96.4% of UAE Residents Express Pride in Dubai, According to Community Development Authority’s Eighth Social Survey
Dubai’s Community Development Authority (CDA) has released the findings of its eighth Social Survey for 2024–2025, emphasizing the emirate’s dedication to a data-driven approach in social development. This initiative aligns with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, aiming to bolster family stability and social cohesion, particularly in the context of the ‘Year of the Family.’
Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the CDA, described the Social Survey as a vital instrument for understanding societal dynamics and predicting future needs. She highlighted that the survey reflects an integrated institutional strategy that utilizes data to enhance the lives of residents and informs the creation of effective social policies.
Buhumaid stated that the results from this eighth cycle confirm Dubai’s steady progress toward its developmental objectives, with a focus on prioritizing the well-being of individuals and families. This focus is crucial for enhancing quality of life and reinforcing societal stability, in accordance with the Dubai Social Agenda 33.
The Social Survey serves as a national reference point in Dubai, offering a comprehensive overview of societal changes. It assesses key indicators such as quality of life, family and social cohesion, and overall well-being, which are essential for shaping impactful social policies.
Seven Pillars of the Survey
The survey encompasses seven key pillars: quality of life; family cohesion; social cohesion and community awareness; social inclusion; social needs and financial well-being; societal values and Emirati culture; and digital life. These pillars collectively provide a holistic perspective on life in Dubai.
Quality of Life Insights
In the quality of life category, the survey revealed a continued upward trend, with an average happiness score of 8.6 and overall life satisfaction rated at 8.72 out of 10. Approximately 95% of residents indicated that Dubai is their preferred place of residence, citing a strong sense of safety and the freedom to practice their religion as significant factors contributing to their satisfaction.
Furthermore, the survey indicated that 96.4% of UAE residents living in Dubai take pride in their city, showcasing the strength of the emirate’s inclusive and diverse social framework. Among senior citizens, the happiness index reached 86.8%, reflecting a high quality of life across all demographics.
Family Cohesion and Social Solidarity
The Family Bond Index, which measures family cohesion, stood at 95.3%, underscoring the family’s pivotal role in maintaining social stability. This figure illustrates the effectiveness of ongoing initiatives aimed at reinforcing family ties and values, particularly in light of the ‘Year of the Family.’
The survey also highlighted robust levels of social solidarity and community engagement. The social support indicator, which assesses the availability of someone to rely on in times of need, reached 84%, indicating strong social connections and mutual assistance among residents. Additionally, volunteerism rates increased from 8.4% to 13.2%, reflecting a growing culture of giving and social responsibility within the community.
Social Inclusion Metrics
In terms of social inclusion, over 90% of People of Determination reported feeling integrated into Dubai’s society. More than 90% of respondents affirmed the availability of educational opportunities and access to essential services, illustrating an inclusive environment that caters to all community members.
Engagement in Community Majalis
Community Majalis have witnessed a surge in engagement and relevance. Awareness of their role among Emiratis increased from 87% in 2022 to 92.6% in 2024, highlighting their significance as platforms for dialogue and community involvement. Attendance rates among Emiratis at these Majalis rose by 47% from 2019 to 2024, climbing from 26.4% to 38.8%. This trend reinforces their status as active community hubs that foster values and strengthen social connections.
Financial Well-being Developments
Within the social needs and financial well-being pillar, the motivation to borrow for business ventures emerged as a significant trend, with 30.3% of Emiratis indicating this as a key driver. This reflects a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit and a shift toward financial independence among residents.
Advanced Digital Infrastructure
The survey also highlighted impressive levels of internet accessibility, with 98.6% of the population reporting home internet access. This statistic underscores the emirate’s advanced digital infrastructure and near-universal connectivity.
Enhanced Methodology for Insights
The eighth iteration of the survey introduced advanced analytical methodologies, incorporating enhanced statistical tools to improve the accuracy and depth of insights. These advancements align findings more closely with strategic indicators and global competitiveness benchmarks, facilitating evidence-based decision-making.
An interactive dashboard has been developed to provide transparent and accessible insights into the survey results, promoting knowledge sharing among stakeholders and supporting coordinated efforts toward sustainable social impact.
The outcomes of the eighth Social Survey signify substantial progress in measurement and analysis, enabling a deeper understanding of societal change. The findings serve as a robust knowledge base for developing social policies and programs while enhancing planning efficiency and responsiveness to community needs.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-05-04 17:38:00 • By the Editorial Desk

