CONFIRMING its status as the hub of tourism for all, Dubai has initiated a new system that will see tourists with special needs or people of determination (PoD) accessing free public parking across Dubai for up to three months with special permits of up to 50 percent discount in taxis.
Speaking at the 4th Accessible Travel and Tourism International Conference, Osama Al Safi, RTA director of the Parking Department and head of Friendly Organization for PoD, said PoD tourists can use public parking across Dubai for free, similar to the privilege provided to senior Emiratis and PoD residents. Applying for free parking can be done online via RTA’s website or app, or in person at any RTA customer happiness center. The RTA has digitized free parking permit services since August last year, allowing PoDs to no longer have to print and display the permits.
The free parking for PoD tourists, however, is temporary and limited for up to three months per application.
Meanwhile, PoD tourists can also avail of a 50 percent discount on taxi fares across Dubai, according to Abdullah Ibrahim Al Meer, acting Chief Business Transformation Officer at DTC. “They (PoD tourists) just need to apply for a Sanad card, a smart card issued by the Community Development Authority (CDA) for PoD residents and tourists,”he noted. DTC first announced wider coverage for taxi fare discounts earlier this week. Previously, only dedicated taxis or those designed for wheelchair users gave discounted fares. But now, PoDs — particularly those with non-motor disabilities — can book regular taxis through the DTC App and enjoy reduced fares.
Founded in 1995, DTC is the biggest taxi operator in Dubai. It has a fleet of about 7,000 taxis and it currently holds about 44 per cent market share. As for PoD tourists, Al Meer noted they must avail of a Sanad card to avail of the 50 percent fare discount. According to the Community Development Authority (CDA) website, the validity of Sanad cards for PoD tourists is based on their visit duration. The application can be done online and the requirements for getting a Sanad card include an e-copy of the visit visa issued by Dubai, a passport copy, an e-copy of a medical report or disability card from the home country, and a recent photograph.
