Hamdan Bin Mohammed Chairs Meeting To Enhance Citizens' Quality Of Life And Review Future Plans

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, chaired the first 2025 meeting of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs. He approved several initiatives to improve citizens' lives, including a plan to spend community endowment funds valued at AED10 billion in real estate and financial assets, with expected revenues of AED1 billion by 2033.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that citizens' welfare remains central to development plans, aligning with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision. He stressed the need for innovative ideas to serve the community and meet citizens' aspirations for stability and security.

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The committee has secured jobs for 33,470 Emiratis—over 8,430 in government roles and more than 25,000 in private companies. It also delivered 1,315 housing units, granted 10,131 residential plots, and provided 8,663 financial and housing grants. Additionally, 426 citizens were exempted from housing loan repayments totalling AED146 million.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan reviewed key decisions since the committee's formation in May 2022 under directives from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The committee aims to enhance quality of life through projects supporting retirees and increasing Emirati employment in the private sector.

The ‘Thukhr Initiative’ was launched to empower retirees by promoting healthy living, financial security, social connectivity, and lifelong learning. "We launched the ‘Thukhr Initiative’ for retirees to empower them and enhance their quality of life through various initiatives that promote healthy living, financial security, social connectivity, and lifelong learning," said Sheikh Hamdan.

The initiative aligns with Dubai Social Agenda 33 to build happier families rooted in national identity. It offers health programmes, income management support, intergenerational ties strengthening, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Community Endowments

Sheikh Hamdan approved a plan for spending endowment funds by AWQAF Dubai. This includes AED10 billion in assets with projected revenues of AED1 billion by 2033. The plan supports Dubai Social Agenda 33 and aims to fund priority projects in health, education, and social sectors annually benefiting over 250,000 people.

"We are keen for Dubai to continue advancing in its journey to become a leading regional hub for endowment initiatives," stated Sheikh Hamdan. The goal is to embed a culture of endowments as a channel for social solidarity among citizens.

Strengthening Family Bonds

The ‘Ghamran Camp’ initiative was approved as a three-day winter camp bringing fathers and sons together in the desert during school holidays. It focuses on building essential life skills rooted in Emirati identity while strengthening family bonds.

"We will continue to launch innovative initiatives that strengthen social cohesion," said Sheikh Hamdan about the camp aimed at reinforcing cultural values through shared experiences between parents and children.

Achievements and Future Plans

The committee delivered significant achievements such as fast-tracking home allocations in Al Khawaneej and launching Dubai’s Integrated Housing Centre. Over the past year, social support benefited 1,078 individuals with increased financial assistance reaching AED438 million.

The Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme provides financial support for family growth while the Dubai Weddings Initiative facilitated numerous weddings aiming for Emirati couples to account for most weddings by 2026.

Digital Advancements

The ‘Emirati’ app is set to offer over 765 services by next year’s end; it has already delivered 328 services so far. Innovative endowments saw disbursements reach AED24 million—a significant increase from previous years—and asset value rose substantially since 2021.

The Higher Committee works closely with relevant entities delivering integrated services aligned with goals set by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum through collaboration across public-private sectors ensuring comprehensive citizen support.

With inputs from WAM