Attracting Emirati talent is tough. Meeting Emiratisation targets is tougher. Keeping those same employees happy and loyal? Let’s just say HR managers know this battle better than anyone else. Salaries alone no longer cut it, because today’s workforce expects perks, recognition, and benefits that go beyond the monthly paycheck.
This is where the Fazaa Card comes in. Backed by the UAE government, the program quietly shifts the balance in recruitment and retention. Employees gain real cost of living relief and lifestyle perks, while employers get a tool to stand out in a crowded hiring market. It’s one of those rare initiatives that hits both employer KPIs and employee expectations at the same time.
In this blog post, we will discuss what the Fazaa Card actually is, who can get it, its wide ranging benefits, and why it should be part of your HR toolkit. We’ll also walk you through applying, renewing, and using Fazaa as a real recruitment advantage.
What is the Fazaa Card and Why Does it Matter for Businesses?
For HR managers, it is a tool that strengthens your Emiratisation strategy while boosting employee satisfaction. Offering Fazaa can set your company apart as a forward-thinking employer that invests in people’s quality of life. It can be the very differentiator in your employer branding vs other companies.
What is a Fazaa Card?
It is a membership card offering discounts and privileges across healthcare, travel, shopping, education, and more. Reducing living costs and supporting employee welfare were the reasons for it being launched.
This can be a hidden recruitment advantage for businesses like yours. Because when employees feel supported, your company has a higher level of employee engagement and reduced turnover rates.
Fazaa Card for Emirates Employees
The Fazaa Card for Emirates employees holds even more weight. For UAE Nationals in both the government and private sector, it adds value to their employment package. For employers, it strengthens their Emiratisation benefits pitch, which itself is quite important in recruitment conversations.
Who is Eligible for the Fazaa Card?
Employers often ask us about eligibility before adding Fazaa to their benefits portfolio. The short answer is: not everyone qualifies, but those who do gain serious advantages. Understanding eligibility helps HR plan better, especially when it comes to balancing Emiratisation targets with employee engagement.
Fazaa Card Eligibility Criteria
The Fazaa program was initially rolled out for Ministry of Interior employees. But its eligibility later expanded to other areas. Today, the list of eligibility includes:
- Government and semi-government employees
- Emiratis in the private sector
- Hemam members (People of Determination)
This broader scope means private sector employers can now leverage Fazaa to attract Emirati candidates. This makes a great addition to the benefits of working in the private sector.
Who is Eligible for a Fazaa Card in the Private Sector?
This is where recruitment agencies and outsourcing companies step in. Emiratis employed through staffing models may also qualify, depending on whether their employer is a Fazaa partner.
Clarifying this eligibility upfront avoids confusion and shows candidates you’re serious about welfare. Employers who integrate Fazaa membership into their offering also gain an employer branding edge.
Fazaa Card Benefits for Employers and Employees
The Fazaa Card benefits go way beyond shopping discounts. For employees, it’s about stretching their salary further and enjoying a higher quality of life. For employers, it’s about creating a more compelling EVP (Employer Value Proposition) that solves real recruitment challenges.
Benefits of Fazaa Card for Employees
Employees can use Fazaa across multiple sectors. From healthcare support and education discounts to transport perks, shopping deals, and leisure activities, it becomes a cost of living relief package. Less household stress translates into higher productivity and engagement at work. Happier employees stay longer and perform better.
Fazaa Card Benefits for Employers
For employers, Fazaa strengthens retention and recruitment. It helps attract Emirati talent by adding non-monetary value to compensation packages.
It also aligns with Emiratisation KPIs, which means offering Fazaa is a great strategy. HR managers can build loyalty without inflating payroll budgets by using Fazaa to address recruitment challenges.
Types of Fazaa Cards & What They Offer
Different Fazaa card types come with different levels of perks, giving HR teams flexibility when positioning the program during recruitment pitches.
Fazaa Card Types Explained
Employees may receive Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Discount cards depending on their category of employment. Higher tiers come with enhanced benefits, but even the entry level options still provide useful discounts and lifestyle perks.
Fazaa Card Discounts Across Sectors
The coverage is wide with sectors of healthcare, education, shopping, transport, leisure, and travel included. For employees, these discounts ease everyday expenses.
For employers, they are a cost-neutral way of showing support for employee wellbeing. It is also a great selling point HR can highlight while presenting roles to candidates.
How to Get a Fazaa Card in the UAE
One of the most common HR queries is how to get a Fazaa Card for employees. The process is quite simple but it does require employer involvement in some cases.
How to Apply for Fazaa Card
Employees can apply through the Fazaa app or website. A company code may be required if the employer is a Fazaa partner. The standard documents are Emirates ID and proof of employment. HR teams familiar with the Fazaa Card process can guide employees with ease.
How to Get Fazaa Card for Employees in Outsourced Roles
If your business uses staff outsourcing providers, eligibility may depend on whether the outsourcing company itself is a Fazaa partner. This is why it pays to work with providers who can extend Fazaa benefits to outsourced staff. It boosts your Employer Value Preposition (EVP) without added effort.
Fazaa Card Renewal and Upgrades
Like any benefit, employees want to know how to renew Fazaa Card and keep their perks active.
How to Renew Fazaa Card
Renewals can be done online via the app or website. Employees have to provide their updated documents such as Emirates ID and employment verification. The process is digital, which makes it accessible and quick.
When Employers Should Remind Employees About Renewal
Best practice is for HR teams to send reminders ahead of expiration. These small touches show employees their welfare matters. Plus, timely renewal means employees never lose access to Fazaa perks, keeping engagement levels steady.
Strategic Role of Fazaa Card in Emiratisation & Recruitment
The Fazaa Card is not just about discounts. It’s a recruitment and Emiratisation powerhouse. Used correctly, it can support compliance while helping HR managers close talent gaps.
Fazaa Card as an Emiratisation Support Tool
Fazaa encourages Emiratis to join or remain in private sector roles by giving them meaningful perks. It directly supports the government’s Emiratisation mandate. Companies that ignore it risk not only losing talent but also facing Emiratisation fines.
Fazaa Card in Recruitment & Retention Strategy
As part of the recruitment life cycle, Fazaa is a valuable non-monetary perk. It strengthens offers, makes job packages more competitive, and supports long term retention. For recruitment firms and outsourcing agencies, Fazaa can also differentiate their services in a crowded market.
Conclusion: Why Fazaa Card is a Win-Win for Employers and Employees
The Fazaa Card is a lot more than a perk. It acts as a bridge between employer needs and employee expectations. For HR managers, it offers a cost-effective recruitment advantage while supporting Emiratisation KPIs. For employees, it improves daily life through discounts, services, and support across multiple sectors. Employers that integrate Fazaa into their HR strategy not only keep up but stand out.
And for companies seeking broader Emiratisation solutions, partnering with an Emiratisation recruitment agency in Dubai, like RAAD Recruitment, ensures you don’t leave any compliance or talent opportunity on the table. At RAAD Recruitment, we are focused on recruitment, talent development and workforce readiness. Get in touch with us now.
FAQs about Fazaa Card in the UAE
What Is a Fazaa Card and How Does It Work?
The Fazaa Card is a membership program that offers discounts and perks across multiple sectors, reducing living costs for employees while helping employers strengthen their EVP.
Who is Eligible for a Fazaa Card in the Private Sector?
Emiratis employed in the private sector may qualify, especially if their employer is a Fazaa partner. Outsourced employees may also be included depending on their staffing provider’s partnership status.
How to Get Fazaa Card for Employees in The Private Sector?
Private sector employees can apply via the Fazaa app or website. A company code and employment documents may be required, depending on the employer’s setup.
What Are the Key Benefits of Fazaa Card?
Fazaa offers discounts in healthcare, education, shopping, leisure, travel, and more. It reduces household costs for employees and enhances employer branding for businesses.
How to Apply and Renew a Fazaa Card Online?
Applications and renewals are done digitally through the Fazaa platform. Required documents include Emirates ID and employment proof. Renewal should be completed before expiry to maintain uninterrupted benefits.
What Types of Fazaa Cards Are Available?
Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Discount tiers exist, each with varying levels of perks. Employers can use this flexibility when tailoring benefit packages for employees.
