Dubai unveils wide-ranging measures to boost Emirati wellbeing

Dubai is stepping up efforts to enhance the wellbeing of its citizens, with a new wave of strategic initiatives approved by the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs.

Chairing the latest meeting of the committee, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's Crown Prince and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, said the initiatives fall under a unified theme: "The Wellbeing and Quality of Life of Citizens".

He reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to putting Emiratis at the centre of all development plans, a vision set by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Among the key approvals was an implementation plan for spending endowment funds managed by the Endowments and Minors’ Trust Foundation, backed by real estate and financial assets worth AED 10 billion.

The plan targets annual returns of up to AED 1 billion by 2033, supporting sustainable charitable efforts across the emirate.

The committee also reviewed progress made so far, including the employment of over 33,400 Emiratis in both public and private sectors since its launch.

In the housing sector, more than 1,300 units have been delivered, along with over 10,000 land grants, 8,600 financial and housing grants, and more than 9,200 loans. In addition, 426 citizens were exempted from housing loan payments totalling AED 146 million.

New initiatives were also introduced, including 'Thukhr', a programme designed to honour retirees and support them through a wide range of services, and the 'Ghamran Camp Initiative', which aims to strengthen family bonds by bringing fathers and sons together for desert camping experiences rooted in Emirati values.

Today, I chaired a meeting of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs in Dubai, where we approved a series of strategic initiatives under a unified theme: ‘The Wellbeing and Quality of Life of Citizens’. This is a top priority for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed… pic.twitter.com/w7jIAYBvKy

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) May 13, 2025