Sheikh Hamdan approves key social welfare, digital transformation initiatives for Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, has recently approved a series of initiatives aimed at further enhancing Dubai's social development, quality of life, and digital capabilities. These initiatives are designed to consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global city and improve the overall well-being of its residents.

While chairing a meeting of the Executive Council of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan welcomed the announcement by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, declaring 2025 as the "Year of Community." He emphasized that this move will help strengthen social cohesion and accelerate government efforts to achieve the goals of the "Dubai Social Agenda 33." This focus on community is essential for fostering a strong and united society.

Sheikh Hamdan added that designating 2025 as the "Year of Community" is highly aligned with the "Dubai Social Agenda 33" launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, which has received AED 208 billion in budget support. This agenda aims to comprehensively elevate the level of social development in Dubai and create a more inclusive society for everyone.

During the meeting, the Executive Council approved the "Dubai Child Protection Protocol," a comprehensive framework designed to ensure a more holistic approach to child welfare, with a particular emphasis on family support. The system includes a range of strategic projects, including the Dubai Child Protection Protocol, proactive child welfare services, social worker training programs, and legislative reforms to strengthen governance. Covering multiple life stages from prenatal care and birth registration to premarital counseling, the protocol aims to ensure seamless coordination and effective management of child welfare through closer collaboration among government departments and specialized teams.

Sheikh Hamdan also approved the Community Development Fund Policy, which is aligned with the "Dubai Social Agenda 33" and supports various social development initiatives. The policy aims to strengthen community services, help fund social projects, and promote an inclusive society. The Community Development Authority will be responsible for managing the policy, with a focus on empowering Emirati nationals, improving social services, and driving innovation in the field of social support.

To further enhance housing ownership opportunities for Emirati citizens, the Executive Council of Dubai also approved a new property classification initiative called "Strata Registration." This initiative aims to enhance housing ownership opportunities for Emirati citizens by allowing property owners to subdivide real estate units and issue separate title deeds for each unit within a building. This initiative will promote more diverse housing options, support family stability and community cohesion, and stimulate economic growth in the real estate sector.

In order to consolidate Dubai's position as a pedestrian-friendly global city, Sheikh Hamdan also approved the "Superblocks" initiative. This project focuses on transforming designated urban areas into pedestrian-friendly zones to improve quality of life, promote social interaction, and facilitate sustainable transportation. In line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the initiative aims to improve quality of life by designating car-free residential areas, increasing green spaces, and reducing carbon emissions through shared public recreation spaces, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.

Furthermore, Sheikh Hamdan approved the Unified Digital Platform initiative, designed to integrate Dubai's government digital services into a single platform, thereby streamlining the user experience for residents, businesses, and tourists. Aligned with the "Services 360 Policy," this initiative aims to position Dubai among the top three cities globally for digital services by 2027. It integrates platforms such as "Dubai Now," "Invest in Dubai," and "Visit Dubai," and features specialized portals for transportation, construction, legal affairs, and commerce.

Sheikh Hamdan called on all government departments to support these initiatives, believing that they will elevate Dubai's global standing, promote social well-being, and drive sustainable development. Through a collective sense of responsibility and a determination to unlock potential, Dubai has established a comprehensive development model, setting a benchmark for future cities and inspiring others to strive for excellence.