Overview

Both the Esaad and Fazaa cards deliver discounts and perks, but they are built for different user groups and goals. Esaad started as a welfare/lifestyle benefits card with broad retail and travel discounts, while Fazaa focuses on community support and local benefits for UAE nationals and Ministry of Interior staff.

What is the Esaad Card?

Launched in 2017 by Dubai Police as a welfare initiative, the Esaad Card provides lifestyle discounts to eligible government and semi-government employees. Over time Esaad expanded to include partnerships across retail, healthcare and travel — both inside the UAE and internationally.

What is the Fazaa Card?

The Fazaa Card is an initiative under the UAE Ministry of Interior. It emphasises community welfare, support programmes and retail savings for UAE nationals and Ministry staff. Fazaa also includes targeted benefits for elderly citizens and People of Determination.

Eligibility — Who Can Get the Cards?

Esaad Card

Primarily available to Dubai government employees and some semi-government staff. In many cases eligible expatriates who work in those entities can access Esaad benefits. The card also includes special offers for People of Determination and elderly residents in certain programmes.

Fazaa Card

Designed mainly for UAE nationals and Ministry of Interior employees. Expat eligibility is limited. Fazaa includes specific provisions for elderly nationals and People of Determination to access medical and retail discounts.

Quick verdict: Esaad is generally more accessible to expats working in qualifying public-sector roles; Fazaa is targeted at UAE nationals and MOI staff.

Benefits Compared

Esaad Card Benefits

• Discounts in supermarkets, malls, fashion and electronics across the UAE and some international partners.
• Travel and hospitality deals for frequent travellers and retirees.
• Healthcare discounts, including medical packages for the elderly and People of Determination.

Fazaa Card Benefits

• Strong UAE-focused retail savings (groceries, electronics, daily essentials).
• Community and welfare support, including financial assistance programs and insurance offers.
• Targeted healthcare discounts for elderly nationals and People of Determination within the UAE.

Verdict: Esaad favours international lifestyle and travel perks, while Fazaa prioritises local, family-oriented and welfare benefits.

Healthcare Savings

Esaad: Partnerships with hospitals, clinics and pharmacies both inside the UAE and abroad. Useful for those who travel or seek international healthcare options.
Fazaa: Focused on UAE healthcare providers with strong local discounts for elderly nationals and People of Determination.

Verdict: Choose Esaad for international healthcare flexibility; choose Fazaa for stronger local medical support.

Travel & Hospitality

Esaad delivers broader airline, hotel and car rental discounts — ideal for residents who travel often. Fazaa’s travel perks are generally local and focused on staycations and UAE-based offers.

Verdict: Esaad is better for international travel; Fazaa is adequate for domestic travel and local breaks.

Community & Financial Support

Esaad is mainly a lifestyle and discount card. Fazaa extends beyond discounts by offering welfare programmes, emergency support and financial services designed for UAE nationals and vulnerable groups.

Verdict: Fazaa provides deeper community support and social-care features than Esaad.

Geographic Coverage

Esaad: UAE-wide plus selected international partners.
Fazaa: Mainly UAE-based with limited international reach.

Verdict: If international coverage matters, Esaad is the stronger choice.

Application & Accessibility

Both cards are integrated with digital services and mobile apps, and distribution is usually handled through the employer or the issuing authority. Special assistance routes exist for People of Determination and the elderly.

• Esaad: Often issued via government employers; digital access and app features are available.
• Fazaa: Issued through the Ministry of Interior for eligible nationals; app & assistance available.

Fees

Both cards are typically provided free to eligible recipients (government employees for Esaad; UAE nationals and MOI employees for Fazaa).

Which Card Should You Choose?

• Best for Expats: Esaad (if you qualify via a government/semi-government employer).
• Best for Frequent Travellers: Esaad — better international travel and hospitality perks.
• Best for UAE Nationals & Families: Fazaa — stronger local, welfare and community support.
• Best for Elderly Citizens & People of Determination: Fazaa often provides more targeted local support, though Esaad also offers specialised healthcare discounts in some programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The better card depends on your circumstances: Esaad suits travellers and eligible expats seeking broader retail and international discounts, while Fazaa is the stronger choice for UAE nationals who benefit from local, community-focused support.

If you need help checking eligibility or finding the right benefits for your family, contact your HR department or the issuing authority (Dubai Police for Esaad, Ministry of Interior for Fazaa) — or ask me and I’ll point you to the correct application resources.