SEN support in Dubai: a parent's starting guide

Finding out your child may have additional needs can feel overwhelming, especially far from family. The good news: Dubai has a clear inclusive-education framework and support for people of determination. Here's where to start.

1. Talk to your child's school

Under the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework (from KHDA, Dubai's education regulator), private schools in Dubai are expected to welcome and support students of determination. Ask the school's inclusion team or SENCO (special educational needs coordinator) about:

2. Get an assessment

A proper assessment helps your child get the right support. Your paediatrician can refer you to a developmental paediatrician, psychologist, or speech, occupational or behavioural therapist. Ask your health insurer what's covered before booking - cover for assessments and therapies varies a lot.

3. The Sanad card (Dubai)

The Sanad card is issued by Dubai's Community Development Authority (CDA) to people of determination. It gives access to services, facilities and benefits from government and private organisations in Dubai - and helps Dubai plan services for families like yours. You apply on the CDA website or the CDA Dubai app.

There's also a federal People of Determination card for families across the UAE - ask the relevant authority in your emirate.

4. Look after yourself too

Caring for a child with additional needs is a marathon. Parent support groups (many run by schools, clinics and community groups), respite and sharing the load with your partner, family or nanny all matter.

How MamaMind helps

MamaMind's SEN Family plan is built for this: it keeps therapies and appointments on track, reads therapy and school reports, helps you find real local specialists (never made up), connects mum, dad and a carer so everyone knows the plan - and checks in on you, not just the to-do list. People of Determination and Sanad card holders get an extra 10% off.