

Benefits may vary by case and partnership, but commonly include:

Transportation & mobility

• Free People of Determination parking permits

• RTA transport support

• Salik-related exemptions in some cases

• Free or discounted metro, bus, and tram access

• Reduced taxi fares for eligible users

Education & inclusion

• Easier access to inclusion support in Dubai schools

• Assistance during school accommodations and support planning

• Recognition during inclusion-related processes in some schools and therapy centres

Lifestyle & community

• Discounts from participating private companies

• Access support at attractions and public venues

• Telecom and service-provider discounts reported by families

Family support

• Access to People of Determination services through CDA

• Easier coordination with government departments and partner organisations

Documents required

Applicants are generally asked to submit:

• Emirates ID

• Passport copy and visa copy

• Passport-size photograph

• Medical report confirming the diagnosis

• Proof of Dubai residence (for residents)

• Existing UAE PoD card if available

For autism applications, families commonly upload:

• Autism diagnostic assessment

• Developmental paediatrician report

• Psychology or therapy reports

• Educational assessments, if available

Validity

• Dubai residents: typically valid for 2 years

• UAE nationals: up to 5 years

• Tourist Sanad Card: short-term validity for visitors

How to apply

Applications can be submitted through:

• CDA website

• Dubai Now app

• CDA Dubai app

• CDA Customer Happiness Centres

Apply here: cda.gov.ae

Important note for autism families: Many UAE autism families apply for both cards — the Federal UAE People of Determination Card and 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.

Issuing organisation

Issued by the Community Development Authority (CDA), Dubai.
Official website: cda.gov.ae

Eligibility, documents, and benefits are set by the CDA and can change. Please confirm the latest details on the official CDA channels before applying.

At a glance

• Funding type: government funded

Source and verification

Last source check: May 26, 2026

Check the current program details at the cited source. Eligibility, funding, availability, fees, and application steps can change.

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