All About the UAE POD Card

The government of Dubai has always worked to enhance the quality of life for everyone living in the UAE, including people with disabilities. To promote mobility and independence, the government takes initiatives like the POD card that support disabled people in various sectors. This card is also known as the Sanad card. It allows eligible people with limited mobility to access a wide range of benefits, discounts, and special services across the country.

In this blog, we will explain what the UAE POD Card is, who can apply, how to apply, and what are the benefits you can receive.

What is the POD (Sanad) Card?

The POD Card is an official identification card issued to People of Determination living in the UAE. It confirms that the cardholder is eligible for government support services and special privileges. The card can be used across transport, healthcare, education, shopping, entertainment, telecommunications, and hospitality. In short, it helps make daily life easier and more affordable. 

At Manafeth Mobility Solutions, we support this mission of facilitating POD by providing wheelchair accessible vehicles and wheelchairs for rent at lower rates.

Who Can Apply for Sanad Card?

People who have disability certificate from the government of the UAE are eligible for the Sanad Card.  

• Physical disabilities
• Visual impairments
• Hearing impairments
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Intellectual disabilities
• Other medically recognized conditions

Both UAE nationals and residents with disabilities can apply, depending on the eligibility rules set by each emirate.

How to Apply for the POD Card

The application process is simple and mostly online. You need to follow some simple steps to apply for POD card. 

• Filling out an online application form on the government portal.
• Upload documents such as the Emirates ID and passport copy.
• Submit recent medical reports from approved medical authorities.
• Waiting for application review and approval.
• Once approved, the POD card is issued.  

Benefits of the POD card

Transport Benefits

Transport is one of the biggest areas where People of Determination receive support.

In Abu Dhabi, cardholders can travel free on city buses and suburban buses using the Hafilat smart card. All buses are wheelchair accessible and designed to support easy boarding and exiting.

People with disabilities are also exempt from toll gate charges in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In Dubai, this exemption is managed by the Roads and Transport Authority. Once registered, vehicles owned by eligible people are not charged Salik toll fees.

POD cardholders can receive special parking permits that allow them to park in designated accessible spaces closer to entrances. In many areas, parking fees are also waived.  

For air travel, Emirates offers discounts of up to 55% on travel tickets for People of Determination. Abu Dhabi Airports provides free parking for one hour and dedicated service counters at airports.

Healthcare Benefits

In the UAE, People with limited mobility can receive priority appointments and shorter waiting times through SEHA healthcare facilities. Certain hospitals provide additional benefits. For example, Sharjah University Hospital offers health insurance benefits for eligible UAE nationals with disabilities.

Private healthcare clinics such as Esthetica Dental Clinic provide discounts on dental services for MOCD POD card holders. Rehabilitation centers like Mirdif Centre offer special rates on therapy and related services.

Dining and Retail Discounts

Restaurants such as SALT, Parker’s, Switch, and Somewhere offer around 20% discounts for people with disabilities and sometimes their family members. King Juice offers a 25% discount.

Al Jaber Optical provides discounts on frames, lenses, and eye tests. LensCrafters offers free prescription frames for children of determination.

Entertainment and Leisure Benefits

People with limited mobility can enjoy free or discounted access to many attractions across the UAE.

Cardholders receive free entry to places such as:

• IMG Worlds of Adventure
• Louvre Abu Dhabi
• Global Village
• Dubai Frame
• Dubai Safari Park

Dubai Municipality allows free entry to public parks and selected attractions for disabled people, along with two accompanying persons in many cases.

Hotel and Travel Discounts

Several hotel groups like Dusit Thani Dubai, Shangri-La Dubai, and The Ritz-Carlton Dubai in the UAE offer special rates to POD cardholders. These discounts make travel and stay more affordable for disabled people and their families.

How Manafeth improve life of people with disabilities

 With a wide range of high-quality mobility solutions and POD taxis, Manafeth has become the most trusted supplier in the UAE. We not only sell mobility aids across the UAE but also rent them at affordable rental costs. Our expert team guide you from selecting the right solution to smooth delivery and free after-sales support. 

Conclusion

The UAE POD (Sanad) Card is more than just an ID card. It is a strong support system that promotes independence and inclusion for disabled people. From free public transport and toll exemptions to healthcare support, restaurant offers, and free attraction entry, the benefits are wide-ranging. If you or a family member qualifies, applying for the POD card can reduce expenses and improve daily life.