Dubai: Dubai has launched the SANAD Tourist Card, a unique initiative designed to make travel to the city more accessible and seamless for People of Determination. Available through the DubaiNow app, the card enables individuals holding a valid disability card in their home country to access a wide variety of services and facilities, including free parking, airport assistance, public transportation, complimentary or discounted entry to many tourist attractions, and discounts across a range of malls, restaurants, pharmacies and with telecom providers.

Led by the Community Development Authority (CDA) in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the SANAD Tourist Card is one of the first citywide cards for accessibility globally. Highlighting Dubai’s commitment to ensuring social cohesion, the initiative aligns with key priorities of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to make Dubai the world’s best city to visit, live and work in, as well as the Dubai Social Agenda 33 in ensuring an outstanding quality of life and equal opportunities for all residents and visitors. 

The launch of the new card follows on from Dubai being recognised as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

First-time visitors can secure the card on arrival while those who have previously visited Dubai are able to secure the card before departing their home country. This ensures immediate access to services upon landing at Dubai’s airports or crossing its land borders, providing peace of mind and an exceptional experience for People of Determination.

Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, affirmed that Dubai’s leadership in integrating and empowering People of Determination reflects a firm vision centred on enhancing quality of life and ensuring the participation of all members of society in the development journey. She noted that the SANAD Tourist Card reinforces Dubai’s status as a globally leading inclusive city and provides a sustainable model for accessible tourism.

Her Excellency explained that the launch of the card sends a message of welcome and appreciation to every visitor with a disability, with Dubai affirming: “We welcome you, we value you, and we provide everything you need.” She emphasised that this initiative goes beyond accessibility to embody the values of empowerment, joy, and the creation of meaningful human memories.

She added: “The SANAD Tourist Card represents a qualitative leap toward inclusive excellence, empowering People of Determination to explore Dubai with ease, comfort, and a deep sense of belonging. This initiative is a testament to Dubai’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development, offering tailored benefits that ensure a unique, accessible, and enriching tourism experience – both socially and humanely.”

His Excellency, Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “Guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we are proud to support the development and launch of the SANAD Tourist Card, which further underlines the city’s commitment to accessibility and world-class experiences for all. This initiative exemplifies our city’s culture of collaboration, bringing together stakeholders and partners, led by the Community Development Authority, to drive our strategic focus on universal accessibility, social cohesion, and sustainable economic growth. By setting new standards in accessibility, we are consistently advancing the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, while fostering a profound sense of belonging and creating shared, enriching experiences for all residents and visitors, in alignment with the UAE Year of Community.”

Paul Griffiths, Dubai Airports CEO: “At Dubai Airports, we believe that a truly exceptional travel experience is one that welcomes and supports everyone at every step of the journey. The SANAD Tourist Card is another important milestone in our efforts to remove barriers and set new standards in accessibility. By working closely with our partners, we are ensuring that guests of determination experience the same world-class welcome that defines Dubai, from the moment they touch down. This initiative is a powerful example of how innovation, collaboration, and empathy can come together to make travel more human, more seamless, and more inclusive.”

He added: “This builds on a series of initiatives we’ve introduced to support People of Determination, including the training of over 45,000 employees across our oneDXB community to better recognise and respond to hidden disabilities, and to ensure every guest is met with understanding and respect.”

The SANAD Tourist Card offers additional benefits, including specialised water chairs and dedicated games for children at Mushrif Park and Zabeel Park, free entry to sports clubs, and exclusive discounts at partnering retailers and restaurants including Samsung Gulf Electronics, Parker’s restaurants and Sharaf DG. 

The SANAD Tourist Card is available via the DubaiNow app, which can be downloaded on the App Store and Google Play. 

For more information about travel accessibility in Dubai, please visit: http://visitdubai.com/accessibility