The Fazaa card is a UAE government-backed discount membership that gives access to reduced prices at over 34,000 retail outlets, 28,000 food and consumer products through Fazaa stores, and 500,000 hotels worldwide through the Fazaa Places service. It is issued under the Social Solidarity Fund of the Ministry of Interior and was originally available only to government employees. In 2026 the eligibility expanded significantly, and resident families with at least one child can now get a free Fazaa membership for the full year. Here is everything you need to know about who qualifies, what the card costs, what it covers, and how to apply in 2026.
What the Fazaa card is
Fazaa (فزاع) means support or assistance in Arabic and that describes the programme exactly. It is a government-initiated membership benefits card launched under the Social Solidarity Fund of the UAE Ministry of Interior, designed to help residents manage the cost of everyday life through organised discounts across retail, dining, healthcare, travel, and entertainment.
The card works as a membership rather than a payment card. You present it at participating outlets to unlock the discounted price. Discounts vary by category and partner but range from 5% off at supermarkets to up to 70% off on entertainment tickets through the Fazaa app. The programme has grown significantly since its launch and now covers over 34,000 retail partners inside and outside the UAE.
The four card types compared
| Card type | Who it is for | Cost | Benefit level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum | Ministry of Interior staff | Issued automatically | Highest discounts, maximum priority, exclusive partnerships |
| Gold | Federal and local government employees, military | Free for eligible employees | High discounts, broad category access |
| Silver | Semi-government employees, Golden Visa holders, eligible private sector | Free or monthly subscription depending on route | Good discounts across most categories |
| Discount Card | General public through seasonal promotions, families under 2026 initiative, students | Free under 2026 family initiative, small monthly subscription otherwise | Core discounts on retail, dining, entertainment |
Who is eligible in 2026
Fazaa eligibility has five main routes in 2026:
Route 1, Government and Ministry of Interior employees: Employees of UAE federal and local government entities and the Ministry of Interior qualify automatically for Gold or Platinum tier. Your company or department registers with Fazaa and issues you a company code used in the application.
Route 2, Semi-government, Golden Visa holders, and registered private sector: Employees of semi-government entities, Golden Visa holders, and employees of companies registered as Fazaa partners qualify for the Silver tier. Registration requires a company code from your employer or proof of Golden Visa status.
Route 3, Students: Expat students aged 18 and above enrolled at accredited UAE universities qualify for a Fazaa Student Card. Proof of enrollment from the university is required.
Route 4, Seasonal public promotions: Fazaa periodically opens membership to the general public through seasonal promotions including winter membership campaigns and Ramadan promotions. These require a small monthly subscription and do not need a company code. Follow the official Fazaa Instagram account to be notified when these windows open.
Route 5, Year of the Family 2026 (free): All UAE resident families with at least one child can get a free Fazaa membership throughout 2026. Full details in the next section.
Year of the Family 2026: free membership for all resident families
The most significant Fazaa development of 2026 is the free family membership launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Family as part of the Year of the Family initiative. Any UAE resident family with at least one child qualifies. No company code is needed. No fees apply. The membership is valid throughout 2026 and expires at the end of the year.
When the initiative launched in March 2026 the Fazaa website slowed significantly as thousands of residents rushed to register simultaneously. The technical issues were resolved within days. If you encounter difficulties applying, wait and try again later.
Family membership benefits include discounts at over 34,000 retail outlets, 28,000 food and consumer products through Fazaa stores, hotel deals at over 500,000 properties worldwide through Fazaa Places, and up to 70% off entertainment tickets through the Fazaa app.
Benefits and discount categories
Fazaa discounts cover eight broad categories. The specific discount percentage varies by partner and card tier but the categories accessible to all members including the 2026 family tier are:
Retail: Discounts at over 34,000 retail outlets inside and outside the UAE. Participating brands include international fashion, electronics, home goods, and speciality retailers. The Fazaa app shows participating stores near your location.
Food and groceries: Discounts on over 28,000 food and consumer products through Fazaa stores and partner supermarkets. The food discount category is one of the most commonly used by members for reducing regular grocery costs.
Hospitality and travel: Access to reduced rates at over 500,000 hotels worldwide through the Fazaa Places service. This is particularly valuable for members who travel internationally and can book accommodation through the platform at rates competitive with or better than standard booking platforms.
Entertainment: Up to 70% off on tickets and entertainment activities through the Fazaa app. Theme parks, cinema tickets, adventure activities, and cultural events are all covered depending on the current partner list.
Healthcare: Discounts at clinics, dental practices, optical centres, and pharmacies. The healthcare category is consistently cited by members as one of the highest-value benefit areas given the cost of private healthcare in the UAE.
Automotive: Discounts on car insurance, servicing, and spare parts at partner garages and dealerships.
Education: Reduced fees or enrolment discounts at partner educational institutions and training centres.
Personal accident compensation: Higher tier cards including Platinum and Gold include personal accident compensation as part of the membership package.
How to apply step by step
Step 1: Go to the official Fazaa website at fazaa.ae or download the Fazaa mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.
Step 2: Select the registration route that matches your eligibility. For the 2026 free family membership, select the Year of the Family option. For government employee registration, select your entity type and enter your company code.
Step 3: Fill in your personal details including name, nationality, and date of birth. Enter your Emirates ID number.
Step 4: Upload the required documents. For the family membership, upload Emirates ID copies for the applying spouse and include family details and children. For employer-based registration, upload Emirates ID and the employment document confirming your entity affiliation.
Step 5: Verify your identity through SMS OTP or UAE Pass.
Step 6: Wait for approval. Standard processing takes a few days to two weeks. Your digital membership card is activated immediately upon approval and accessible through the Fazaa app.
The card is strictly for personal use and cannot be transferred or shared. Fazaa membership is not linked to any bank account or payment card. It is a standalone discount membership card.
Can expats apply for a Fazaa card in UAE?
Yes. Expats with a valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID can apply for a Fazaa card through several routes. Expat employees of government or registered semi-government entities qualify through their employer. Golden Visa holders qualify for the Silver tier. Expat students aged 18 and above enrolled at accredited UAE universities can apply for the Fazaa Student Card. All UAE resident families with at least one child qualify for the free 2026 Year of the Family membership regardless of nationality. Seasonal public promotions also periodically open membership to all UAE residents.
Is the Fazaa card free in 2026?
Yes for eligible categories. Government and Ministry of Interior employees receive their card free through their employer. All UAE resident families with at least one child can get a free membership throughout 2026 under the Year of the Family initiative. Students may qualify for a free or subsidised student card. General public routes through seasonal promotions require a small monthly subscription. The free family membership is the most accessible route for residents who do not qualify through employer registration.
What discounts does the Fazaa card give?
Fazaa card discounts cover retail at over 34,000 outlets inside and outside the UAE, food and groceries on 28,000 products through Fazaa stores, hotel rates at over 500,000 hotels worldwide through Fazaa Places, up to 70% off entertainment tickets through the Fazaa app, healthcare at partner clinics and pharmacies, automotive services, education, and personal accident compensation for higher tier cards. Specific discount percentages vary by partner and card tier. The Fazaa app shows current offers and participating locations near you.
How do I apply for the free Fazaa family membership in 2026?
Go to fazaa.ae or download the Fazaa app and select the Year of the Family 2026 registration option. You need a valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID. Either spouse can apply. Upload Emirates ID copies for both spouses and include your children in the application. Verify through SMS or UAE Pass. Approval typically takes a few days to two weeks. The digital membership card activates immediately on approval. The free membership is valid throughout 2026 and requires at least one child in the household to qualify.
