Yumnak and private elderly home care in Dubai: what's covered and how to arrange care
Yumnak is a Dubai Health initiative, launched on 1 November 2026, that brings health, social, transport and housing services for senior citizens aged 60 and above in Dubai under one contact number: 800 588. If you want to arrange private, paid caregiver support at home on top of, or instead of, government services, you can book that directly with a licensed private provider such as DarDoc.
What is Yumnak?
Yumnak is an initiative from Dubai Health, launched under the City Makers programme of the General Secretariat of The Executive Council of Dubai. It brings together health, social support, transport and housing services for senior citizens in Dubai, so they can get the care and help they need to live independently.
The name comes from Arabic and refers to the right hand, a symbol of help, support and companionship. According to the announcement, the services were shaped by feedback from senior citizens gathered in workshops.
Who is eligible?
The announcement says Yumnak serves senior citizens aged 60 and above in Dubai. Some services are described as being for "eligible" individuals, and the announcement does not list the detailed criteria. Call 800 588 to check what applies to you or your family member.
What does Yumnak cover?
Services are delivered with six Dubai entities. According to the announcement:
- Dubai Health: home care services, including physician visits, nursing care, dental services and physiotherapy, plus home delivery of medicines and medical supplies. It also offers transport in its own fleet for eligible patients between home and Dubai Health facilities.
- Almadallah Healthcare Management: medical equipment and home nursing services for eligible individuals.
- Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS): transport to medical appointments for people with limited mobility, in specially equipped ambulances, linked to the appointment system.
- Community Development Authority (CDA): social support, including the Thukher Card through the Dubai Now app, financial support for eligible caregivers, and the Waleef service, which provides home care for senior citizens living alone.
- Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE): assesses housing needs and carries out home modifications.
- Dubai Municipality: residential annex design services for senior citizens.
- Caregiver for Senior Citizens Training Program: training for family members and caregivers.
Overall healthcare services are regulated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
How to contact Yumnak
Call 800 588. The announcement says you can use this number to ask about services, follow up on requests and book selected services.
Source: Dubai Media Office announcement, 1 November 2026
Arranging private paid caregiver support with DarDoc
Some families want extra hands at home, more hours, overnight cover, or a caregiver who comes on the family's own schedule. That is private, paid care, and it is separate from Yumnak.
With DarDoc, families in Dubai can book a caregiver for:
- Companion care and daily support: company and conversation, keeping familiar routines, help with walking and getting in or out of bed or a chair
- Personal care: help with bathing, grooming, dressing and eating
- Overnight care, as a single night or as part of a monthly plan
- Following the routine after a hospital stay
- Medication reminders, routine vital-sign and blood-sugar checks, and prescribed insulin injections
- Support for someone living with dementia, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's
- Help with tube feeding and everyday catheter care
How it works:
- Message on WhatsApp to talk through the care your family member needs.
- Get matched with a DarDoc-employed, female caregiver who is background-checked and BLS-certified.
- Choose hours: the minimum on-demand booking is 4 hours. You can book a short visit, a half day, a single night or a weekly or monthly plan. On a monthly plan you keep the same caregiver, except on scheduled off-days or sick leave.
- DarDoc handles the caregiver's transport, visa and employment paperwork.
Prices: See the pricing calculator
DarDoc does not bill insurance providers directly.
See elderly care at home in Dubai
Yumnak or private care: which fits?
| Yumnak | Private caregiver (DarDoc) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs it | Dubai Health with 6 Dubai entities | DarDoc, an independent private provider |
| Who it is for | Senior citizens aged 60+ in Dubai; some services only for eligible people | Any family in Dubai that books |
| How to start | Call 800 588 | Message DarDoc on WhatsApp |
| Cost | Ask Yumnak on 800 588 | Paid. See the pricing calculator |
Need a caregiver at home in Dubai? See how DarDoc's elderly care works
Frequently asked questions
What is Yumnak?
Yumnak is a Dubai Health initiative, launched on 1 November 2026, that brings health, social support, transport and housing services for senior citizens aged 60 and above in Dubai together under one contact number, 800 588.
Who can use Yumnak?
According to the official announcement, Yumnak is for senior citizens aged 60 and above in Dubai. Some services are only for eligible individuals, so call 800 588 to check.
What is the Yumnak phone number?
800 588. You can use it to ask about services, follow up on requests and book selected services.
Is DarDoc part of Yumnak?
No. DarDoc is an independent private healthcare provider and is not part of, partnered with or endorsed by Dubai Health or Yumnak. For Yumnak services, call 800 588.
How do I arrange a private caregiver at home in Dubai?
With DarDoc, you message the team on WhatsApp, get matched with a DarDoc-employed caregiver and choose your hours. The minimum on-demand booking is 4 hours, and monthly plans keep the same caregiver.
