Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Issues Law No. 12 of 2026 to Strengthen Community Development in Dubai
Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai and Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has enacted Law No. 12 of 2026, which focuses on the Community Development Authority in Dubai. This law aims to enhance social services, protect vulnerable groups, and promote community empowerment.
Objectives of the New Law
The newly established law outlines the objectives of the Community Development Authority, emphasizing the regulation and development of Dubai’s social sector. Key goals include improving sustainable community development, organizing service delivery, and ensuring the protection and integration of vulnerable groups. The law also seeks to foster social and financial empowerment among citizens, strengthen social cohesion, and encourage community participation and responsibility.
Authority’s Role and Responsibilities
Law No. 12 defines the Authority’s role in regulating and developing the social sector in Dubai. Responsibilities include formulating social policies and strategies, proposing relevant legislation, and overseeing the licensing and regulation of social organizations and professionals. The Authority will also manage volunteer work, ensure access to social services, and support the protection and empowerment of vulnerable citizens and their families.
A significant aspect of the law is the development of an integrated system for the protection of vulnerable groups, particularly children and individuals with disabilities. The Authority is tasked with establishing community centers and fostering partnerships to enhance social services.
Care for Vulnerable Populations
The law specifically addresses the care of minors and individuals with limited legal capacity. The Community Development Authority is responsible for delivering social services to these groups based on judicial or competent authority decisions. The Authority’s duties include monitoring living conditions, ensuring access to essential services, and providing appropriate care, whether familial or institutional. It also represents these individuals before relevant entities and safeguards them from unlawful practices.
Support for Low-Income Individuals
Another critical component of the law pertains to low-income individuals. The Community Development Authority will define and classify low-income individuals based on criteria approved by the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The Authority will conduct periodic reviews of these criteria in light of economic and social indicators, submitting recommendations to the Executive Council for approval.
Establishment of a Social Observatory
The law introduces a Social Observatory within the Authority’s structure. This body will collaborate with relevant entities to study social phenomena in Dubai, collect and analyze data, and anticipate trends for early intervention. The Observatory’s focus will include identifying causes and assessing impacts, aiming to address negative social phenomena effectively. It will also create a comprehensive social database covering all societal segments, especially vulnerable groups.
Unified System for Social Services
Law No. 12 establishes a unified system to manage social and humanitarian cases requiring social services across Dubai. This system will facilitate integrated support in coordination with relevant entities. The Authority will utilize this system to assess and follow up on cases, ensuring access to essential services and social empowerment. Local government entities and service providers are mandated to use this system and provide necessary data to support its operation.
Community Development Fund
The legislation also creates a “Community Development Fund” within the Authority. This fund will provide financial support to eligible groups and finance social projects and services in Dubai. Its objectives include bolstering social development, enhancing social cohesion, and providing protection and care for vulnerable groups through various forms of assistance, including emergency aid during crises. The fund will also support vocational training programs for unemployed individuals, aiming to improve their quality of life and facilitate their integration into the labor market.
Transition from Previous Laws
Law No. 12 replaces Law No. 8 of 2015 concerning the Community Development Authority and repeals Law No. 15 of 2020, which transferred certain responsibilities from the Endowments and Minors’ Affairs Foundation to the Community Development Authority. Existing regulations under the previous law will remain in effect until they are replaced by new decisions and regulations that align with the new law.
Any conflicting provisions or legislation are annulled, and the law will take effect upon publication in the Official Gazette.
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Published on 2026-06-01 21:11:00 • By the Editorial Desk
