The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) of the United Arab Emirates has unveiled a groundbreaking social support program specifically designed for elderly residents. Dubbed the ‘Labaih Initiative,’ this comprehensive program establishes specialized procedures to assist senior citizens in fulfilling their tax obligations while prioritizing accessibility and privacy protection.
This initiative represents a significant advancement in age-responsive government services, creating tailored pathways for older adults to navigate tax compliance requirements. The program will be administered through the FTA’s existing Call Centre and Taxpayer Support Centres, where specially trained staff will provide personalized assistance to elderly taxpayers.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director-General of the FTA, emphasized that this initiative aligns with the UAE leadership’s vision for enhanced elder care and social support systems. ‘Senior citizens constitute a fundamental and valued segment of our society,’ Al Bustani stated. ‘This initiative demonstrates our recognition of their lifelong contributions to national development across various sectors.’
The Labaih Initiative incorporates multiple innovative features including priority phone access, expedited processing at service centers, and dedicated support teams that follow up on senior citizens’ requests using simplified procedures. Notably, the program enables electronic document access through the FTA’s website, eliminating the need for physical visits to tax centers for many transactions.
Beyond procedural accommodations, the initiative includes educational components with specially designed workshops and informational sessions that employ methods appropriate for older adults. These awareness programs aim to build confidence and understanding of tax legislation and procedures.
The FTA’s implementation of this program reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to developing innovative social care models that maintain quality of life for aging citizens while ensuring their full participation in national systems and obligations.