Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, has issued Law No. (12) of 2026 governing the Community Development Authority in Dubai, replacing the previous 2015 legislation with a significantly expanded social welfare framework.
The law redefines the Authority's mandate across several key areas, placing greater emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups, strengthening social cohesion and driving financial empowerment for citizens. It tasks the Authority with setting social policies and strategies, proposing legislation, and overseeing the licensing and regulation of social organisations and professionals.
A notable provision covers the care of minors, persons without legal capacity and those with limited legal capacity. The Authority is responsible for monitoring their living conditions, securing access to health, education and recreational services, and placing those under its care in approved social or healthcare facilities when required. It will also represent them before relevant entities and safeguard them from unlawful practices.
The law establishes a Social Observatory within the Authority to study social phenomena, collect and analyse data, and enable early intervention on negative trends. A unified case management system will coordinate social and humanitarian support across the emirate, with local government entities and service providers required to integrate into the platform.
A newly created Community Development Fund will channel financial support to eligible groups, fund social projects and back vocational training for unemployed individuals. The fund will also mobilise private sector partnerships and facilitate contributions from companies and individuals toward community development programmes.
Low-income classifications will be determined by the Authority based on criteria approved by the Chairman of the Executive Council, with periodic reviews conducted against prevailing economic and social indicators.
The law takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
