Sheikh Hamdan Approves Key 2025 Plans for Citizens’ Welfare

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, recently led the first meeting of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs in 2025. Sheikh Hamdan is also the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of this Committee. In the meeting, he approved many important plans, decisions, and projects to improve the lives of Emirati citizens.

One of the biggest plans discussed was how to use community endowment funds, which include real estate and financial assets worth AED10 billion. These assets are expected to generate AED1 billion in income by the year 2033. This money will be used to support projects in health, education, and social services, helping more than 250,000 people and 100 organisations every year.

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Focus on Citizens’ Wellbeing

Sheikh Hamdan said that the most important goal is to take care of the citizens. He explained that all plans and projects must help Emiratis feel safe, secure, and happy. His Highness stressed the need to bring new ideas and work together to build a better future for everyone.

Since the Committee started in May 2022 under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, it has made many achievements. These include:

• Creating jobs for 33,470 Emiratis — more than 8,430 in government and over 25,000 in private companies.

• Delivering 1,315 new homes.

• Giving 10,131 land plots to citizens.

• Providing 8,663 financial and housing grants.

• Giving 9,204 housing loans.

• Exempting 426 citizens from repaying loans, saving them AED146 million.

• Helping 1,078 people through social support programmes.

• Increasing financial help for low-income families to AED438 million.

‘Thukhr Initiative’ for Retirees

Sheikh Hamdan introduced a special programme for retired citizens called the ‘Thukhr Initiative’. This plan helps retired people live healthier, happier, and more active lives. It includes health check-ups, mental wellness support, fitness programmes, and advice on money management. The initiative also encourages retirees to keep learning new skills and stay connected with the community.

Sheikh Hamdan said, “We are proud of our retirees. Their efforts are important to us, and we will continue to support them fully.”

New Desert Camp for Fathers and Sons

Another new project is the ‘Ghamran Camp’. This is a fun desert camp for fathers and sons from Dubai. It will run for three days during school holidays. The camp teaches important life skills based on Emirati traditions and strengthens family bonds. Sheikh Hamdan said this kind of activity helps preserve the values of Emirati culture and encourages good communication between generations.

Supporting Housing and Families

The Committee also worked hard to make sure that Emirati families have good homes and stable lives. This includes:

• Building new model neighborhoods in areas like Al Mizhar 1, Al Khawaneej 2, and Al Barsha 2.

• Fast-tracking the allocation of 1,050 homes in Al Khawaneej.

• Launching the Dubai Integrated Housing Centre to make it easier for people to get housing services in one place.

Social Services for Citizens

Over the past year, many people received support through different programmes. These included:

• The Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Program, which helps families grow by providing financial, educational, and emotional support.

• The Dubai Weddings Initiative, which helped organise 545 weddings from 2024 to May 2025. The goal is for at least 54% of weddings in 2025 and 77% in 2026 to be between Emirati couples.

• A new Family Financial Literacy Programme, which taught 100 citizens how to manage their money better.

Smart Services and Technology

The Committee is also working on making services smarter through technology. The ‘Emirati’ app is expected to offer over 765 digital services for citizens by the end of next year. So far, it has already provided 328 services.

Growth in Endowment Projects

Dubai’s endowment projects, which help fund long-term social support, have grown a lot:

• AED24 million was spent on community development in 2024 — a 51.85% increase since 2021.

• The total value of assets in endowment projects has gone up to AED2.6 billion — a 98.12% increase since 2021.

Sheikh Hamdan said these endowments are an important part of Dubai’s future. He wants to make giving and social support a strong tradition that continues through future generations.

Working Together for a Better Future

The Committee is working with many government departments and private organisations to make sure citizens get the best services possible. Key officials who attended the meeting included:

• Omar Sultan Al Olama, Vice Chairman of the Committee

• Mattar Al Tayer, Roads and Transport Authority

• Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, Dubai’s State Security Department

• Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Community Development Authority

• Marwan bin Ghalita, Dubai Land Department

• Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Human Resources Department

• Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Dubai Digital Authority

• Ali Al Mutawa, Endowments and Minors’ Trust Foundation

The Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs is fully committed to improving the lives of Emirati citizens. It follows the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and works hard to build a strong, happy, and united society in Dubai.