Free park entry for determined people’s aides

Dolphinarium, Children’s City and Dubai Safari to also give free entry to two companions

Companions of people of determination (those with special needs) will now be able to enter public parks in Dubai for free, Dubai Municipality announced yesterday.

Two persons accompanying people of determination will be exempt from paying the entry fee at some facilities belonging to the municipality, the civic body said in a press release.

The facilities include public parks in the emirate, Children’s City, Dolphinarium and Dubai Safari Park, which is set to open in December. The entry for people of determination to these facilities is already free.

Hussain Nasser Lootah, director-general of Dubai Municipality, issued an administrative decision regarding the new move, the municipality said.

It is a move to meet the government’s directives to support and provide the people of determination with a dignified life.

It is also part of the initiative, “My Community Is a Place for All,” launched by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, aimed at turning the emirate into a place friendly for people of determination by 2020.

“Since its establishment in 1957, Dubai Municipality has committed itself to providing the highest levels of care and support to people of determination, and has prioritised the provision of a variety of quality services to this category. We have also taken care to modernise, develop and facilitate the services within our facilities, service centres and projects,” Lootah said.

Muna Khalifa Bin Hammad, an expert on corporate excellence and a member of the Dubai Municipality team for such people, said people of determination are provided with specialised children’s toys, fitness equipment and wheelchairs in public parks. “Those with hearing disabilities can request this service from the park employees for free, and can avail the service via e-Chat also through the Dubai Municipality’s website [www.dm.gov. ae],” she said.

Expert