How did we apply for a POD Card (People of Determination) in the UAE

We live in Dubai but our visa is Abu Dhabi

Here’s what we did to apply for our son’s People of Determination (POD) card back in June 2025 – a full guide.

Because our family’s residence visa was issued in Abu Dhabi, we had to follow the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination process via the TAMM mobile app (or website), even though we live in Dubai.

On the app, I searched for Visit to the Zayed Authority for People of Determination. Then I filled out a series of comprehensive assessment forms about my son’s behavior and condition. This comprehensive evaluation report took about 15-20 minutes to complete. At the end, the system confirmed our son indeed fell into a POD category.

After submitting the assessment, the system asked me to pick a date for an appointment at the ZHO office. The closest available date at that time was more than 3 weeks away.

These are the required documents:

• Medical assessments
• Any other relevant medical records
• Our son’s Emirates ID
• Our son’s passport
• (We also brought our Emirates ID and passports to be sure)

On the appointment day, we drove to the ZHO office in Abu Dhabi early in the morning for our 8am appointment. The assessment process was long, not because the staff were slow, but because there were multiple evaluations to complete.

The assessors, who were all UAE nationals, conducted several tests and observations. Some of the key assessments included evaluations with a pediatric specialist, a neurological developmental observer, a physiotherapist, an ABA, an OT and speech specialist, and a social interaction observer among others. They also asked our son to interact naturally, such as by playing with toys, so they could observe how he engaged, his eye contact, motor movements, and overall behavior. Because our son is not yet talking due to his delay in speech, we mentioned that to them clearly. This whole process took until almost 11:00 am.

At the end of the appointment, we were told the observation results. The same assessment result would be made available in the TAMM app. The POD ID card would be delivered to us by courier. True enough, we received the card in less than 5 days, along with a list of benefits our son and our family could avail of once we had the card.

Step-by-Step Guide On How We Applied for a POD Parking Permit in Dubai

Because we live in Dubai and wanted the People of Determination parking permit here, we did the following steps:

Part 1: Applying for a Sanad Card

1. I visited the Community Development Authority (CDA) office in Al Twar Qusais for Dubai POD services.
2. I applied for the Sanad Card by submitting our son’s ZHO medical assessment document, his POD card, his Emirates ID, and my Emirates ID. (You’ll need UAE Pass login here.)
3. The application usually takes about 2 weeks, but ours took around 1 month.

The Sanad Card in Dubai functions as the local POD proof. It is needed to get parking permits and other services.

Part 2: Getting the POD Parking Permit

1. I downloaded the Parkin mobile app.
2. Went to Services and selected Permits.
3. Chose POD – permanent
4. You need to upload the medical assessment (I used ZHO), Sanad Card copy, and up to 3 other supporting documents (I uploaded my son’s initial medical reports).

The permit duration is usually 3 years and is open to all residents and citizens.

Terms & Conditions for Using the Parking Permit

1. You can register 1 primary vehicle and up to 4 secondary vehicles, but only one vehicle can be active at a time.
2. The permit can be used in any paid parking space in Dubai and in specially-marked POD parking slots.
3. The permit can only be used when the POD holder is present.
4. Misuse may result in fines or cancellation.

If You’re Living in Dubai with a Dubai-Issued Visa

Here’s what I found for Dubai visa holders, not our exact experience, but based on official guidance and processes:

For residents whose visas are issued by Dubai, you can apply directly for a Sanad Card through the CDA portal (or visit the CDA office near you, just as I did). Some people also apply for a POD card through the Ministry of Community Development, which is accepted across all emirates. Documents generally include Emirates ID, passport, residence information, and a recent medical report from a UAE-recognized hospital or specialist.

Important: If you’re applying in Dubai, the local Sanad Card is usually the first step before parking permits or other benefits, but rules can change. Always check with CDA directly for the latest requirements and guidance.