Dubai: In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued Law No. (12) of 2026 concerning the Community Development Authority in Dubai. The Law aims to regulate and develop Dubai's social sector to enhance sustainable community development and improve social services. It focuses on organizing service delivery, ensuring protection and integration of vulnerable groups, and promoting social and financial empowerment of citizens. It also aims to strengthen social cohesion and encourage community participation and social responsibility.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Law outlines the Authority's role in regulating and developing the social sector in Dubai. Responsibilities include setting social policies and strategies, proposing relevant legislation, and overseeing the licensing and regulation of social organizations and professionals. It also involves organizing volunteer work, ensuring access to social services, supporting the protection and empowerment of vulnerable groups, and developing an integrated system for the protection of vulnerable groups, especially children and people of determination.
The Law also addresses the care of minors, persons without legal capacity, and persons with limited legal capacity. It mandates the Community Development Authority to provide social services based on decisions issued by judicial or competent authorities. The Authority is tasked with monitoring their living conditions, ensuring their welfare, and securing appropriate protection and care, including family or institutional care.
Furthermore, the Law governs matters concerning low-income individuals. The Authority is responsible for defining and classifying low-income individuals, conducting periodic reviews of the criteria, and submitting recommendations to The Executive Council of Dubai.
A Social Observatory is established within the Authority's structure to study social phenomena, collect and analyze data, and anticipate trends for early intervention. It focuses on identifying causes, assessing impact, and addressing negative phenomena to mitigate effects on society.
The Law also implements a unified system to manage social and humanitarian cases requiring services across the Emirate, ensuring integrated and comprehensive support. The system is used to assess and follow up on cases, coordinating service delivery to ensure access to essential services and social empowerment.
Additionally, a 'Community Development Fund' is established within the Authority, aimed at providing financial support to eligible groups and funding social projects and services. The Fund supports social development, strengthens social cohesion and stability, and provides protection and care for the most vulnerable groups through various forms of assistance.
The Law replaces Law No. (8) of 2015 regarding the Community Development Authority in Dubai and repeals Law No. (15) of 2020 concerning the transfer of certain responsibilities of the Endowments and Minors' Affairs Foundation to the Authority. Existing decisions and regulations under the previous Law remain in force unless they conflict with the new Law, which is effective from its publication in the Official Gazette.