Esaad vs Fazaa Card: Which Discount Program Is Better in Dubai?

Esaad and Fazaa are two of Dubai’s most popular discount programs, offering savings across shopping, dining, travel, education, healthcare, and entertainment. Esaad provides broader international coverage and Golden Visa eligibility, while Fazaa offers deeper UAE-focused community benefits. The better card depends on your lifestyle and spending habits.

Dubai residents love savings—and with the rise of government-backed discount cards, the question everyone asks is: Should I get the Esaad card or the Fazaa card?

Both offer generous discounts, but they are designed for different groups and priorities. This definitive guide breaks down everything you need to know, from eligibility and benefits to which card delivers better overall value for residents, families, and everyday consumers in the UAE.

What Is the Esaad Card in Dubai?

The Esaad Card is a premium discount program launched by the General Directorate of Dubai Police in 2017.
Its goal is simple: improve quality of life for UAE residents by offering major savings across essential and lifestyle sectors.

Who qualifies for Esaad?

✅ Dubai Police employees

✅ UAE federal & local government employees

✅ Semi-government staff

✅ UAE Golden Visa holders

✅ Military personnel & retirees

✅ Senior citizens

✅ People of Determination

✅ Limited-income categories

✅ Spouses & dependents of eligible holders

Key Esaad Card Benefits

Esaad offers savings across more than 7,000 brands in the UAE and over 90 countries, making it one of the most globally integrated discount programs.

Discount sectors include:

✅ Retail & fashion

✅ Restaurants & cafes

✅ Hotels & resorts

✅ Hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies

✅ Schools, universities & learning centers

✅ Fitness clubs & wellness

✅ Airlines, travel, car rentals

✅ Theme parks & leisure

Sample Esaad Discounts

✅ 50% off at V Hotel and Habtoor Palace Dubai

✅ 35% off at Rhain Steakhouse / Chill Out Lounge Dubai

✅ 20% off at Nando’s

✅ Up to 25% off at Petit Bateau

✅ 20% off flights with FlyDubai & Jazeera Airways

Esaad is considered a premium-affiliation card—high acceptance, high global coverage, and broad category variety.

What Is the Fazaa Card in Dubai?

The Fazaa Card is a national loyalty program created by the Ministry of Interior for community support and welfare.
It is not as globally widespread as Esaad but offers extremely strong UAE-focused benefits, especially for families and essential daily expenses.

Who qualifies for Fazaa?

✅ Ministry of Interior employees

✅ Military & police personnel

✅ Government employees (specific categories)

✅ Some private-sector partners

✅ Fazaa Z family package members

(Unlike Esaad, Fazaa is NOT open to Golden Visa holders or general residents.)

Key Fazaa Card Benefits

✅ Groceries & supermarket discounts

✅ Local retail savings

✅ Car deals, fuel savings

✅ Hotel & travel offers

✅ Leisure & entertainment

✅ Special packages for families

✅ Interest-free installment options

Sample Fazaa Discounts

✅ Fuel savings through select partners

✅ Exclusive supermarket deals

✅ Instant offers at malls and restaurants

✅ Vehicle purchase discounts

✅ Fazaa Store access with exclusive prices

Fazaa is more community-centric and ideal for UAE nationals and government employees.

Esaad vs Fazaa: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Esaad Card	Fazaa Card
Primary Users	Police, Govt, Golden Visa holders	MOI employees, govt staff
Global Use	90+ countries	Mostly UAE
Discount Range	Premium lifestyle + essentials	Essentials + family support
Travel Discounts	Very strong	Limited
Retail Coverage	Extensive	Moderate
Food & Dining	Strong (premium + casual)	Good (mostly casual)
Eligibility	Broad	Restricted
Real Estate Relevance	Valuable for expat residents	Limited (more local-focused)

Verdict:
✔ Esaad = Best for expats, Golden Visa holders, residents, families & regular consumers
✔ Fazaa = Best for UAE government and MOI employees seeking UAE-focused savings

Which Card Has Better Discounts in Dubai?

Esaad Wins for:

✅ Hotels & luxury stays

✅ International travel

✅ High-end dining

✅ Global shopping brands

✅ Health & wellness

✅ Entertainment (theme parks, attractions)

Fazaa Wins for:

✅ Groceries

✅ Fuel savings

✅ Local, community-focused services

✅ Family packages

✅ Government-linked benefits

If your lifestyle includes travel, dining out, or premium brands, Esaad saves you more money overall.
If you prefer essential household savings and community benefits, Fazaa may be more practical—but only if you’re eligible.

Which Card Saves More Money for a Typical Dubai Resident?

Most Dubai residents—especially expats—spend the most on:

✅ Groceries

✅ Dining

✅ School fees

✅ Gym/wellness

✅ Travel

✅ Weekend entertainment

✅ Clothing & retail

Esaad covers more of these categories and offers deeper discounts in travel, hospitality, and lifestyle—popular spending areas in expat households.

Estimated Annual Savings

Category	Esaad Avg. Savings	Fazaa Avg. Savings
Dining	20–35%	10–25%
Hotels	40–50%	10–30%
Flights	15–20%	0–10%
Retail	10–25%	10–15%
Groceries	5–10%	10–20%
Wellness	10–30%	10–15%

For general residents: Esaad provides wider and higher-value savings.

Can Expats Get the Esaad or Fazaa Card?

Expats Can Get:

✔ Esaad Card — if they hold the UAE Golden Visa
✔ Dependents of eligible holders

Expats Cannot Get:

✘ Fazaa Card – restricted to MOI & selected government categories

If you’re a Golden Visa investor, property buyer, or skilled professional, Esaad becomes a valuable lifestyle advantage.

Is the Esaad Card Worth It for Everyday Use?

Absolutely—Esaad delivers savings on day-to-day expenses like:

✅ Restaurants

✅ Pharmacies

✅ Clinics

✅ Salons

✅ Gyms

✅ Cafés

✅ Electronics

✅ Clothing

✅ Travel bookings

Most residents recover the card’s value within the first month of regular use—especially families.

Is the Fazaa Card Worth It for UAE Nationals and MOI Staff?

Yes—Fazaa offers benefits specifically designed for:

✅ UAE families

✅ Government workers

✅ Community welfare

✅ Essentials shopping

✅ Car maintenance & fuel

If you fall into these categories, Fazaa is extremely useful.

So Which Is Better — Esaad or Fazaa?

Choose Esaad If You Want:

✔ Premium lifestyle benefits
✔ International deals
✔ Travel discounts
✔ Better restaurant and hotel savings
✔ Broader eligibility
✔ More acceptance across Dubai

Choose Fazaa If You Want:

✔ Family-focused UAE-only savings
✔ Grocery and fuel discounts
✔ MOI/government-linked benefits

Overall Winner for Dubai Residents:

Esaad Card — broader coverage, stronger benefits, more everyday value.

FAQ’s

1. Which is better in Dubai: the Esaad Card or the Fazaa Card?

The Esaad Card generally offers broader value for most Dubai residents because it covers premium categories like travel, hotels, dining, healthcare, and shopping across 90+ countries. Fazaa is more localized and focused on UAE government employees. If you’re an expat, Golden Visa holder, or Dubai property investor, Esaad provides wider benefits that align better with travel, lifestyle, and community living needs.

2. Who is eligible for the Esaad Card in Dubai?

Esaad eligibility includes Dubai Police employees, UAE government staff, military personnel, senior citizens, People of Determination, and UAE Golden Visa holders. This makes it especially useful for foreign investors purchasing property in Dubai, as the Golden Visa route provides access. Immediate family members and dependents are also eligible, extending savings across household expenses, travel, education, and wellness.

3. Can expats in Dubai apply for the Esaad or Fazaa Card?

Expats can apply for the Esaad Card if they hold a valid UAE Golden Visa or are dependents of an eligible cardholder. Fazaa, however, is restricted to Ministry of Interior employees and select UAE government staff. For expats investing in Dubai real estate or relocating to communities like JVC, Dubai Hills, or Arjan, Esaad offers significantly more practical lifestyle and savings benefits.

4. What discounts does the Esaad Card offer for families in Dubai?

Esaad offers family-oriented discounts on schools, healthcare, gyms, restaurants, theme parks, retail outlets, and travel bookings. Families living in Dubai’s residential communities such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai South, or Arabian Ranches benefit especially from dining, education, and leisure offers. Savings typically range between 15–50% depending on the merchant and category, making it ideal for cost-conscious households.

5. What is the difference between Esaad and Fazaa discount programs?

Esaad delivers broader lifestyle and international savings with stronger hospitality, dining, travel, and luxury retail benefits. Fazaa focuses on essential, community-centric discounts—primarily for UAE government, police, and MOI staff. While Fazaa helps with essentials like groceries and fuel, Esaad is better suited for residents seeking premium experiences, relocation value, and savings that enhance daily living in Dubai’s modern communities.

6. Is the Esaad Card worth it for Golden Visa property investors in Dubai?

Golden Visa property investors benefit significantly from the Esaad Card because it provides discounts on hotels, travel, clinics, schools, and dining—categories that support long-term residency. Many investors buying apartments or villas in JVC, Dubai Marina, Arjan, or Downtown Dubai use Esaad to reduce lifestyle costs and enjoy higher quality community living while maintaining long-term property investment returns.

7. Does the Esaad Card offer discounts on travel, flights, or hotels?

Esaad offers strong travel benefits, including discounts on flights with FlyDubai, Jazeera Airways, EgyptAir, and savings at luxury hotels such as V Hotel and Habtoor Palace. It is particularly advantageous for residents who travel frequently or property investors who commute between Dubai and their home country. Discounts typically range from 15–50%, making it ideal for regular family travel.

8. Which card gives better dining and restaurant discounts in Dubai — Esaad or Fazaa?

Esaad offers more extensive dining discounts across casual, mid-range, and premium restaurants, including international cuisines, hotel restaurants, and Dubai Mall outlets. Fazaa also includes dining offers but is more locally focused and limited in variety. For residents living in areas like JVC, Business Bay, or Downtown Dubai, Esaad delivers more consistent savings and better coverage across popular dining destinations.

9. Can my family or dependents use my Esaad or Fazaa Card?

Esaad allows spouses, children, and dependents of eligible cardholders to enjoy the same discounts using linked profiles, which increases the value for families living in communities like Arjan, JVC, or Dubai Hills. Fazaa also offers family benefits for certain categories. However, Esaad has wider coverage in schools, retail, healthcare, and leisure—making it more beneficial for larger households.

10. How do I get the Esaad Card in Dubai if I am not a government employee?

Non-government residents can obtain the Esaad Card primarily through UAE Golden Visa eligibility, which includes property investment starting from AED 2M. Many real estate investors use this path to secure long-term residency and gain access to ESAAD privileges. Once your Golden Visa is approved, you can apply through official channels or the Esaad app and receive instant access to discounts.

11. Does the Esaad Card help save money for residents living in Dubai’s popular communities?

Yes, residents living in JVC, Dubai Hills Estate, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Arjan, and Palm Jumeirah benefit significantly from Esaad’s discounts on dining, schools, gyms, clinics, salons, hotels, and entertainment. Because these communities include high-demand lifestyle services, Esaad helps families and expats reduce monthly expenses by 15–40%, improving affordability and overall community living experience.

12. Is Fazaa or Esaad better for everyday expenses like groceries, fuel, and medical services?

Fazaa typically offers stronger savings on essentials like groceries, fuel, car services, and daily necessities, making it ideal for MOI and government staff. Esaad, however, covers more clinics, pharmacies, gyms, and retail outlets. For most expats and property buyers, Esaad provides more day-to-day value across broader categories, even if Fazaa is better for selected essential services.

13. Do Esaad or Fazaa offer benefits linked to Dubai real estate, relocation, or lifestyle upgrades?

Esaad indirectly supports relocation and community living by offering discounts on schools, clinics, gyms, furniture, and home services—key categories for families moving into new homes in Dubai. It does not discount real estate directly, but the savings significantly reduce monthly living costs for residents in communities like JVC, Dubai South, Arabian Ranches, and Dubai Hills. Fazaa is less aligned with relocation needs.

14. Can tourists or short-term visitors apply for the Esaad or Fazaa Card?

Both cards are reserved for specific resident categories. Tourists cannot apply. Esaad requires UAE residency—often through Golden Visa or government employment. Fazaa is restricted to MOI and approved government groups. However, once a foreign investor secures a Golden Visa via property purchase, Esaad becomes accessible for long-term lifestyle benefits and Dubai community integration.

15. Which discount card gives the highest total yearly savings in Dubai?

For the average Dubai resident—especially expat families—Esaad typically offers higher overall yearly savings because it covers more spending categories, including travel, dining, schools, clinics, gyms, and retail. Fazaa may provide strong essential savings for eligible government employees, but Esaad offers broader value across both essentials and lifestyle, making it more cost-effective for families and property investors.

Conclusion

Both cards provide excellent value, but for most Dubai residents—especially expats, families, and frequent travelers—Esaad offers far wider and deeper benefits.

It covers more categories, has international reach, and is accessible to Golden Visa holders, making it the more versatile and high-impact option.If you’re comparing discount programs to reduce your cost of living in Dubai, boost lifestyle savings, and make smarter financial decisions, Esaad is the clear winner.