The UAE plays a vital role in delivering the highest expressions of kindness and generosity to individuals in need across society. The nation has demonstrated a firm commitment to creating a nurturing social environment that meets the diverse needs of all social groups. This noble vision is reflected in the launch of comprehensive social care programs across the UAE, which now serve as a shining example emulated by countries worldwide and a true home for humanity.
List of Social Care Programs in the UAE
UAE’s social care initiatives aim to build a cohesive and resilient society where every individual enjoys fair opportunities ensuring a dignified life and a sustainable future. Below are some of the most significant social care programs currently in operation:
Social Support Program for Emirati Citizens with Low Incomes
Managed under the Ministry of Community Development, this program stands as one of the most impactful social care initiatives. It operates through government support aimed at improving the quality of life for Emirati families with monthly incomes below 25,000 AED. Key services include financial allowances and various benefits distributed according to specific conditions and eligibility criteria based on each beneficiary’s social situation.
The program supports several core areas designed to assist Emirati households, including:
New Allowances
Increased Benefits
Inflation Compensation Benefits
New Allowances
Unemployed for six months (5,000 AED per month)
Increased Benefits
Enhanced family head allowance based on years of experience (13,000 AED per month)
Inflation Compensation Benefits
Monthly support equal to 85% of fuel price increases above 2.1 AED per liter
New Allowances
Housing allowance (2,500 AED per month)
Increased Benefits
Increased spouse allowance (3,500 AED per month)
Inflation Compensation Benefits
Monthly electricity support covering 50% of consumption below 4,000 kWh; monthly water support covering 50% of usage below 26,000 gallons
New Allowances
Higher education allowance (3,200 AED per month for high-achieving students)
Increased Benefits
Increased child allowance: first child (2,400 AED), second and third children (1,600 AED each), fourth and subsequent children (800 AED each)
Inflation Compensation Benefits
Benefit equivalent to 75% of food price inflation
New Allowances
Non-working individuals over 45 years old (5,000 AED per month)
Increased Benefits
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Inflation Compensation Benefits
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Eligible beneficiaries of this social care program include:
Widows
Divorced women
People with disabilities
Elderly citizens
Children without known parents
Orphans
Individuals with long-term health impairments
Married students
Families of incarcerated individuals
Those financially unable to meet basic needs
Abandoned women
Emirati women married to foreign nationals
Emirati citizens who have suffered personal or natural disasters (covering between 50% and 80% of actual losses)
Disaster-stricken families (300 AED per person per day)
How to Apply for Social Care in the UAE
To apply, applicants must be Emirati nationals and belong to one of the targeted low-income categories mentioned above.
Individuals interested in applying should visit the official website or mobile app of the Ministry of Community Development and follow these steps:
Register at
Access the official website of the Ministry of Community Development
Click on the “Social Support Application” service tab
Press the “Start Service” button
Create a new account or log in if already registered
Fill out the social support application form and upload required documents, including a detailed salary certificate from the household head, Emirates ID, and other relevant paperwork
Applications will be reviewed by a specialized team to verify compliance with legal requirements and submitted documentation
If approved, applicants will be notified via SMS and email, and support will be disbursed according to entitlements
(Video rights: Official YouTube channel of the UAE Ministry of Community Development)
Abu Dhabi Social Support Program
Continuing our overview of social care programs in the UAE, we highlight the Abu Dhabi Social Support Program launched in 2019 by the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority in collaboration with the Government of Abu Dhabi. The initiative aims to provide financial assistance and empowerment to low-income Emirati families in the emirate, ensuring improved living standards and financial independence by meeting essential needs through direct financial aid. Beyond monetary support, the program also focuses on enabling capable individuals to enter the workforce through training partnerships with strategic organizations, helping them secure jobs aligned with their qualifications and skills.
Target groups: Any Emirati household head holding a valid residence certificate issued by Abu Dhabi, including widows and divorced women
Application requirements: Household monthly income must be below the established support threshold, which varies based on family size
Application process:
Register using digital identity
Visit the official Abu Dhabi Social Support Program website to submit and track your application
Individuals with disabilities and senior citizens may visit any authorized Tem Foundation center located in Al Dhafra, Al Ain, or Abu Dhabi
*For more information, contact the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Center at: 555 800
Social Assistance in Dubai
The Dubai Community Development Authority offers a range of social benefits to Emirati residents, aiming to improve their quality of life and meet basic living needs. These benefits include:
Regular benefit: A supplementary contribution to the household head’s income to meet daily living expenses for eligible citizens
Lump-sum benefit: A one-time grant up to 50,000 AED, intended to cover medical and educational expenses
Emergency assistance: Provided during urgent situations, disbursed as a cash amount of up to 25,000 AED to address emergencies threatening an individual’s stability or livelihood
Home furnishings assistance: A one-time benefit for low-income families, covering home furnishing and provision of new air conditioning units
Sharjah Social Guarantee Program
Managed by the Social Services Department in Sharjah, the Social Guarantee Program targets individuals with low incomes from various community groups. It also includes those whose income equals or falls below the level of support provided by the Ministry of Community Development, provided they are permanent residents and citizens of Sharjah.
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