Breaking update 2026: The UAE government has introduced a free Fazaa membership to all resident families as a part of the Year of the Family 2026. Any family that has at least one child can apply – no employer code is required. Valid for all of 2026. Jump to how to apply →
The UAE is a great place to live- however, the price of healthcare, school fees, eating and entertainment is piling up quickly. An answer to that pressure, provided by the Fazaa Card which is a membership programme by the UAE government, is that real money is returned to your wallet in hundreds of different everyday spending categories.
This guide explains all you need to know in 2026 – what the card is, who is eligible (including expats), all four card levels compared side-by-side, all categories of benefits with real-life discounts, the application process step-by-step, and the new 2026 initiatives which most guides have overlooked.
What Is the Fazaa Card?
The Fazaa Card is an officially supported membership benefits card launched under the Social Solidarity Fund of the UAE Ministry of Interior. Fazaa (فزاع) means support or assistance in Arabic, and this perfectly explains the mission of the programme.
Simply put, it is a level-based discount service, which links qualified UAE residents to a massive network of partner companies – offering cardholders discounted prices across all services, such as hospital consultations and school fees to hotel rooms and theme park entry.
But it is more than just a coupon book. The Fazaa Card is:
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- A financial assistance mechanism – structured discounts that substantially cut monthly household bills.
- A lifestyle upgrade – availability of high quality services at an affordable cost.
- A community project – based on the principles of social solidarity and wellbeing of residents of the UAE.
- An online system – operated solely via the Fazaa app and site with live offers.
As of 2026, the Fazaa programme covers:
- Fazaa Places: 500,000 or more hotels around the world.
- Retail stores with active discount relationships in excess of 34,000.
- 28000+ consumer and food products with special offers.
- Up to 70% of entertainment with the Fazaa app.
Who Launched It & Why
Fazaa Card was introduced under the leadership of Lt. General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, as a part of a wider move by the UAE government to enhance the quality of life of all inhabitants, and to encourage social interdependency.
It works with the help of partnership with the Ministry of Family, the Ministry of Community Development, Zayed Higher Organisation of People of Determination, and UAE Special Olympics.
The programme is not a commercial project- it is a social project. This is what makes it unique and always worthy of use as opposed to the use of private discount cards because of the government support.
Who Is Eligible for a Fazaa Card?
The Fazaa Card is not accessible to the general population, instead, it depends on your field of work, status in the community or certain government programs. The following are the qualifiers:
Primary Eligible Groups
| Group | Card Tier Available |
| Ministry of Interior employees | Platinum (highest tier) |
| Government entity employees | Gold / Silver |
| Semi-government entity employees | Gold / Silver |
| UAE nationals in the private sector | Silver / Discount |
| Frontline heroes (healthcare, emergency workers) | Silver |
| Hemam members (People of Determination card holders) | Free Hemam Card |
| Students with valid Emirates ID + student card | Student tier |
| Golden Visa holders | Defined conditions apply |
| Expats at registered companies | Silver / Discount |
| Resident families with children (2026 only) | Free Family Membership |
The key rule: Your employer should be enrolled in the Fazaa programme. You have to have a company code in your HR department so that you can register with the card, which is not available to regular people individually (exceptions noted below).
Can Expats Get a Fazaa Card?
Yes – and it is already used by a number of expats. This is one of the most common misconceptions about the Fazaa Card.
Expats are eligible in four paths:
Route 1: Government or Semi-Government Employment In case you have a job with such organizations as RTA, DHA, DEWA, or ADNOC, then you can be eligible no matter what your nationality is.
Route 2: Registered Private Company When your employer has a partnership agreement with the Social Solidarity Fund of the Ministry of Interior, you may apply with the use of your company code. Enquire of your HR department whether your company is registered.
Route 3: Fazaa Student Tier can be applied by Student Tier: Expat students aged 18 and older who attend accredited UAE universities.
Route 4: Special Events and Public Promotions Fazaa Every now and then Fazaa opens up to the general population with seasonal promotions like Winter Membership or Ramadan promotion, where you can become a member without company code by paying a small amount as monthly subscription. To avail these opportunities, follow the official Instagram of Fazaa.
Route 5: Year of the Family 2026 (Free) All residents who have at least one child can get a free membership in 2026 – no company code needed. Full details below.
The 4 Types of Fazaa Cards Compared
The Fazaa Card is based on the tiered system and aligns benefits with the eligibility and employment status.
Platinum Card — The Premium Tier
Platinum Card is given to the staffs of the ministry of interior and comes with the best benefits. It comprises of maximum discounts, high priority and special partnerships. Other benefits are options of long term car leases with ownership arrangements, personal accident cover, concierge, emergency cover and customised lifestyle. It is normally offered as an employability benefit free of charge.
Gold Card — Broad Government Access
Gold Card is offered to the employees of the government and semi government. It offers high benefit levels in most of its categories such as travel, healthcare, retail and hospitality. It also has additional benefits like car lease-to-own programmes, superior hotel prices, and improved health care discounts. There could be a petite subscription charge in accordance with the employer.
Silver Card — Semi-Government & Private Sector
Silver Card is targeted at employees of registered companies, both semi-government and private. It encompasses the essential benefits like shopping, eating, medical care, entertainment, and travel. Discounts are average and can be used in everyday life. It comes in low monthly or yearly subscription.
Free / Discount Card — Basic Access
The Free or Discount Card is offered to people who are not eligible to higher levels. It offers necessary discounts on the chosen services and is free, so more people have access to the program.
Upgrade Option Without Company Code
Those who do not have a company code may upgrade to the Silver Card using Fazaa app by paying the subscription fee.
Full Benefits Breakdown
Shopping
Retail brands discounted up to 30 percent such as Rivoli, Bloomingdale and Centerpoint in addition to discounts on groceries, electronics, fashion, furniture and home decor in thousands of stores throughout the UAE and beyond.
Travel & Hotels
Hotel discounts on high-quality hotels (up to 45%), discounts in the world hotels, special flight and holiday packages, and discounts on car rental and leasing.
Healthcare
Free doctor consultations, discounted pharmacies and dental, optical and wellness treatment.
Education
Reduced school tuition and college tuition, school supplies that are sold cheaply and training and other professional course costs.
Dining
Restaurants and cafes, buy-one-get-one, and discounts in the leading fast-food chains and in the restaurants of fine cuisine.
Entertainment
Discounts on theme parks, cinemas and attractions, and discounts on key UAE destinations and up to 70% off some activities through the app.
Transportation & Car Services
Cheap car rentals, savings on insurance, a drop in transport expenses, lease-to-own cars (greater levels), and cut in shipping charges.
Lifestyle & Wellness
Gyms, salons, spas, fitness memberships, and home or personal services have discounts on the premium members, and concierge services.
Real Estate & Housing
Lower rental rates, home furnishing promotions, maintenance offers and special offers to new residents establishing homes.
FREE Family Membership 2026 — Year of the Family Initiative
The Fazaa membership is free and in collaboration with the Ministry of Family, the UAE launched a free Fazaa membership program to resident families as part of the Year of the Family 2026. This program will enable eligible families to enjoy full Fazaa benefits without paying a subscription fee until 2026.
What You Get
The free family membership comes with access to Fazaa benefits like shopping, dining, travel and entertainment discounts. The members will also have access to hotel discounts in more than 500,000 properties across the globe, discounts up to 70 percent on entertainment and activities via the Fazaa app, and exclusive premiums on certain services and products. The membership will last throughout the year 2026 and does not need renewal.
Who Qualifies
All UAE resident families of any nationality are eligible to this program. There should be at least one child in the family and the family should also possess valid Emirates IDs. Any of the spouses may apply and the membership is issued in the name of the applicant.
Key Rules
In case an individual is already a member of Fazaa, the family membership is made out as a new account, that is, both the memberships are retained. Registration can be done until 2026, and no subscription fee is provided.
How to Apply for the Free Family Membership
- Go to the official website of Fazaa fazaa.ae.
- Choose the Year of the Family / Family Membership option.
- Provide personal information and attach copies of Emirates IDs of all family members.
- Full authentication through OTP (check Spam folder in case it is not received)
- Get email confirmation with approval.
- Join your membership through Fazaa mobile application.
- The average time to be approved is 3 to 7 working days.
Note: The Fazaa site was very active during the first launch. In case there are problems, repeat and resubmit later.
How to Apply for a Fazaa Card — Step-by-Step
Online via Website
To register online, you need to go to register.fazaa.ae and choose Become a Member. You will be required to input your company code which is normally given to you by your HR or employer. Then, you enter your personal information and confirm your mobile number with the help of an SMS code. After the verification, you can add the necessary documents, choose your subscription plan (where necessary) and make the payment. Once you submit your application, it is reviewed, a process that usually takes a few days up to two weeks. Upon approval, you are issued with an e-card called Fazaa digital card.
Via the Fazaa Mobile App
It is also possible to apply via the Fazaa mobile app (App Store and Google Play). Once downloaded, you choose to become a Member, and key in your company code. then you fill in your own information, check your number with an SMS, add documents, select your tier, and pay (where necessary). After getting an approval, your digital card is automatically activated in the app.
Documents You’ll Need
You will need an authentic UAE Emirates ID and documentation of employment (e.g., employee ID, payslip, or HR letter). Students will be expected to give an Emirates ID and student card, and the holders of Golden Visas will need to give authentic Golden Visa pieces.
How to Upgrade Your Fazaa Card
To move your Fazaa Card to the next level, either to the Discount or the Silver, or to the Gold, you have to log in to the Fazaa application or the official site and go to your membership profile. The code of your company, assuming that you are affiliated with your employer will normally be automatically displayed. Once you have checked your information, the next step is to choose the desired level of card and subscribe to a new plan. After accepting the terms and making payment, a confirmation message is displayed and your upgrade is done.
Important: You will not be able to upgrade in-company before reaching Silver tier without a company code. Gold and Platinum must be employer based.
How to Renew Your Fazaa Card
You can renew your Fazaa Card either on the Fazaa app or website before your membership runs out. All you have to do is to log in and go to the renewal part whereby you are obligated to fill in your details including Emirates ID or employment documents in case needed. Once submitted, your renewal is confirmed and your subscription is renewed.
In case you are already a member but your membership has already expired, you can reactivate it by calling the support team at 600-520-003. Your account will have to be re-enabled by providing your membership number.
Fazaa Hemam Card — For People of Determination
Fazaa Hemam Card is a unique premium membership of the People of Determination in the UAE designed in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Community Development, Zayed Higher Organisation of people of Determination (ZHO) and the UAE Special Olympics. It offers financial, medical and lifestyle assistance to enhance access and quality of life.
How It Works
The card is automatically given after an individual is given ZHO People of Determination ID. Once approved, a membership number and an activation PIN is sent using an SMS to activate the card.
What It Covers
It also provides shopping and healthcare services, as well as therapy, at a discount, and prices of mobility aids such as wheelchairs and scooters are lower. It also involves travel subsidies, convenient means of transport, emergency services and community and cultural events.
Who Qualifies
It is available to UAE citizens and residents with a valid ZHO or MOCD People of Determination card. In others, the ZHO approval can be granted to the eligible applicants and then the Fazaa Hemam membership is automatically granted.
Fazaa Card vs. Other UAE Benefit Cards
How does Fazaa stack up against other UAE privilege programmes?
| Feature | Fazaa Card | ESAAD Card (Dubai Police) | Absher Rewards |
| Issued by | Ministry of Interior | Dubai Police | Private sector initiative |
| Primary audience | Gov/semi-gov employees | Dubai Police employees | Private sector employees |
| Network size | 34,000+ outlets, 500K+ hotels | Large (Dubai-focused) | Growing |
| Free family option (2026) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| People of Determination card | ✅ Hemam Card | Limited | ❌ No |
| Digital app | ✅ Full-featured | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Expat access | ✅ Via employer/events | Employer only | ✅ Broader access |
The verdict: The Fazaa Card will be the widest-reaching, best-discounting, and most comprehensive benefits programme of any UAE benefits programme in 2026, as far as government workers and their families are concerned.
Final Thoughts
Fazaa Card is one of the most useful government efforts in the UAE nowadays. As 2026 will see the introduction of the free Year of the Family membership (open to any resident family with children, no matter their employer) there has never been a better moment to get your card.
You are a government worker and want to maximise your benefits on the Platinum card, an expat and need to find out how to be eligible, a student who wants to make the best of living and a family in need of savings in the fields of dining and entertainment, there is a tier of the Fazaa Card with your name on it.
Ready to apply?
- General registration: register.fazaa.ae
- Free 2026 Family Membership: fazaa.ae
- Fazaa mobile app: Available on App Store and Google Play
- Customer support: 600-520-003
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Am I able to share my Fazaa Card with a family member?
No. The Fazaa Card is an individual use only card which should not be shared with just anyone. The families are required to apply individually as long as they are eligible.
Q: How long does approval take?
Usually 1-3 days-2 weeks after mailing your documents. The free family membership can take 3-7 working days.
Q: Does the Fazaa Card work online?
Yes. Among the merchants accepting electronic payment, online transactions can be done using the Fazaa e-card.
Q: What if my company is not registered with Fazaa?
You may wait until there are seasonal public membership events (Winter Membership, Ramadan promotions) where you can obtain membership without a company code. Alternatively, the free 2026 family membership can be applied to eligible families.
Q: Am I allowed to have two Fazaa memberships?
Yes – you need to have an active membership already and apply to the 2026 Family Membership and both work together as two different memberships.
Q: What can I use the card?
In pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, schools, universities, retail stores, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, hotels, theme parks, car rental agencies and hundreds more partner locations throughout the UAE – as well as in some international partners to benefit travel.
Q: What is the contact number of Fazaa customer care?
Phone: 600-520-003
Q: What do I need to do to get up to date on deals?
Install the Fazaa mobile app (App Store / Google Play) to get real time offers and partner locations. New deals are regularly added.
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