The UAE has launched a nationwide Social Cohesion Index Survey to measure how connected and cohesive society is, giving policymakers fresh data to shape programmes that strengthen community bonds and quality of life.
The Ministry of Community Empowerment is running the survey with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, in coordination with local statistical centres. It covers citizens and residents across all emirates, including members of households and labour accommodation communities.
The survey will produce a Social Cohesion Index at the national level. It examines trust, solidarity, belonging, values, social ties, justice and equality, along with respect, cooperation, tolerance and social networks. Officials say the findings will help decision-makers develop policies and initiatives that respond more closely to community needs.
The launch coincides with the Year of Family 2026, designated by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to highlight the value of strong family and social ties.
Abeer Al Hosani, Assistant Undersecretary for the Community Participation Sector at the ministry, said the survey reflects the country's vision of building a cohesive society that embraces change with confidence. She added that it gives people a chance to make their voices heard and helps turn that input into practical programmes.
Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, described the survey as an integrated statistical tool for tracking social transformations. She said cooperation between federal entities and local centres improves the quality and inclusiveness of official statistics.
Field researchers will conduct face-to-face interviews with selected individuals in households, residential premises and labour accommodation facilities, completing questionnaires electronically. Both entities urged selected participants to cooperate and confirmed that all data will be handled under approved confidentiality standards and used only for statistical purposes.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
