Government Of Dubai Media Office Hosts Meet The CEO Session Featuring CDA Director-General Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid

Dubai's leadership prioritises the community in its development plans, inspired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and guided by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The focus is on a cohesive society, as highlighted by Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority (CDA), during a media event hosted by the Government of Dubai Media Office.

She emphasised that the CDA's mission extends beyond social support, aiming to empower individuals to actively participate in Dubai's development. This approach aligns with the leadership’s vision of investing in people to create a happier and more sustainable society. The CDA strives to make Dubai a global example of quality life and social cohesion.

The CDA places significant emphasis on community feedback, using it to shape services and initiatives that address actual needs. Data-driven engagement is crucial for understanding public sentiment and areas for improvement. This ensures that new offerings are relevant and beneficial to the community.

A key initiative under this mission is the Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Programme, which has notably increased marriage rates among Emiratis. In 2025, participation in the Dubai Weddings initiative rose by 218% compared to 2024. This programme also supports families with newborns, reflecting its long-term social impact.

The CDA provides comprehensive post-marriage support, including family counselling, financial education, housing access, and concessional loans. These efforts align with the leadership's vision of stable families as the foundation of societal prosperity.

The Advanced Volunteerism System is another pillar supporting community empowerment. In 2024, over 59,000 participants contributed more than 1 million hours to social causes, generating an estimated AED40 million in value. "In Dubai, volunteering goes beyond giving time; it demonstrates our societal solidarity," Buhumaid said.

Responsive Mourning Support

The CDA offers Responsive Mourning Support in collaboration with Dubai Police and other entities. In the first half of 2025 alone, 239 condolence tents were set up within five hours of requests. This service respects bereaved families' privacy while providing necessary support during difficult times.

Economic Empowerment Initiatives

The Dubai Empowerment Programme enhances employment opportunities and entrepreneurship within the community. In 2024, it supported 1,078 Emiratis and assisted 538 more through early 2025. Over 130 public-private partners back this initiative, which also supports home-based businesses via exhibitions and digital platforms.

The ‘Dubai’s Goodness Lies in Its People’ initiative exemplifies economic empowerment through giving. During Ramadan, Emirati families prepared over 14,400 iftar meals valued at AED288,000 in collaboration with the Dubai Charity Association.

Media Collaboration

Buhumaid praised the Government of Dubai Media Office for organising ‘Meet the CEO’ sessions. These discussions promote genuine dialogue between government entities and media while fostering mutual understanding of responsibilities in shaping a cohesive society.

The CDA values media as a strategic partner in amplifying its programmes' impact. Media serves as a vital communication bridge with the community and helps raise awareness about social responsibility values promoted by the Authority.

With inputs from WAM