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What Does Federal Law No. (29) of 2006 Guarantee for People of Determination in the UAE?
Since 2006, the United Arab Emirates has established a robust legislative framework to protect the rights of people of determination, exemplified by the issuance of Federal Law No. (29) of 2006 concerning the rights of persons with disabilities, which marked a significant turning point in the journey towards inclusion and social integration in the country. Below is a legal overview of the key provisions of this law.
What does Federal Law No. (29) of 2006 guarantee for people of determination in the UAE?
First: Principles and General Objectives of the Law
Articles 1 – 9
The law aims to guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities and provide all services within their capabilities and potential, with a clear prohibition against considering disability as a reason to deny any rights in the fields of social, economic, health, educational, professional, cultural, and promotional care.
The state ensures equality for persons with disabilities compared to their non-disabled peers, and prohibits discrimination based on disability in all legislation and economic and social development policies.(Article 3)
The law explicitly affirms the right of persons with disabilities to express themselves and voice their opinions using Braille, sign language, and other means of communication, as well as their right to request, receive, and convey information on an equal footing with others.
Second: Health and Rehabilitation Rights
Articles 10 – 11
The law guarantees every disabled citizen the right to benefit from health services, rehabilitation, and support services at the state's expense, which include:
Surgical Operations
All types of surgeries, whether resulting from disability or not, with the provision of necessary equipment and tools.
Treatment and Follow-up
Consultations with general practitioners, specialists, and consultants, as well as laboratory tests, imaging, and medication dispensing.
Rehabilitative Treatment
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, auditory therapy, and psychological therapy.
Assistive Devices
Technical aids such as prosthetics, hearing aids, wheelchairs, and mobility canes.
Third: The right to education
Articles 12 – 15
The law provides individuals with disabilities equal opportunities for education within all educational and vocational training institutions, whether in regular classes or in special classes when necessary, with the curriculum provided in sign language or Braille.
The law also explicitly states that disability itself does not constitute an obstacle to enrollment or admission to any educational or training institution, whether public or private.
Fourth: The right to work and employment
Articles 16 – 19
The law grants the disabled citizen the right to work and hold public positions, explicitly stating that disability itself does not constitute a barrier to nomination and selection for work, taking into account the disability status when conducting competency tests. It also entrusted the Council of Ministers with determining the percentage of jobs allocated for the disabled in both the public and private sectors.
Fifth: Legal exemptions established for people of determination
Articles 27 – 32
| Type of exemption | Details |
|---|---|
| Taxes and fees on vehicles | Full exemption from taxes and fees on vehicles designated for the disabled based on a disability certificate. |
| Parking fees | Exemption from parking fees for vehicles designated for the disabled. |
| Licensing fees | Exemption of transport means of associations and centers for the disabled from licensing fees. |
| Construction fees | Exemption of associations and centers from building permit fees designated for use by the disabled. |
| Court fees | Exemption of lawsuits filed by the disabled in the context of implementing the provisions of this law. |
| Postal fees | Exemption of all correspondence related to the disabled or their associations and centers. |
Sixth: Penalties
Article 33
Shall be punished by a fine of not less thanOne thousand dirhamsand not exceedingFive thousand dirhamsAnyone who uses the disability card without legal justification, without prejudice to civil liability if applicable. The penalty is doubled in case of recidivism.
Seventh: The official card for people of determination
Articles 34 – 36
The law has adopted a personal card issued by the ministry for the disabled, which serves as an official document indicating their disability, granting them all the rights and services specified in the law. The disabled person may not be required to provide any other proof of their disability other than this card.
Legal Commentary — Awad Al-Muhairi Law Firm and Legal Consultations
Federal Law No. (29) of 2006 represents a foundational pillar in the system for protecting the rights of people of determination in the United Arab Emirates, and it was enacted prior to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted in the same year, reflecting the proactive approach of the state towards establishing these rights before they became an international obligation.
Legally, this law establishes the principle of non-discrimination based on disability within a comprehensive system that covers health, educational, professional, and cultural rights, with clear implementation mechanisms that include specialized committees in each sector. Its explicit recognition of sign language as a legal means of communication and expression is considered ahead of its time in the region.
What the Dubai Sign Language Charter recently brought forth embodies the practical and applied extension of this law, transitioning from the general legislative framework to binding and measurable executive mechanisms, in a model that enhances the UAE's position as a global leader in inclusivity legislation and human rights.