By Staff Reporter |
DUBAI – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a landmark new law aimed at strengthening social protection, community development, and support for vulnerable groups across the emirate.
Law No. (12) of 2026, which governs the Community Development Authority (CDA), replaces the previous 2015 legislation and introduces a broader framework designed to enhance social welfare, promote community cohesion, and improve economic empowerment for citizens.
Under the new law, the CDA is entrusted with developing social policies and strategies, proposing legislation, and overseeing the licensing and regulation of social organisations and professionals operating in Dubai.
A major feature of the legislation is the enhanced protection of minors, individuals without legal capacity, and those with limited legal capacity. The Authority will monitor their wellbeing, ensure access to healthcare, education, and recreational services, and facilitate placement in approved social or healthcare facilities when necessary. It will also represent and protect these individuals before relevant institutions and guard them against unlawful practices.
The law further establishes a Social Observatory within the CDA to monitor and analyse social trends, collect data, and identify emerging challenges. The initiative is intended to support evidence-based policymaking and enable early intervention in addressing social issues.
To improve coordination of support services, the legislation introduces a unified case management system that will integrate social and humanitarian assistance programmes across Dubai. Government entities and service providers will be required to connect to the platform to ensure more efficient delivery of services.
Another key development is the creation of a Community Development Fund, which will provide financial assistance to eligible groups, support social development projects, and fund vocational training programmes for unemployed individuals. The fund will also encourage partnerships with the private sector and facilitate contributions from businesses and individuals to support community initiatives.
The law also outlines a framework for determining low-income classifications, with eligibility criteria to be set by the Authority and approved by the Chairman of the Executive Council. These classifications will be reviewed periodically to reflect changing economic and social conditions.
Officials say the legislation represents a significant step toward building a more inclusive, resilient, and socially empowered society in line with Dubai’s long-term development vision.
The law comes into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette.
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM).
