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How to Get a Fazaa Card for Expats in the UAE (2026 Guide)

Last updated: Jun 2, 2026

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Can expats in the UAE get a Fazaa card?

Yes — expats can get a Fazaa card, but eligibility depends on your route of access. Fazaa is not open to the general public by default.

The card is run by the Social Security Fund for the employees of the Ministry of Interior, the body behind the Fazaa initiative. It aims to improve quality of life and community solidarity through discounts and benefits across many sectors.

Expats can typically access a Fazaa card through one of the following routes:

Employer route: If you work for a government, semi-government or private entity registered with Fazaa (such as RTA, DHA, DEWA or ADNOC), you can apply regardless of nationality using your company code.
Year of the Family 2026 route: All resident families in the UAE — Emirati and expat — with at least one child can apply for a free membership, with no company code required.
People of Determination (Hemam): Eligible cardholders can apply through the relevant authority.

If you are planning a trip while enjoying your card discounts, you can compare and book fares to popular destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah on Wego.

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What is the Year of the Family 2026 free Fazaa membership?

For the Year of the Family 2026, Fazaa and the Ministry of Family launched a free discount membership for resident families in the UAE. It applies to both Emirati and expatriate families.

To qualify, the family must include at least one child, and the membership stays valid through the end of 2026. No company code is needed for this route.

Who can apply: Resident families in the UAE — Emirati or expat — with at least one son or daughter.
Cost: Free for the duration of the Year of the Family 2026.
What you need: Valid Emirates IDs for the applicant, spouse and child, plus uploaded ID scans.
Where to apply: Online via fazaa.ae (the link is also shared via Fazaa’s official channels).

Demand for the family membership has been high, so approval may take longer than the standard timeframe. Apply early if you want the discounts ready for your next trip from Dubai International Airport (DXB).

How to apply for a Fazaa card as an expat

The steps below cover the standard employer-based application for expats living in the UAE. The Year of the Family route is simpler and skips the company code.

Visit Fazaa’s official website or download the Fazaa app for iOS or Android.
Enter your company code: Provided by your employer’s HR department if the entity is registered with Fazaa.
Fill in your details: Provide your full name, mobile number, Emirates ID number and employee ID if applicable, then proceed.
Verify by SMS: Enter the one-time code (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number.
Upload documents: Add a clear copy of your Emirates ID and, where requested, your residence visa or employment certificate.
Submit: Finalize the application by clicking Submit or Register.

Once approved, you can log in to the app with your membership number and password. You can then choose your membership tier where eligible.

Fazaa card membership tiers

Fazaa offers four membership tiers, with eligibility tied to your employer and category. The Platinum tier carries the most benefits.

Platinum: The top tier, tailored for Ministry of Interior employees, with the widest range of benefits.
Gold: High benefit levels across travel, healthcare, retail and hospitality for government and semi-government employees.
Silver: Core benefits for a broader audience, including semi-government employees and specific groups.
Discount (Free): Basic benefits available to everyone who qualifies, including the Year of the Family memberships.

Benefits across tiers can include discounts on shopping, hotels, healthcare, dining and entertainment in the UAE and abroad. If you are booking a staycation, you can also browse hotels in Dubai and hotels in Abu Dhabi on Wego.

Fazaa card vs Esaad card: what’s the difference?

People often confuse the Fazaa and Esaad cards, but they are run by different bodies. Fazaa is an initiative of the Social Security Fund under the UAE Ministry of Interior, while Esaad was launched by Dubai Police.

Fazaa: A federal, community-focused program for Ministry of Interior staff, government and semi-government employees, eligible UAE nationals and, for 2026, resident families.
Esaad: Aimed mainly at Dubai government employees, with strong international shopping coverage across many countries.

Both cards are free for their eligible recipients. If you qualify for both, you can use each where its discounts are stronger.

Frequently asked questions

Can any expat get a Fazaa card in 2026?

Not by default. Expats can apply through a Fazaa-registered employer using a company code, or via the free Year of the Family 2026 membership if their family includes at least one child.

Is the Fazaa card free?

It is free for eligible members. The Discount tier and the Year of the Family 2026 family membership carry no fee, while higher tiers are tied to specific employers.

Do I need a company code for the family membership?

No. The Year of the Family 2026 route does not require a company code — you apply with the Emirates IDs of the applicant, spouse and child.

Where do I apply for a Fazaa card?

Online via fazaa.ae or the Fazaa app. The signup page is at fazaa.ae/account/signup, and the app is available on iOS and Android.

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