Hand in hand: Empowering communities beyond remittances in the UAE
The UAE is often recognized for its bold vision, fast-paced growth and global influence. But amid all the headlines about innovation and economic success, there's a quieter story – one that deserves just as much attention.
It's the story of the people who came here to build a better future. Not just for themselves, but for their families – often thousands of miles away. For millions of people, the UAE is a place of opportunity, as well as a place of responsibility. Through the money they send home, they support lives, fuel education, fund healthcare and offer hope. These remittances, often made month after month, form an invisible thread of love and sacrifice that connects nations.
That's why the UAE's decision to mark 2025 as the Year of Community feels especially meaningful. It's an invitation to reflect not only on what we build here, but how our lives deeply intertwine with others elsewhere.
A nation built on connection
Every remittance, every dirham sent, represents hard work, quiet resilience and a deeply personal story. The UAE is one of the world's leading sources in outward remittances – but this is not about scale. It's about values and a sense of duty so many people carry with them every single day.
As a nation that is home to over 200 nationalities, the UAE has become something quite rare: a modern hub that is not only attracting global talent, but also redefining migration trends. For many, the move here isn't only about wages – it's about possibility. A chance to grow, contribute and belong. This shift challenges outdated ideas of migration as temporary and transactional. In the UAE, migration is increasingly aspirational and rooted in mutual benefit.
2025: The Year of Community
That sense of belonging is being supported not only by individual communities but through government-led efforts as well. Across the country, local authorities are rolling out initiatives that prioritise connection, inclusion, and mental wellbeing.
Dubai Police's Positive Spirit initiative plays a key role in strengthening social cohesion through sports and community awareness programs. The Community Development Authority brings together government bodies, volunteers, and residents to strengthen the social fabric.
In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Community Development recently hosted the 2025 Social Sector Strategic Retreat, gathering key stakeholders to shape the future of social services and sustainable community development. The Department also launched the Abu Dhabi Excellence Award for People of Determination Inclusion, recognizing organizations that prioritize accessibility and empowering enabling environments for all members of society.
These efforts reflect a broader national commitment to ensuring that prosperity includes everyone—not just economically, but socially.
Celebrating community through shared experiences
But community empowerment isn't just the responsibility of the government — it's a shared effort. Businesses and individuals all play a role in grassroots programs that reveal humanity behind the numbers.
For nearly two decades, Camp Ka Champ has celebrated the creativity and spirit of worker communities, reaching over three million people. It's more than a singing competition - it's recognition, joy, and belonging.
Carrying this spirit forward, Western Union on Wheels has taken cultural and financial support directly to communities. In 2024 alone, it connected with over 500,000 people across the country, celebrating Diwali, Pongal, Onam, Christmas and more. These aren't just festivals — they are reminders of identity, memory, and shared experience.
A future built on empowerment
As a society, we benefit immensely from the dedication of those who send remittances. We owe it to them to ensure they feel seen, supported, and included. This means not only recognising their economic role, but truly valuing their presence—socially, culturally, and emotionally.
The Year of Community gives us a chance to reflect, yes—but also to act. To find new ways to make belonging more than just a feeling. To ensure that empowerment reaches everyone, no matter where they come from, or who they're sending money to.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Money & Me: ‘Seeing our business break even has been a milestone'
Sisters Chandini and Chanchal Guria came together to work on their passion for health and bootstrapped their business, Ekaya Wellness Studio, in Dubai last year. The yoga and Pilates instructors previously had separate careers, with Chandini, 34, employed as a journalist, while Chanchal, 30, was working in property management. The Indian siblings arrived in the UAE from Hong Kong in 1998, after their father moved to the country for work. Chanchal completed her bachelor's degree in finance accounting and management at the University of Nottingham, in the UK. Chandini went to the London College of Fashion, where she obtained her bachelor's degree in fashion design and development. But writing was her passion, so she joined Dubai Week as a journalist and also worked with insydo Dubai. After spending five to six years in the industry, she felt burnt out and decided to become an entrepreneur. The sisters started selling yoga mats and launched Meow Yoga, an e-commerce brand, as a side business. They currently live with their parents and brother in The Meadows, Dubai. Did wealth feature in your childhood? What did you learn from it? Chanchal: Wealth was a bit up and down. The reason we shifted from Hong Kong to Dubai was because my dad went out of business there, and he got a job here. Dubai wasn't so expensive back then, so we were on a saving curve. From a young age, our mother would tell us not to buy stuff – that put it in our heads that money is quite important and we're short on it. During the global financial crisis, our money was stuck in property. We saw some bad times. We had to move out of our house into a small apartment. And then, we rebounded. It taught us to know our limits, save when possible, but also enjoy it when you have the money. Don't spend on things you don't need. But there's nothing wrong indulging yourself once in a while. Chandini: Although we went through ups and downs, our father always tried to make sure all our needs were met, and it taught me the importance of hard work and a support system. What did your first job pay? Chandini: As a junior writer with Dubai Week, I earned Dh6,000 ($1,633) a month in 2015. Chanchal: In 2016, I interviewed with Nakheel and was hired as a property management co-ordinator on a starting salary of Dh9,500, and I worked there for nearly five years. Any early financial jolts? Chandini: When I quit my job, I didn't realise that living on your own savings and starting a business is expensive, so I ran out of money really quickly. How do you grow your wealth? Chandini: I'm still at a point where I need to save money before I focus on growing my wealth. My future plan is long-term investments, such as in properties and companies that I believe in. Chanchal: I don't have a lot of investments either. I have savings accounts. Investing in our wellness business was the first step in growing our wealth. We hope to see our income grow after a year and a half and then open up the next centre. Are you a spender or a saver? Chandini: Even though I'm a spender, I have no regrets because most of the things I pay for are about my well-being, such as massages, workouts and wellness activities. Chanchal: I'm the complete opposite. I love to save money, but I do feel like spending on yourself and for the right thing – it is important to splurge a little sometimes to have a good time. You have to enjoy what you earn. It's OK to go out and have nice dinners once in a while, but not to do it every single day. Have you been wise with money? Chandini: I'm pretty wise with money. It sounds a bit contradictory to my statement that I'm a huge spender, but I do it for the right reasons, and I have no regrets about what I spend on. So even though my savings aren't huge, I think I am wise with money. Chanchal: I like to always keep track of what I'm spending on in an Excel sheet, as I studied accounting and I'm obsessed with numbers. What has been your best investment? Chandini: It's nice having a business where you are supporting staff and the community. But my best investment is my Kindle. I can't even describe how much joy it brings. Chanchal: Definitely, our business Ekaya, considering the time and effort we put into it. It pays back in different ways. And we've already hit break even. Any cherished purchases? Chanchal: I just bought myself a new car, so I'm obsessed with that. It's the Range Rover Velar. Any financial advice for your younger self? Chandini: I grew up as a shy, quiet kid who never really stood up for herself. I would tell my younger self to not be scared to ask for what you deserve, whether it's a raise or a promotion. What luxuries are important to you? Chandini: The most important luxury to me is spending quality time with my family and friends. Chanchal: One of the biggest luxuries is finding time for yourself. I have started to find time to do things that make me happy, such as getting a massage once a week and scheduling time to play badminton. What are your financial goals? Chandini: My goal has always been to become financially independent. I want to be able to support and care for my family alone. Chanchal: My financial goal is to be independent. I would also like to see our business grow as much as possible. In one and a half years, I hope we're able to open a second location. Any key financial milestones?
Arabian Business
7 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai World Trade Centre June 2025 events: Rail, vape and EV industry gatherings
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) will host a diverse series of events this June, spanning high growth industries such as technology, transportation, energy, consumer goods, and mobility. The mixture of DWTC events includes industry gatherings for rail, vape and electric vehicle sectors. Dubai World Trade Centre June 2025 Concept Big Brands Carnival (CBBC): Until June 8, CBBC brings together more than 300 international fashion and luxury brands under one roof. The six-day event offers shoppers exclusive access to coveted labels across apparel, accessories, beauty, and lifestyle, with discounts of up to 75 per cent China Home Life Expo: From June 11 to 13, China Home Life Expo, now in its 18th edition, is the region's largest sourcing platform for verified Chinese manufacturers. The three-day trade show brings together more than 3,000 suppliers and showcases over 100,000 products across sectors including building materials, textiles, home appliances, electronics, furniture, and auto parts International Appliances and Electronics Show: From June 11 to 13, the Dubai Appliances and Electronics Show, a leading destination for cutting-edge consumer technology, is a powerful platform for industry leaders, innovators, and tech enthusiasts to connect, collaborate, and explore emerging trends Middle East Event Show: From June 17 to 18, the Middle East Event Show is the region's definitive platform for professionals across the Meeting, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) sector and the live events industry. Bringing together organisers, suppliers and creative minds, the two-day exhibition offers an immersive environment to explore the latest in event technology, design, and production. From interactive showcases and expert-led seminars to panel discussions and networking opportunities, the Middle East Event Show provides valuable insights into the trends transforming the events landscape World Vape Show: From June 18 to 20, the World Vape Show, returning for its fifth edition, is the largest B2B event dedicated to the global vaping and e-cigarette industry. The show offers a platform for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and industry professionals to explore the latest products, technologies, and innovations in vaping. Held alongside the Global Vape Forum, which features more than 40expert speakers across 20 sessions, the event provides critical insights into evolving regulations, product development, and marketing strategies Middle East Rail: From June 24 to 25, the Middle East Rail, marking its 19th edition, is the region's largest and most influential rail transport event, bringing together global leaders in rail innovation, infrastructure, and technology. As the MENASA region pushes forward with ambitious mobility agendas, the event serves as a definitive platform for public and private transport operators, government entities, and infrastructure providers to exchange knowledge, showcase innovations, and forge new partnerships Mobility Live Middle East: From June 24 to 25, Co-located with Middle East Rail, Mobility Live Middle East is the region's most significant gathering for next-generation transport solutions. With this edition themed on 'The Future of Mobility', the event brings together more than 250 exhibitors, including country pavilions and global disruptors, to showcase innovations across electric and autonomous vehicles, smart cities, sustainable mobility, fleet management, and logistics Solar & Storage Live Dubai: From June 24 to 25, Solar & Storage Live Dubai is the region's leading exhibition dedicated to solar energy and energy storage solutions. Showcasing technologies that are accelerating the shift toward a greener and more decentralised energy ecosystem, the show brings together utilities, independent power producers (IPPs), regulators, investors, and government entities, facilitating dialogue and collaboration across the energy value chain EVCharge Live Middle East: From June 24 to 25 June, EVCharge Live Middle East is a sector leading event dedicated to electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The two-day event brings together the service providers, suppliers, policymakers, and innovators driving this transformation Pinoy Comedy Mixtape – Live in Dubai: On June 29, following a sold-out showcase that spotlighted some of India's top comedic talent, Comedy Mixtape returns with a fresh twist — this time spotlighting beloved Filipino comedians. Taking the stage at Dubai World Trade Centre, the Pinoy edition features a stellar lineup: K Brosas, Alex Calleja, Ethel Booba, Tuesday Vargas, Giselle Sanchez, and Imah Dumagay
The National
7 hours ago
- The National
Oil heading for weekly gain amid optimism over US-China tariff talks
Oil prices were up on Friday and were heading for their first weekly gain in three weeks amid hopes for a US-China deal on tariffs. Brent, the benchmark for two thirds of the world's oil, was up 0.11 per cent at $65.41 a barrel at 2.49pm UAE time. West Texas Intermediate, the gauge that tracks US crude, added 0.05 per cent to $63.40 per barrel. Both Brent and WTI, which reversed earlier losses on Friday, are on pace for a 4.2 per cent weekly gain. For the year, they are down about 12 per cent. Crude futures posted modest gains on Thursday, but the market became more optimistic after a phone call between US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping, who agreed to resume negotiations on trade and tariffs. The US and China are the two main protagonists in the global trade war, imposing tit-for-tat levies on each other's imports. However, they agreed to a detente on May 12, with Washington lowering its 145 per cent tariffs on Chinese imports to 30 per cent, while Beijing dialled down its own levies from 125 per cent to 10 per cent. The call between the two leaders, a sign of progress in their countries' negotiations, 'prompt[ed] relief after a recent escalation in tensions', analysts at Vanda Insights said. Crude prices took a hit after Mr Trump's sweeping global tariffs announced on April 2 disrupted stock markets and reignited fears of a global recession. However, with many of the tariffs temporarily paused and the US seeking deals with its partners, the uncertainty has reduced. A positive sign for oil prices is the decline in US oil inventories, indicating demand for the commodity remains strong. At the moment, market fundamentals seem to remain balanced, especially after Opec+ last month agreed to increase its monthly oil output at 411,000 barrels per day for July, the same as in May and June, analysts at Fitch unit BMI said. The decision was 'in view of a steady global economic outlook and current healthy market fundamentals, as reflected in the low oil inventories', the group said. Opec+ noted that gradual increases may be paused or reversed 'subject to evolving market conditions' and 'flexibility will allow the group to continue to support oil market stability'. Analysts say the move by Opec+ may be a gesture to mollify Mr Trump, who has called for lower crude prices. BMI analysts, however, cautioned that any slower economic growth later in 2025 'will see markets tip into oversupply'. They also expect a similar production rise for August, 'should market conditions and prices remain steady'. 'But both weaker demand for oil and increased production from both Opec+ and non-Opec producers will add to downside price pressures in the coming quarters,' BMI said. Upstream oil investments are projected to be under $570 billion in 2025, which would be a 6 per cent decline, marking the first annual drop since the Covid-induced slide in 2020 and the largest since 2016, the International Energy Agency said on Thursday. The decrease is being attributed to lower oil prices and demand expectations, amid economic uncertainties, the Paris-based IEA said.
