Elderly locals to get senior citizen cards

In gratitude for the contribution of senior citizens in shaping and developing the culture of Dubai, the Community Development Authority (CDA) launched a senior citizens card for nationals in Dubai called “Thukher”. The card entitles the holder to discounts, free services, and priority in transactions 
at different authorities. The idea is to make life easier for the elderly.

Shaikh Mansour bin Mohammed hands over the senior citizen card to a beneficiary. — Supplied photo

Of the Emiratis living in Dubai, 4.3 per cent of the population is elderly. The CDA says also that there are 8,304 files currently being processed and they have so far registered 2,000. A short film aired at the venue portrayed what it is like to have age catch up on you and the message seemed clear: let’s not forget the elderly.

CDA director general Khaled Al Kamda thanked Shaikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was in attendance, for his continuous support and care to all initiatives related to the elderly.

The programme included a number of exhibitions by the local elderly community displaying personal work — from makers of copper coffee flasks to concocters of incense.

The cynosure of all eyes, Shaikha Al Suwaidi, had everyone flocking to her. Touted as the first Emirati lady photographer, even now, at 77, she still takes photographs. Al Suwaidi said that a function like this to honour the elderly makes her very happy. Mohamed Hassan leading his 60-year-old father, Hassan, out of the venue took a moment to talk about the day’s function. Hassan, who served in the Army for 15 years — said he was especially pleased at today’s outing. “It is a great move, I am happy, and God bless my king.” And then he smiled, looked up from his seat, kissed his fingertips and let out a little joyous exclamation in Arabic. No translation needed. -nivriti@khaleejtimes.com