Dubai Health has launched Yumnak, a new initiative bringing together healthcare, social support, transportation and housing services to improve the quality of life and independence of senior citizens aged 60 and above across Dubai. Developed under the City Makers programme, the initiative was shaped by direct feedback from senior citizens and aims to make essential services easier to access through a coordinated government approach.
Yumnak’s services are delivered in collaboration with six entities: the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Community Development Authority (CDA), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS), Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE), and Almadallah Healthcare Management. Dubai Health provides home physician visits, nursing, dental care, physiotherapy and medication delivery. Eligible beneficiaries can also access medical equipment and home nursing through Almadallah Healthcare Management. DCAS provides specially equipped transport for seniors with limited mobility, helping them attend medical appointments safely.
Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, said that the “Yumnak initiative embodies the One Government approach by strengthening integration across government entities and placing senior Emiratis at the heart of service design. He noted that improving their quality of life requires an integrated system that goes beyond the delivery of healthcare to ensure continuity of care and ease of access.”
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The Community Development Authority supports beneficiaries through the Thukher Card, financial assistance for eligible caregivers and the Waleef homecare service for senior citizens living alone. Meanwhile, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment facilitates home modifications to improve safety and accessibility, while Dubai Municipality provides residential annex design services. A dedicated caregiver training programme also equips family members and caregivers with practical skills to support older adults.
Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, said: “Our senior citizens laid the foundations of the community we enjoy today, and they remain at its heart. Caring for them is a responsibility we hold close, and it begins with understanding their needs, experiences, and aspirations. Yumnak was shaped by their voices, and now brings Dubai Health’s care closer to home through at-home healthcare, medication delivery, and training for the caregivers who stand by them every day.”
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Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai, said that the “Yumnak initiative reflects Dubai’s vision of providing integrated services centred on people and their needs. She highlighted Dubai’s commitment to supporting senior citizens and improving their quality of life, in recognition of their contributions to the community over the years. At CDA, we believe that supporting senior citizens goes beyond providing services. “
To simplify access, Yumnak offers a single point of contact through 800 588, where beneficiaries can enquire about services, follow up on requests and book selected services. Dubai Health CEO Dr Amer Sharif said the initiative brings healthcare closer to home while supporting caregivers and families. The programme reflects Dubai’s wider commitment to integrated, people-centred services that help senior citizens live safely, independently and with dignity.
