Tourists with special needs, commonly referred to as People of Determination (PoD), are now beneficiaries of Dubai’s latest initiatives aimed at enhancing their travel experience. Announced during the 4th Accessible Travel and Tourism International Conference, officials from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) shared details of these groundbreaking measures.
Osama Al Safi, RTA’s Director of the Parking Department and head of the Friendly Organisation for PoD, outlined that PoD tourists can now avail themselves of free public parking across Dubai for a period of up to three months. The application process for free parking has been streamlined and digitized, allowing PoD tourists to apply through the RTA’s website, app, or at any customer happiness center, eliminating the need for physical permits.
Noteworthy is the temporary nature of this free parking privilege, with a validity of up to three months per application, highlighting Dubai’s commitment to providing inclusive services for all.
In addition to complimentary parking, PoD tourists can now enjoy a 50% discount on taxi fares across Dubai. Abdullah Ibrahim Al Meer, Acting Chief Business Transformation Officer at DTC, explained that to avail of this discount, tourists simply need to apply for a Sanad card issued by the Community Development Authority (CDA) for both PoD residents and tourists.
DTC’s recent expansion of taxi fare discounts is particularly significant as it now encompasses regular taxis for PoDs, specifically those with non-motor disabilities. Regular taxis can be conveniently booked through the DTC app, allowing a broader range of PoDs to access reduced fares.
To benefit from the 50% fare discount, PoD tourists are required to obtain a Sanad card. The validity of Sanad cards for PoD tourists is linked to their visit duration. The application process is facilitated online and mandates specific requirements, including an e-copy of the visit visa issued by Dubai, passport copy, e-copy of the medical report or disability card from their home country, and a recent photograph.
These initiatives underline Dubai’s steadfast commitment to championing accessibility and inclusivity for all visitors, ensuring a more seamless and enjoyable experience for tourists with special needs. The measures showcase Dubai as a leading global destination that prioritizes the well-being and convenience of every traveler, regardless of their abilities or special requirements.