Dubai's 24-hour hotline gives elderly secure line to request help or report abuse

Senior citizens receive around the clock assistance and protection with Community Development Authority helpline

Elderly citizens and residents in Dubai and their caregivers can call a Community Development Authority hotline for assistance and to report instances of neglect and abuse. Getty

Elderly Emiratis and residents can call a 24-hour hotline to ask for protection, legal assistance or report abuse in Dubai.

The hotline, 800988, also provides medical support in Arabic and English, should an individual be experiencing neglect or abuse.

Managed by the Community Development Authority, the hotline comes under the emirate’s Policy for the Elderly, which aims to address the safety concerns of the older population.

Caregivers can also call the hotline to complain about abuse or raise requests for protection.

A bilingual team will take the calls, follow up with immediate action when required and supervise the care of elderly people.

“The recently launched hotline will enhance our abilities to accurately identify the needs of the elderly in Dubai and protect and support them,” said Huraiz bin Huraiz, chief executive of the CDA’s development and social care sector.

“The CDA plans to develop care and support programmes for elderly expatriates in Dubai with emphasis on protecting them from any form of abuse, neglect or exploitation.”

The authority is working with Dubai Police, health authorities and Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services to respond quickly in case of emergency situations involving mistreatment.

It is part of an overall policy to increase community engagement among the elderly with protection against abuse and neglect an integral part of the programme.

Since the Covid-19 outbreak, the authority has been creating a database of information of senior citizens and residents of Dubai including their health conditions and place of residence.

The data will help address specific requirements of the elderly, design care and support programmes to improve their quality of life while ensuring their safety.

It is part of the CDA's efforts to protect the most vulnerable segments of society including women, children and people with special needs to give them access to assistance from authorities by using direct communication channels.

Requests for information and complaints can also be reported to: [e-mail] or by calling the main call centre at 8002121.