In the UAE, there are special plans called “Social Welfare Programs in UAE” that help people in many different ways. These programs show that the country cares about everyone’s well-being and wants to help in different parts of life. They cover things like health, education, jobs, and housing. By looking into these programs, we can see how the UAE is working to make sure that everyone has the support they need to live well. Join us as we explore what these “Social Welfare Programs in UAE” are all about and how they make life better for people in the country.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Announces AED 28 Billion Social Support for Low-Income Emirati Families“
Sheikh Mohamed has unveiled a substantial AED 28 billion social support initiative for disadvantaged Emirati households, encompassing essential subsidies for fuel, food, and utilities. As part of this announcement, the existing social welfare programs will undergo a significant transformation, increasing annual financial aid from AED 2.7 billion to AED 5 billion.
This represents a substantial doubling of the support budget, now totaling AED 14 billion. The program’s aid will extend to cover accommodation, fuel, food, water, and electricity, with temporary financial assistance provided to unemployed citizens aged 45 and above. This initiative is targeted at Emirati households with a combined income of up to AED 25,000.
Social welfare programs
Social Welfare Programs in UAE
Here are the allowances provided in the social welfare programs in UAE:
Fuel subsidies
The program offers an 85% reduction in fuel costs exceeding AED 2.10 per liter.
Each household’s primary provider will benefit from a monthly subsidy applicable to the first 300 liters of fuel. Families with a working wife will receive an extra allocation of 200 liters. Conversely, households where the wife is unemployed will be entitled to 400 liters.
Electricity and water subsidies
Residents will receive a 50% discount on electricity if their consumption remains below 4,000 kilowatts, and a similar percentage reduction will apply to monthly water bills for consumption below 26,000 gallons.
Food supplement allowance
The government will subsidize 75% of food price increases for low-income Emiratis, as reported by the state news agency Wam, aiming to support their basic living needs and enhance their quality of life.
Education in the University
A recent addition to the social support program for families is the “University Education Allowance.”
This monthly allowance of Dh3,200 is intended to motivate children to pursue higher education at the university level.
Unemployed citizens aged 45 and above
Unemployed citizens aged 45 and above will receive a set subsidy ranging from AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 per month. The subsidy allocation will be determined based on the individual’s age within this demographic.
Job seekers
Every recipient, regardless of age, will receive a monthly allowance of AED 5,000 for a duration of six months.
Accommodation
The housing allowance will vary from AED 1,500 to AED 2,500 per month until the family secures government housing. Individuals who reside with their parents or other family members are eligible for 60 percent of these amounts.
The benefits cease once the applicant is provided government housing.
Family allowances
Now, a monthly allowance of Dh5,000 will be provided to the head of the family. This amount will increase by Dh2,000 per month for every 10 years of experience, up to a maximum of Dh13,000 per month.
The calculation of work years begins at the age of 21 and continues from the age of 30 onwards.
The wife will receive a monthly allowance of Dh3,500.
Children’s allowances have been adjusted, with the first child receiving Dh2,400 per month, the second and third children receiving Dh1,600 per month each, and subsequent children receiving Dh800 per month each.
This assistance is available to all citizens, regardless of their employment status—whether they are employed, unemployed, or actively seeking employment.
How to Apply for Social welfare programs in UAE?
UAE nationals can request financial assistance through the Ministry of Community Development’s website as part of the social welfare policy.
Additionally, local-level social assistance is available through the following channels:
For nationals from Dubai:
- Apply for periodic social assistance via the Community Development Authority.
- Apply for emergency benefits through the Community Development Authority.
For nationals of Abu Dhabi (content in Arabic only):
- Apply for financial assistance if your monthly income is below the approved support threshold through The Abu Dhabi Social Support Program.
For nationals of Sharjah (content in Arabic only):
- Apply for financial assistance if your income matches or falls below the assistance provided by the Ministry of Community Development through the Social Services Department in Sharjah.
The Social Welfare System
The Ministry of Community Development at the federal level is responsible for managing the UAE’s social welfare system. The ministry allocates resources to women’s organizations across the country, with a focus on ensuring that those in need, especially women in rural areas, have access to both economic support and assistance.
Furthermore, the government backs social welfare and rehabilitation centers that offer aid to individuals in need, including those with disabilities.
Legal provision
As per Federal Law No. 2 of 2001, monthly assistance is granted to the following groups of UAE citizens living in the country:
- Widows
- Divorced women
- Disabled or those with special needs
- Elderly
- Orphans
- Children from unknown parents
- Medically unfit persons
- Married students
- Families of prisoners
- Financially unfit
- Abandoned women
- Emirati women married to expatriates
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Eligibility and value for Social welfare programs in UAE
The UAE law specifies that social assistance from the Ministry of Community Development is typically available only to UAE nationals residing in the country. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
An Emirati woman who is married to a foreigner may apply for monthly assistance for herself and her children under the following circumstances:
- If her husband has a disability that hinders his ability to work.
- If her husband is incarcerated for a period of not less than two months.
- If her husband is facing deportation.
Additionally, an Emirati woman can request social assistance for herself if her foreigner husband has no income due to reasons beyond his control or if her husband’s income falls below the average required to support a family.
An Emirati widow from her marriage to a foreigner and her children are also eligible for social assistance.
Furthermore, a divorced woman or widow of an Emirati man can apply for welfare if she has children from that marriage, resides in the country, and lacks a source of income or a capable provider.
The value of the Social welfare programs in UAE
The determination of the social assistance amount is made by the UAE Cabinet, based on the recommendations of the Minister of Community Development.
If the recipient has an additional source of income, the assistance amount will be adjusted proportionally, ensuring that it does not fall below AED 625 per person.
For specific values of social assistance, please refer to Cabinet Decision No. 21 for 2005 and No. 14 for 2008, which detail amendments to social welfare values, available on the Ministry of Community Development website.
Conclusion
The “Social Welfare Programs in UAE” act like friendly helpers, making life better for everyone in the country. We’ve seen that these special plans cover important areas such as health, education, jobs, and housing. The UAE shows it cares about people’s well-being through these programs. Our journey into the “Social Welfare Programs in UAE” has shown how the country is committed to providing support in various ways. These programs aren’t just plans on paper; they’re a key part of how the UAE ensures that all its diverse people can live good lives.
