Dubai to Waive Parking Fees for Senior Emirati Citizens and People with Disabilities

 In a significant move to support the UAE's "Family First" agenda, Dubai has announced plans to waive parking fees for Emirati senior citizens and exempt people with disabilities from Salik road toll charges. The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday, marks a key partnership between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Ministry of Family.

The new measures are designed to alleviate daily financial burdens on families and enhance mobility for vulnerable segments of society. Under the agreement, Emirati citizens aged 60 and above will be fully exempt from parking fees. Additionally, discounted public transport fares will be extended to senior Emiratis and students.

People with disabilities will receive even broader exemptions, covering Salik toll fees, parking charges, public transport fares, and vehicle registration and renewal fees. They will also benefit from a 50 percent reduction in taxi fares and driver licensing fees. While the specific start date for these exemptions has not yet been announced, the authorities confirmed that the community initiatives will roll out soon.

"Our partnership with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority represents a practical extension of the Family First programme," said Sana Suhail, Minister of Family. She noted that the collaboration expands the program's scope to include transport and urban mobility, sectors that significantly impact families' daily lives.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA, emphasized the authority's commitment to creating an inclusive transport system. "At RTA, we are committed to aligning our projects and policies with the national directions for the growth of the Emirati family by providing a safe, accessible, and inclusive transport system," he said. He added that these steps contribute to reducing daily burdens and enhancing the ease of mobility within an integrated urban environment.

The announcement comes during the UAE's designated "Year of Family" in 2026, a national effort to promote family values amidst demographic shifts. Government figures indicate a decline in the Emirati birth rate of approximately 11 percent between 2015 and 2022, alongside a rapidly aging population. The number of Emiratis aged 60 and older is projected to rise from 165,000 to two million by 2050.

These transport incentives align with the National Family Growth Agenda 2031, which envisions the Emirati family as the central pillar of development, social balance, and sustainability. Through these initiatives, the government aims to foster a supportive environment that encourages family cohesion and addresses the challenges of an evolving demographic landscape.