Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The UAE is deeply committed to supporting vulnerable groups, ensuring people with disabilities are empowered to lead independent and dignified lives.

The UAE has established numerous laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities by prohibiting discrimination and guaranteeing access to education, housing, healthcare, and employment.

Legal Framework and Ratification

In 2010, the UAE ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is one of the many crucial steps taken at regulatory, economic, and social levels to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, and to empower them - according to UAE Federal Law No. 29 of 2006, as amended by Federal Law No. 14 of 2009.

In 2017, the UAE launched the National Policy for Empowering Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Community Development to enhance social integration. It embodies the UAE's integrated social approach, which is based on the notion that investing in individuals is an investment in the comprehensive and sustainable development of society.

Key Initiatives and Policies

In recent years, the UAE government has launched a series of policies aimed at supporting the rights of persons with disabilities in various sectors.

The UAE's Ministry of Community Development maintains a comprehensive database of persons with disabilities, including details on Emirate, nationality, gender, education, and employment. Eligible individuals are issued a disability card by the Ministry, serving as an official document guaranteeing their rights under Federal Law No. (29) of 2006.

Establishment of the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Council as per Cabinet Decision No. 1/6 of 2017. The council consists of 15 members who represent various bodies and government entities. The council serves as a supportive body, directly contributing to the national policy's targets for empowering persons with disabilities.

The UAE adopted the first local Emirati dictionary for individuals with hearing impairments as per Cabinet Decision No. (2/6) of 2018. The dictionary features various sign language terms prevalent in the local UAE culture and environment.

Establishment of the Higher Committee for Persons with Disabilities Services in 2019 under the supervision of the Ministry of Community Development, responsible for proposing legislations, policies, and initiatives to protect persons with disabilities.

The UAE issued a policy for the protection of persons with disabilities from abuse, focusing on prevention, early intervention for victims of abuse, and subsequent rehabilitation to ensure their mental health and self-defence abilities.

In 2021, the UAE’s Cabinet adopted The National Policy to Empower People with Autism, which establishes a comprehensive system of standard criteria designed to streamline services for individuals with autism and their families.

The UAE Universal Design Code promotes accessibility in buildings and transportation. Quality standards ensure efficient service delivery.

The Emirates Early Intervention Programme supports children with developmental delays, while the 'Nomow' app is utilised to detects delays early.

Investment in Healthcare For Persons With Disabilities

The UAE is committed to providing accessible healthcare services to persons with disabilities. The Ministry of Health and Prevention offers a special health card that entitles persons with disabilities to free medical services at all its facilities.

Additionally, the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination offers mental and psychological health assessments to persons with disabilities, along with rehabilitation treatment programme to develop sensory integration, neurodevelopment, sensory-motor and balance skills.

In Abu Dhabi, persons with disabilities can easily access emergency medical services by sending a text message to 5999.

In Dubai, the Community Development Authority has introduced the Sanad Smart Card, which allows persons with disabilities to benefit from and access services provided by various entities.

The Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) offers a wide range of services for persons with disabilities, fostering an environment of confidence and equal opportunity.

Ras Al Khaimah provides special services for persons with disabilities in public transports and health centres. Similar services are provided across all Emirates.

Throughout the UAE, both nationals and residents with disabilities can access free services at several government hospitals. The Ministry of Community Development also provides a guide to governmental and community centres that offer health services to persons with disabilities, ensuring that information is easily accessible.

Investment in Healthcare For Persons With Disabilities

Equal Rights In Employment

Persons with disabilities in the UAE, regardless of their citizenship status, have equal rights to employment. This policy:

Upholds their rights throughout all stages of employment, from recruitment and training to job retention, ensuring equal employment opportunities and providing an adequate working environment.

Mandates that government agencies protect the rights of persons with disabilities and prohibits contract termination due to disability, whether it occurred during or prior to employment, unless they reach retirement age or a medical committee determines that they are unfit to work.

Requires private sector institutions to incorporate persons with disabilities into their workforce and provide them with exemptions and benefits.

The UAE government launched an online employment platform specifically designed for persons with disabilities, which aims to encourage individuals to register to showcase their professional capabilities and skills. The Mashagel Workshops are aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among persons with disabilities. It involves training individuals to start and manage their own home-based businesses.

Rehabilitation centres for persons with disabilities

The federal government of the UAE operates rehabilitation centres for persons with disabilities under the Ministry of Community Development. These centres are located in several Emirates including Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, offering a wide range of educational, training, and rehabilitation programmes, which cater to individuals from early childhood up to 18 years of age. After this stage, students transition to the vocational rehabilitation stage which includes employment in small private projects or joining the open labour market.

Innovative Tools To Support Education

The UAE has a unique and inclusive approach to education, having made significant strides in integrating students with disabilities into the mainstream education system. This has been achieved through implementing strategies for adapting and equipping public schools, implementing best practices, and devising innovative solutions to ensure that students with disabilities can fully access education services without any barriers.

In 2008, the UAE established the Persons with Disabilities Department (formerly the Special Education Department) under the Ministry of Education, which works to safeguard the rights of students with disabilities, providing them with equal educational opportunities and access to specialised teachers.

In public schools, all special services and assistive technologies are provided free of charge.

These initiatives have been implemented in 80% of public schools across the country.

Accessible transport

The UAE has made significant strides in making transportation more accessible. Special taxis are available in most Emirates, and the UAE also grants free parking permits to persons with disabilities, while dedicated private parking spaces are available across the country.