Dubai launches Yumnak to integrate health, housing, transport and social services for senior citizens

Dubai: Dubai Health has announced the launch of ‘Yumnak’, an initiative integrating a range of health, social support, transportation and housing services for senior citizens in Dubai. Envisaged under the City Makers programme, launched in 2014 on the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, Yumnak was developed based on direct feedback from senior citizens. The initiative makes it easier for them to access the care and services they need to live independently while supporting their quality of life and wellbeing. City Makers is a flagship programme of the General Secretariat of The Executive Council of Dubai. The Yumnak initiative was launched at Emirates Towers in the presence of His Excellency Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; His Excellency Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority; His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality; His Excellency Mishal Abdul Karim Julfar, Executive Director of Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services; and His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health. Yumnak’s services are delivered in collaboration with six entities: the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the Community Development Authority (CDA), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS), Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE), and Almadallah Healthcare Management. The name ‘Yumnak’ reflects the initiative’s commitment to supporting and caring for senior citizens. In Arabic, it refers to the right hand, symbolising help, support and companionship. Through Yumnak, senior citizens aged 60 and above gain access to an integrated network of health, social, transportation and housing services. Dubai Health provides homecare services, including physician visits, nursing care, dental services and physiotherapy, alongside home delivery of medications and medical supplies. For eligible individuals, Almadallah Healthcare Management facilitates the provision of medical equipment and home nursing services, while overall healthcare services are regulated by the Dubai Health Authority. To help senior citizens attend medical appointments, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services provides transportation for individuals with limited mobility, using specially equipped ambulances and qualified staff. The service is electronically linked to the medical appointment system to coordinate transportation in advance based on patients’ needs. Dubai Health also offers dedicated transportation using its own fleet for eligible patients travelling between their homes and Dubai Health facilities. Social support The Community Development Authority connects senior citizens to a range of social support services, including access to the Thukher Card through the Dubai Now app, financial support for eligible caregivers, and the Waleef service, which provides comprehensive home care for senior citizens living alone through trained social workers and staff. To facilitate safe and independent living, Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment assesses the needs of senior citizens and carries out necessary home modifications, including preparing drawings and appointing contractors to complete the work. Dubai Municipality provides residential annex design services tailored to the needs of senior citizens. Complementing these services, the Caregiver for Senior Citizens Training Program equips family members and caregivers with the knowledge, skills and practical guidance needed to provide quality care and support the wellbeing of senior citizens. Yumnak brings these services together through a single point of contact at 800 588, where beneficiaries can enquire about services, follow up on requests and book selected services. Families and caregivers can also register for the training programme through the provided link. Yumnak’s services were developed around the needs and experiences of senior citizens, drawing on feedback gathered through workshops organised by City Makers and participating entities. Ensuring continuity of care His Excellency Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, said 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 healthcare delivery to ensure continuity of care and ease of access. His Excellency added: “This initiative reflects Dubai’s close attention to senior citizens and its commitment to enabling them to continue their lives with peace of mind. This is achieved through proactive, connected services built around their actual needs, and through support for health promotion and prevention init