United Arab Emirates hubs

Shamma

Caregiver

United Arab EmiratesArabic (العربية)AED AED

Shamma is a dedicated caregiver managing the health and well-being of her elderly parents and young children in the UAE. This hub helps her navigate the essential national support systems, from healthcare access to family welfare, that make her daily life easier.

Keeping my family healthy

Managing chronic conditions and routine checkups for dependents requires knowing exactly how to use national health infrastructure.

Thiqa Health Insurance

برنامج ثقة

national · Daman

Who qualifies
UAE Nationals
What you get
Comprehensive medical coverage at private and public facilities
What it actually costs you
Free for citizens; requires Emirates ID
Common gotcha
Coverage limits vary by network tier, check if your preferred clinic is in the 'Thiqa' network.

Saada Healthcare Program

برنامج سعادة

national · Dubai Health Authority

Who qualifies
UAE Nationals not covered by other government insurance
What you get
Access to private healthcare providers for essential services
What it actually costs you
Free; registration via Emirates ID
Common gotcha
Does not cover elective cosmetic procedures.

NABIDH Health Information Exchange

نبض

national · Dubai Health Authority

Who qualifies
All residents in Dubai
What you get
Unified electronic medical record accessible across hospitals
What it actually costs you
None; automatic integration
Common gotcha
Ensure your phone number is updated at every clinic to receive notifications.

National Immunization Program

البرنامج الوطني للتحصين

national · Ministry of Health and Prevention

Who qualifies
All children and elderly residents
What you get
Free mandatory and recommended vaccinations
What it actually costs you
None; bring Emirates ID and birth certificate
Common gotcha
Schools will require the vaccination card for enrollment.

Estijaba Mental Health Hotline

استجابة

national · Ministry of Health and Prevention

Who qualifies
All residents
What you get
Free tele-counseling and mental health support
What it actually costs you
Free; call 800-4673
Common gotcha
It is not for medical emergencies; call 999 for those.

Home Healthcare Services

خدمات الرعاية المنزلية

national · Ministry of Health and Prevention

Who qualifies
Elderly and people of determination
What you get
Medical visits and nursing care at home
What it actually costs you
Requires medical referral from a government hospital
Common gotcha
Waiting lists can be long; apply early.

Managing the household budget

Government grants and subsidies help offset the rising cost of living for families.

Social Welfare Assistance

المساعدات الاجتماعية

national · Ministry of Community Development

Who qualifies
Low-income families, widows, and elderly citizens
What you get
Monthly financial stipend
What it actually costs you
Proof of income, bank statement, and family book
Common gotcha
Must update your financial status annually to avoid suspension.

Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme

برنامج الشيخ زايد للإسكان

national · Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure

Who qualifies
UAE Nationals
What you get
Housing grants or interest-free loans for home construction
What it actually costs you
Land ownership proof and family status documents
Common gotcha
The process is highly competitive; keep your application status updated online.

Utility Subsidy for Citizens

دعم الكهرباء والمياه

national · Federal Electricity and Water Authority

Who qualifies
UAE National households
What you get
Reduced utility tariffs
What it actually costs you
Linked automatically to your account through Emirates ID
Common gotcha
Only applies to the primary residence.

Marriage Grant

منحة الزواج

national · Ministry of Community Development

Who qualifies
UAE Nationals marrying UAE Nationals
What you get
Financial grant to support wedding costs
What it actually costs you
Marriage certificate and proof of income
Common gotcha
Must apply within 6 months of the marriage contract.

Child Allowance for Employees

علاوة الأبناء

national · Federal Authority for Government Human Resources

Who qualifies
UAE National government employees
What you get
Monthly allowance per child
What it actually costs you
Birth certificates submitted to HR department
Common gotcha
Allowance stops when the child reaches a certain age or enters the workforce.

Subsidized Food Basket

سلة الغذاء المدعومة

national · Ministry of Community Development

Who qualifies
Low-income families
What you get
Discounted essential food items
What it actually costs you
Requires social welfare eligibility status
Common gotcha
Available only at designated cooperative societies.

Supporting my children's education

Navigating the public school system and securing scholarships for higher education.

Public School Admission

التسجيل في المدارس الحكومية

national · Emirates Schools Establishment

Who qualifies
UAE Nationals and children of GCC citizens
What you get
Free quality education
What it actually costs you
Emirates ID, immunization records, and previous school report
Common gotcha
Registration windows are strict; check the portal in early spring.

National Scholarship Program

البعثات الدراسية الوطنية

national · Ministry of Education

Who qualifies
High-achieving UAE National students
What you get
Full tuition and living stipend for university
What it actually costs you
High GPA and university acceptance letter
Common gotcha
Maintaining a minimum GPA is required to keep the funding.

People of Determination Education Support

دعم تعليم أصحاب الهمم

national · Ministry of Education

Who qualifies
Students with disabilities
What you get
Specialized support and classroom aids
What it actually costs you
Medical assessment report
Common gotcha
Requires an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting with the school.

Nursery Fee Subsidy

دعم رسوم الحضانات

national · Ministry of Community Development

Who qualifies
Working mothers
What you get
Partial coverage of nursery fees
What it actually costs you
Employment proof and nursery contract
Common gotcha
Only valid for licensed government-approved nurseries.

Alef Education Platform

منصة ألف

national · Ministry of Education

Who qualifies
Public school students
What you get
Interactive digital curriculum and learning tools
What it actually costs you
None; login provided by school
Common gotcha
Requires stable home internet.

ACTVET Vocational Training

مركز أبوظبي للتعليم والتدريب التقني والمهني

national · ACTVET

Who qualifies
Students aged 15+
What you get
Technical and vocational certifications
What it actually costs you
Application fee varies by course
Common gotcha
Courses fill up quickly; register during intake periods.

Keeping our papers in order

Everything in the UAE revolves around the Emirates ID; keeping it current is non-negotiable.

Emirates ID Renewal

تجديد بطاقة الهوية

national · Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship

Who qualifies
All residents
What you get
Official identity card for all government services
What it actually costs you
Renewal fee (~370 AED) and biometrics
Common gotcha
Fines apply for expired IDs; renew 30 days before expiry.

UAE PASS

هوية الإمارات الرقمية

national · Digital Dubai

Who qualifies
All residents with Emirates ID
What you get
Digital signature and single sign-on for all government portals
What it actually costs you
Free; requires smartphone and face verification
Common gotcha
Keep your registered phone number updated; it's the key to your account.

Family Book Services

خدمات خلاصة القيد

national · Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship

Who qualifies
UAE Nationals
What you get
Official family registration document
What it actually costs you
Submission of marriage and birth certificates
Common gotcha
Essential for almost all citizen-specific benefits.

Birth Certificate Issuance

شهادة الميلاد

national · Ministry of Health and Prevention

Who qualifies
Parents of newborns
What you get
Official birth certificate
What it actually costs you
Small processing fee; hospital notification
Common gotcha
Must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for use abroad.

Passport Renewal

تجديد جواز السفر

national · Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship

Who qualifies
UAE Nationals
What you get
Valid travel document
What it actually costs you
Renewal fee and recent photos
Common gotcha
Check validity 6 months before international travel.

Notary Public Services

كاتب العدل

national · Ministry of Justice

Who qualifies
All residents
What you get
Legal attestation of documents
What it actually costs you
Service fee per document
Common gotcha
Documents in foreign languages must be translated by a certified translator first.

State-level schemes

7states & territories — open one to see what it offers.

Ajmanعجمان

As a caregiver in Ajman, you rely on the Ajman Department of Finance and local community support to navigate the specific social welfare and health subsidies available to residents of the smallest emirate.

Keeping my family healthy and supported

Ajman Social Welfare Department Financial Aid

دائرة الخدمات الاجتماعية بعجمان

state · Ajman Department of Social Services

Who qualifies
Low-income Ajman residents, including elderly and people of determination.
What you get
Monthly financial assistance and specialized care equipment.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of residence in Ajman and detailed income statements.
Common gotcha
The application process is strict regarding the definition of 'low income' based on total household assets.

Ajman People of Determination Support

بطاقة أصحاب الهمم

state · Ajman Government

Who qualifies
Residents with documented physical or cognitive disabilities.
What you get
Priority access to government services and discounts on transport and medical supplies.
What it actually costs you
Medical report from a government-approved hospital.
Common gotcha
The card needs renewal every two years, which many caregivers forget.

Ajman Home Health Care Initiative

state · Ajman Health Department

Who qualifies
Elderly residents or chronic patients unable to visit clinics.
What you get
Free routine medical checkups and nurse visits at home.
What it actually costs you
Referral from a local primary health center.
Common gotcha
Waitlists can be long; keep your referral updated.

Ajman Charity Food Assistance

state · Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Foundation

Who qualifies
Families facing temporary financial hardship.
What you get
Monthly food baskets and basic essential supplies.
What it actually costs you
Simple application at the foundation office.
Common gotcha
It is intended for temporary relief, not long-term dependency.

Managing the household and bills

Ajman Housing Program

برنامج عجمان للإسكان

state · Ajman Municipality

Who qualifies
Ajman nationals who do not own a home.
What you get
Subsidized housing loans or land grants.
What it actually costs you
Extensive documentation of family status and income.
Common gotcha
The process is highly competitive and priority is given to large families.

Ajman Utility Subsidy for Low Income

state · Ajman Sewerage and Utility Authority

Who qualifies
Registered low-income households in Ajman.
What you get
Reduced rates on monthly water and sewage bills.
What it actually costs you
Proof of income and utility account number.
Common gotcha
Must be renewed annually with updated salary certificates.

Ajman Public Transport Concession

state · Ajman Transport Authority

Who qualifies
Students, elderly, and people of determination.
What you get
50% discount on bus fares within the emirate.
What it actually costs you
Application for a personalized transport card.
Common gotcha
The card only works on specific routes within Ajman city limits.

Ajman Educational Assistance Fund

state · Ajman Knowledge and Human Development Department

Who qualifies
Students from low-income families in government schools.
What you get
School supplies, uniforms, and occasional tuition fee waivers.
What it actually costs you
School recommendation letter.
Common gotcha
Funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Abu Dhabiأبو ظبي

Abu Dhabi offers world-class social support and specialized caregiving benefits through the Department of Community Development, tailored for residents managing household and medical needs.

Supporting my family at home

DCD Social Support Program

برنامج دائرة تنمية المجتمع للدعم الاجتماعي

state · Department of Community Development

Who qualifies
Low-income Abu Dhabi families and those requiring specialized home care assistance.
What you get
Monthly financial aid, housing assistance, and subsidized utility bills.
What it actually costs you
Requires Emirates ID, proof of income, and a social worker home visit.
Common gotcha
The application process is strict on residency status; ensure your family book is updated.

Ma'an Social Grants

منح معاً الاجتماعية

state · Ma'an Authority for Social Contribution

Who qualifies
Caregivers running community-based initiatives or supporting vulnerable family members.
What you get
Funding and mentorship for social projects that improve quality of life.
What it actually costs you
A detailed project proposal and proof of impact.
Common gotcha
This is for social impact projects, not personal cash transfers.

TAMM Caregiver Concierge

تم

state · Abu Dhabi Digital Authority

Who qualifies
Any resident managing government paperwork for elderly or dependent family members.
What you get
Priority processing for medical permits, home-care nursing approvals, and disability cards.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires UAE Pass for digital authentication.
Common gotcha
You must link your dependents' profiles to your UAE Pass account first.

When someone needs medical care

Thiqa Health Insurance

برنامج ثقة

state · Department of Health - Abu Dhabi

Who qualifies
UAE Nationals residing in Abu Dhabi.
What you get
Comprehensive medical coverage including specialized home-care nursing and physical therapy.
What it actually costs you
Zero copay at public hospitals; requires Emirates ID.
Common gotcha
Coverage for elective procedures outside the network requires prior authorization.

Abu Dhabi Home Healthcare Initiative

مبادرة الرعاية الصحية المنزلية

state · Department of Health

Who qualifies
Patients with chronic conditions or mobility issues requiring long-term care at home.
What you get
Regular visits from nurses, physiotherapists, and doctors at your doorstep.
What it actually costs you
Doctor's referral and medical history documentation.
Common gotcha
Waiting lists can be long; keep your medical records digitized.

Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination

مؤسسة زايد العليا لأصحاب الهمم

state · Zayed Higher Organization

Who qualifies
Caregivers of individuals with disabilities in Abu Dhabi.
What you get
Access to specialized rehabilitation centers, vocational training, and assistive devices.
What it actually costs you
Medical assessment report from an approved government hospital.
Common gotcha
The assessment process is thorough and can take several weeks.
Dubaiدبي

Dubai offers unique social support and health benefits for residents, though navigating the system requires understanding specific local residency-linked welfare programs.

Keeping my family healthy and safe

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Health Card

بطاقة هيئة الصحة بدبي

state · Dubai Health Authority

Who qualifies
Dubai residents with valid residency visas.
What you get
Reduced fees for medical consultations and diagnostic tests.
What it actually costs you
Annual fee based on age/category; requires Emirates ID and residency proof.
Common gotcha
It is not a substitute for mandatory health insurance; it only covers specific public facilities.

Community Development Authority (CDA) Social Support

هيئة تنمية المجتمع

state · Community Development Authority

Who qualifies
Low-income families and vulnerable individuals residing in Dubai.
What you get
Financial aid, housing support, and social welfare services.
What it actually costs you
Requires detailed financial disclosure and home visit assessment.
Common gotcha
Support is highly discretionary and prioritized for specific social cases.

Sanad Card for People of Determination

بطاقة سند

state · Community Development Authority

Who qualifies
Residents with disabilities (People of Determination).
What you get
Access to specialized services, discounts on public transport, and priority in government offices.
What it actually costs you
Medical report proving disability; free to apply.
Common gotcha
Must be renewed periodically with updated medical assessments.

Latifa Hospital Maternity Services

مستشفى لطيفة

state · Dubai Health Authority

Who qualifies
Pregnant residents registered with DHA.
What you get
Comprehensive maternal care and delivery services at subsidized rates.
What it actually costs you
Requires DHA registration and antenatal booking.
Common gotcha
High demand means booking appointments early is essential.

Making ends meet in the city

Nol Card Concessionary Fares

بطاقة نول

state · Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)

Who qualifies
Students, seniors, and people of determination.
What you get
50% discount on public transport fares (metro, bus, tram).
What it actually costs you
Application fee for personalized card; requires Emirates ID.
Common gotcha
The card must be tapped correctly to avoid maximum fare deduction.

Dubai Municipality Housing Fee Exemption

رسوم السكن

state · Dubai Municipality

Who qualifies
Specific low-income categories or those meeting social welfare criteria.
What you get
Exemption or reduction in the 5% housing fee added to utility bills.
What it actually costs you
Application through Dubai Municipality with proof of income.
Common gotcha
The fee is automatically added to DEWA bills; you must apply to remove it.

Dubai Food Bank Initiative

بنك الإمارات للطعام

state · Dubai Municipality

Who qualifies
Families and individuals in need of food assistance.
What you get
Distribution of surplus food and essential supplies.
What it actually costs you
Registration through local charity partners.
Common gotcha
Access is managed through vetted NGOs, not direct walk-ins.
Fujairahالفجيرة

Fujairah offers unique community-based support and local welfare initiatives that bridge the gap for caregivers managing household health and family stability.

Keeping the family healthy and cared for

Fujairah Welfare Medical Assistance

مساعدات الفجيرة الطبية

state · Fujairah Welfare Association

Who qualifies
Low-income families residing in Fujairah with chronic medical needs.
What you get
Financial coverage for specific diagnostic tests and essential medications not covered by standard insurance.
What it actually costs you
Requires a medical report from a government hospital and proof of income.
Common gotcha
The aid is often capped per family per year, so prioritize the most urgent treatments first.

Fujairah Home Nursing Subsidy

state · Fujairah Health Department

Who qualifies
Elderly residents or those with long-term disabilities requiring home-based care.
What you get
Subsidized visits from registered nurses for routine check-ups and wound care.
What it actually costs you
Application through the local health center with a physician's referral.
Common gotcha
Waitlists can be long; apply as soon as the doctor recommends home care.

Daily relief for the household

Fujairah Utility Relief Program

state · Fujairah Municipality

Who qualifies
Registered low-income households in Fujairah city.
What you get
A monthly discount on water and electricity bills to reduce household overheads.
What it actually costs you
Requires submission of the latest utility bill and Emirates ID.
Common gotcha
You must re-verify your income status every six months to keep the subsidy active.

Fujairah Community Food Basket

سلة الفجيرة الغذائية

state · Fujairah Charity Centre

Who qualifies
Caregivers supporting multiple dependents with limited financial resources.
What you get
Monthly distribution of essential dry goods and pantry staples.
What it actually costs you
A simple registration at the local charity office with family registry documents.
Common gotcha
Distribution is usually on a specific day of the month; missing it means waiting until the next cycle.
Ras Al Khaimahرأس الخيمة

As a caregiver in RAK, you rely on localized support systems like the Saqr Hospital network and community-specific social welfare initiatives that differ significantly from the federal UAE-wide mandates.

Keeping my family healthy and cared for

Saqr Hospital Specialized Patient Services

خدمات مستشفى صقر التخصصية

state · RAK Health Authority

Who qualifies
Residents of RAK with a valid Emirates ID and local health registration.
What you get
Priority access to specialized geriatric and pediatric care units.
What it actually costs you
Standard co-pay fees; requires referral from a primary health center.
Common gotcha
Specialized appointments often require a physical referral slip from your local clinic.

RAK Community Home Nursing Initiative

مبادرة التمريض المنزلي في رأس الخيمة

state · RAK Social Services Department

Who qualifies
Elderly or bedridden residents living in RAK without full-time family support.
What you get
Periodic home visits from government-certified nurses for basic vitals and wound care.
What it actually costs you
Free for low-income families; requires a medical assessment report.
Common gotcha
Waitlists can be long; apply as soon as the doctor recommends home care.

RAK Medical Equipment Loan Scheme

برنامج إعارة الأجهزة الطبية

state · RAK Charity Association

Who qualifies
Families caring for patients needing temporary mobility aids.
What you get
Free loan of wheelchairs, hospital beds, and oxygen concentrators.
What it actually costs you
Refundable security deposit; requires medical prescription.
Common gotcha
Equipment must be returned in good condition to get your deposit back.

RAK Pharmacy Assistance Program

برنامج دعم الأدوية في رأس الخيمة

state · RAK Social Services Department

Who qualifies
Low-income families struggling to cover chronic medication costs.
What you get
Vouchers for essential chronic disease medications at partner pharmacies.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of income and a valid prescription from a government hospital.
Common gotcha
Only works at specific pharmacies listed on the voucher.

Community help and family welfare

RAK Family Development Center Counseling

مركز التنمية الأسرية برأس الخيمة

state · RAK Family Development Center

Who qualifies
Any RAK resident facing family stress or caregiving burnout.
What you get
Free confidential counseling sessions for caregivers and families.
What it actually costs you
Appointment booking; no cost.
Common gotcha
Sessions are often conducted in Arabic; request an interpreter if needed.

RAK Seasonal Food Aid

مبادرة السلة الغذائية

state · RAK Charity Association

Who qualifies
Registered low-income families in RAK.
What you get
Monthly or seasonal food baskets containing essential staples.
What it actually costs you
Registration with the charity association; valid Emirates ID.
Common gotcha
Distribution points change; check the SMS notification carefully.

RAK Utility Assistance for Families

دعم فواتير الخدمات في رأس الخيمة

state · RAK Municipality

Who qualifies
Families with a single breadwinner or those caring for dependents.
What you get
Partial waiver or discount on monthly water and electricity bills.
What it actually costs you
Application through the municipality office; proof of dependency.
Common gotcha
Must be renewed annually; don't miss the deadline.

RAK Accessible Transport Service

خدمة النقل لذوي الإعاقة

state · RAK Transport Authority

Who qualifies
Residents with mobility issues or their caregivers.
What you get
Discounted or priority taxi services for medical appointments.
What it actually costs you
Registration of the patient's status in the system.
Common gotcha
Must book at least 24 hours in advance.
Sharjahالشارقة

Sharjah offers unique social support and family-centric welfare programs specifically designed for residents to maintain a stable quality of life for their dependents.

Keeping the family secure and healthy

Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation Support

مؤسسة التمكين الاجتماعي

state · Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation

Who qualifies
Orphans and their families residing in Sharjah who meet social criteria.
What you get
Financial aid, educational support, and psychological counseling for orphans.
What it actually costs you
Requires family status documentation and social worker assessment.
Common gotcha
The application process is strictly managed through home visits and social assessments.

Sharjah Charity International Medical Aid

جمعية الشارقة الخيرية

state · Sharjah Charity International

Who qualifies
Low-income residents facing high medical bills.
What you get
Direct financial assistance for surgeries, medications, and chronic disease treatments.
What it actually costs you
Medical reports, salary certificate, and residency proof.
Common gotcha
Funds are capped per case; you must apply before the procedure.

Family Development Centers Support

مراكز التنمية الأسرية

state · Supreme Council for Family Affairs

Who qualifies
Families in Sharjah seeking guidance or mediation.
What you get
Free family counseling, legal advice, and parenting workshops.
What it actually costs you
Free service; requires booking an appointment.
Common gotcha
Many sessions are group-based or require family attendance.

Daily help for the household

Sharjah Housing Program Assistance

برنامج الشارقة للإسكان

state · Sharjah Housing Program

Who qualifies
Sharjah nationals meeting specific housing needs.
What you get
Grants or interest-free loans for home construction or maintenance.
What it actually costs you
Extensive property documentation and proof of residency.
Common gotcha
Strict eligibility criteria regarding existing property ownership.

Sharjah Cooperative Society Shareholder Benefits

جمعية الشارقة التعاونية

state · Sharjah Cooperative Society

Who qualifies
Registered shareholders of the cooperative.
What you get
Annual dividends and exclusive discounts on household staples.
What it actually costs you
Initial share purchase fee.
Common gotcha
Dividends are only paid to active shareholders who shop regularly.
Umm Al Quwainأم القيوين

As a caregiver in UAQ, you rely on local community support and specialized regional health initiatives that cater to families living in the emirate's quieter, more traditional setting.

Keeping the family healthy and supported

Umm Al Quwain Community Health Outreach

برنامج أم القيوين للرعاية الصحية المجتمعية

state · Umm Al Quwain Medical District

Who qualifies
Residents of UAQ requiring home-based care or chronic disease monitoring.
What you get
Regular home visits by nurses and specialized health checks for elderly family members.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires Emirates ID and a referral from a local primary health center.
Common gotcha
Scheduling visits can be slow; ensure your contact details are updated with the local clinic.

Umm Al Quwain Disability Support Fund

صندوق دعم أصحاب الهمم في أم القيوين

state · Community Development Authority UAQ

Who qualifies
Families caring for individuals with determined needs residing in UAQ.
What you get
Financial aid for specialized equipment and home modifications.
What it actually costs you
Requires a medical report from a government-approved facility and proof of residency.
Common gotcha
The application process requires a social worker assessment, which can take several weeks.

Daily help for the household

Umm Al Quwain Social Welfare Grant

منحة أم القيوين للرعاية الاجتماعية

state · Umm Al Quwain Executive Council

Who qualifies
Low-income households residing in UAQ facing temporary financial hardship.
What you get
Monthly cash assistance and food vouchers for basic necessities.
What it actually costs you
Bank statements, utility bills, and a salary certificate.
Common gotcha
This is a temporary grant; you must re-apply every six months to prove ongoing need.

Umm Al Quwain Family Recreation Access

برنامج أم القيوين للأنشطة الترفيهية العائلية

state · Department of Tourism and Antiquities UAQ

Who qualifies
Families living in UAQ with children or elderly members.
What you get
Discounted access to public parks, community centers, and local heritage sites.
What it actually costs you
Requires a resident card or proof of UAQ residency.
Common gotcha
Discounts often apply only on weekdays; weekends are usually full-price.