The Esaad Card is Dubai Police’s privilege programme that turns a UAE residency into real, recurring savings. In 2026, it pairs especially well with the UAE Golden Visa, giving long-term residents free access to thousands of discounts at home and abroad.
What Is the Esaad Card?
Esaad is a loyalty and discount programme run by Dubai Police. Cardholders unlock offers across travel, hotels, healthcare, dining, retail, education and more. Today the network spans more than 7,000 partner outlets in the UAE and around 92 countries worldwide.
The card is fully digital. You hold it in the official Esaad app (Android / iOS) and present the QR code or your Emirates ID at the till to claim a discount.
Esaad Card Benefits in 2026
The savings are spread across ten everyday categories. Discounts typically range from 10% to 70%, depending on the partner and the season. Travel and healthcare tend to deliver the biggest absolute savings, while dining and retail compound nicely over a year.
Here is how the main benefit categories break down:
| Category | What You Save On |
|---|---|
| Travel & Tourism | Flights, hotels in Dubai and abroad, holiday packages |
| Healthcare | Clinics, dental, diagnostics, pharmacies |
| Education | School fees, university tuition, training |
| Retail & Malls | Fashion, electronics, beauty, online shopping |
| Dining & Entertainment | Restaurants, cafes, theme parks, leisure |
| Automobiles | Car purchases, servicing, rentals |
| Family & Residential | Home setup, kids activities, daily services |
How the Esaad Card Pairs with the UAE Golden Visa
This is where the Esaad Card becomes most valuable. Dubai offers it free to eligible 5-year and 10-year Golden Visa holders, layering lifestyle savings on top of the visa’s long residency, family sponsorship and no-sponsor freedoms.
Used regularly, the card converts your Golden Visa into measurable monthly savings. Healthcare and education are where families tend to feel it most. Frequent travellers benefit from airline and hotel discounts that quickly cover the cost of a short trip.
Golden Visa Categories Eligible for a Free Esaad Card
| Golden Visa Category | Free Esaad Card? |
|---|---|
| Investors (real estate or public funds) | Yes |
| Entrepreneurs | Yes |
| Specialised talents (doctors, scientists, inventors) | Yes |
| Creatives in culture & arts | Yes |
| Executive directors & specialised academics | Yes |
| Professional athletes | Yes |
| PhD holders & humanitarian workers | Yes |
| Outstanding students & high school graduates | Yes |
Adult dependents on the same Golden Visa can each register for their own Esaad Card profile. This is recommended because cashiers usually scan one card per person and may ask to see a matching Emirates ID at checkout.
Who Else Is Eligible for the Esaad Card?
Beyond Golden Visa holders, the Esaad Card is also available to several other groups linked to Dubai. The card is free for all eligible categories, with no application or annual fees.
- Government employees under the General Directorate of Dubai Police
- Military and civilian retirees
- Senior citizens
- People of Determination
- Limited-income citizens
- First-degree relatives of eligible cardholders (spouse, parents, children)
How to Apply for the Esaad Card
The Esaad Card application is online-first. If your Emirates ID is active and your details match across documents, the whole process takes only a few minutes to submit.
What You Will Need
Keep these ready before you start the application:
- Valid Emirates ID
- Active Golden Visa or eligible residency
- Passport bio page scan
- Recent passport-style photo
- UAE mobile number and email for OTPs
Step-by-Step Registration
Once your documents are ready, follow these steps on the official Esaad portal or app:
- Create an account and choose the relevant category (e.g. Golden Visa).
- Enter your name and Emirates ID exactly as printed.
- Upload your passport, photo and any supporting documents.
- Add your email and UAE mobile, then verify with the OTP.
- Submit and wait for approval.
Approval typically takes 5 to 10 business days. Once approved, your digital Esaad Card with QR code becomes available in the app and is ready to use immediately.
Featured Esaad Card Offers in 2026
Esaad partners refresh their offers regularly, so always confirm the latest discount in the app before booking. As of 2026, some of the most popular travel partners include:
| Partner | Typical Discount |
|---|---|
| Emirates | Up to 10% off |
| flydubai | Up to 25% off |
| Etihad Airways | 15% to 20% off |
| flynas | Around 20% off |
| Thai Airways | 20% to 25% off |
Beyond flights, the card also unlocks deals on hotels, theme parks, malls, hospitals, schools, gyms, car dealerships and more across the UAE and abroad. The full live list lives on the Esaad deals portal.
How to Use Your Esaad Card
Using the card is straightforward. Open the Esaad app, find the partner offer you want, and present the in-app QR code at checkout. Many partners also let you redeem online by entering a promo code at the booking stage.
For higher-value purchases like flights, hotels, healthcare or schooling, contact the partner directly to confirm how the Esaad discount is applied. Some require booking through a dedicated link; others apply it at the till.
Esaad vs Other UAE Privilege Cards
Esaad sits alongside other UAE loyalty programmes like Fazaa, but they serve different audiences. Esaad is broader for expats and Golden Visa holders, while Fazaa skews towards UAE nationals and Ministry of Interior employees.
If you hold a Golden Visa, Esaad is almost always the better fit. It travels with you outside the UAE, covers more international partners, and is automatically free with eligible long-term residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Esaad Card free for Golden Visa holders?
Yes. Eligible 5-year and 10-year Golden Visa holders in Dubai receive the Esaad Card free of charge. There are no issuance, renewal or annual fees.
How long does it take to get the Esaad Card?
Most complete applications are approved within 5 to 10 business days. Once approved, your digital card is available immediately in the Esaad app.
Can family members use my Esaad Card?
Each adult dependent should register for their own Esaad Card profile. First-degree relatives of eligible cardholders, including spouses, parents and children, are also entitled to the card.
Does the Esaad Card work outside the UAE?
Yes. Esaad has partner outlets in around 92 countries worldwide, covering hotels, airlines, healthcare and retail brands. Always check the app for the live international partner list before booking.
Do I need to renew the Esaad Card every year?
No. The card is typically valid for as long as your underlying Golden Visa or qualifying residency remains active. There is no separate annual renewal step.
Can tourists get an Esaad Card?
No. The Esaad Card is only available to eligible UAE residents, including Golden Visa holders, Dubai government employees, retirees, senior citizens and People of Determination.
Is the Esaad Card valid across the UAE or only in Dubai?
Although it is issued by Dubai Police, many Esaad partners operate across all seven emirates. Confirm acceptance with the outlet beforehand for big-ticket purchases.
Sources
- Esaad – Dubai Police Official Portal
- Esaad Partner Facilities
- Esaad Deals Portal
- UAE Government – Golden Visa Overview
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
