UAE prosecutors say people who mistreat senior citizens face jail and fines

UAE passed federal law in 2019 to protect welfare of older people

In 2019, a law was passed to provide for the protection of senior Emiratis. Mona Al Marzouqi / The National

People who mistreat or neglect UAE senior citizens face prison time and heavy fines, the authorities said.

Public prosecutors reminded people of the UAE’s Senior Citizens law which preserves the rights of older Emiratis.

Offenders, whether they are family members or elderly care institutions, can expect jail sentences of up to two years and fines of Dh10,000 to Dh50,000.

According to Federal Law No 9 of 2019, Emiratis who are 60 years of age or over are entitled to the following:

• the right to independence and privacy
• the right to protection from violence and abuse
• the right to an enabling environment, housing, education and work
• the right to social care including the provision of elderly community centres and social clubs
• the right to medical care including preventive health services, medical insurance, mobile nursing units and supportive medical devices
• the right of confidentiality of information pertaining to them
• the right to preferential treatment with respect to government transactions, facilities, social aid and medical services.
• full medical, financial and educational care and must be registered in a dedicated database.

The law also punishes anyone who witnesses abuse but does not report it.

Caregivers who insult senior citizens can face stiff penalties.

Should a family face difficulties in providing care for elderly people, they are required to inform the Ministry of Community Development, care centres, the police and any other relevant departments.

The same requirement is necessary should a senior citizen die or change their home address.

The UAE has retirement homes for Emirati senior citizens called elderly care centres which fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Community Development.

The centres provide primary health care, social, psychological and physical therapy for seniors.

Families looking to register an elderly relative to enter a care home can do so online.

Key moments in the UAE's 50 years

Egyptian singer Najat Al Saghira performs in Abu Dhabi for the 1972 National Day celebrations, which saw the first performance of the UAE national anthem. Photo: Al Ittihad

The first Gulf Co-operation Council meeting at the InterContinental hotel in Abu Dhabi in 1981. Photo: Al Ittihad

Passengers board the inaugural Emirates flight in 1985. Photo: Emirates

Founding Father Sheikh Zayed flanked by Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Philip before a lunch at the Hilton hotel in Abu Dhabi in February 1979. Getty Images

The UAE national football team during a training session at Imola in Italy before the World Cup first-round matches in May 1990. AFP

Jerry Bailey on Cigar celebrates after edging out Soul of the Matter to win the $4 million Dubai World Cup race in in March 1996. Horse of the Year Cigar claimed the $2.4 million first prize with its 14th consecutive victory. Allsport

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces at the time, joins Emirati officers during a training session in Canjuers, southern France, in July 1999, before their deployment in Kosovo. AFP

Leaders and officials at funeral prayers for Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, at Abu Dhabi's Sultan bin Zayed Mosque on November 3, 2004. AFP

Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai's ruling family, returns to Dubai in August 2004 after winning a historic first gold medal during the Athens Olympics in the men's double trap shooting. AFP

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Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world's tallest building, lit by fireworks at the opening ceremony on January 4, 2010. Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, officially opened the building, which is 828 metres tall. AFP

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, during a moment of silence at a Commemoration Day flag-raising ceremony at Wahat Al Karama, November 20, 2016. Photo: Crown Prince Court

Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri before boarding a Soyuz rocket to the International Space Station in September, 2019. EPA