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Hi Dubai
2 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Community Contributions Establishment Charts Future of Humanitarian Work Through JOOD Retreat
Dubai Community Contributions Establishment (JOOD) has taken a significant step toward shaping the future of humanitarian efforts in the emirate, hosting its inaugural JOOD Retreat to align public and private sector roles under a unified vision of giving. Held in line with Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the UAE's Year of Community, the retreat brought together leaders from government, business, and the non-profit sector to build a comprehensive roadmap for community contributions. The event focused on redefining how social impact is delivered, measured, and sustained. Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority, highlighted the retreat as a strategic move to build a future-ready, inclusive model of social giving rooted in Dubai's values. 'We are creating a model that extends beyond money—it includes time, knowledge, and skills,' she said. Dr. Ahmed Tahlak of Tarahum Charity Foundation called for clear metrics to assess social and economic impact, while education philanthropist Sunny Varkey emphasised the importance of contribution over achievement, praising Dubai's commitment to humanitarian excellence. Structured around four pillars—sustainability, engagement, impact, and innovation—the retreat featured thematic dialogues, workshops, and real-life storytelling sessions. Discussions explored how to scale impact through digital tools, cross-sector collaboration, and innovative partnerships. Key outcomes included the adoption of a unified framework for social responsibility across sectors and a strategy for managing financial and non-financial resources to achieve long-term, measurable outcomes. Ahmed Darwish Al-Muhairi, Vice Chairman of the JOOD Board of Trustees, said the retreat has set the stage for JOOD to become a global benchmark in community development. By aligning strategy with action, JOOD aims to strengthen Dubai's leadership in sustainable giving and build a resilient ecosystem of empowered communities. News Source: Emirates News Agency


Hi Dubai
22-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Community Development Authority Signs Agreement to Empower People of Determination
Dubai's Community Development Authority (CDA) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Maseer Initiatives, aiming to enhance inclusion and community engagement for People of Determination through cultural and awareness-driven programmes. The agreement, signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination, focuses on strengthening institutional partnerships to foster empowerment and social cohesion. Her Excellency Maitha Mohammed Al Shamsi, CEO of the Social Empowerment Sector at CDA, and Her Excellency Budoor Saeed Al Raqbani, Director General of Maseer Initiatives, formalised the partnership in a ceremony attended by representatives from various government and community bodies. Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of CDA, said the partnership aligns with the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which prioritises the inclusion of all social groups. 'This collaboration represents a powerful model for community empowerment,' she noted. The MoU outlines joint efforts to develop and implement a series of cultural and knowledge-based initiatives, including public awareness events such as Arab Deaf Week, artistic showcases, and inclusive dialogue sessions. These initiatives are designed to highlight the contributions of People of Determination and promote a more inclusive society. Her Excellency Budoor Al Raqbani added that the partnership will help position People of Determination as active voices in cultural and social discussions, reinforcing their roles as leaders and creators. The initiative marks a significant step in supporting Dubai's broader vision of social justice, sustainable development, and community-driven impact. News Source: Dubai Media Office


Sharjah 24
14-05-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
Launching 15th Social Work Conference
Addressing Challenges During the opening speech, Ahmed Ibrahim Al Meal, Head of the Social Services Department in Sharjah, expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his comprehensive social care that has made Sharjah a beacon of sustainable social development. He emphasised that the conference extends the vision of Sharjah, which prioritises human development and aims to build a safe community and cohesive family. Modern Policies Discussed He highlighted the importance of addressing family challenges using innovative mechanisms that keep pace with technological advancements, noting that the family is the cornerstone of stable societies. The conference aims to discuss modern policies, enhance community awareness, and utilize technology and artificial intelligence to serve social work and achieve family cohesion. Technology in Focus The conference included six working papers that highlighted the significance of investing in modern technology to address social issues. Dr. Amani Mohammed Al Mehairi, Executive Director of Artificial Intelligence at the Community Development Authority in Dubai, presented the first paper on "Developing Social Monitoring Tools," emphasising the role of AI in improving quality of life, particularly in healthcare for the elderly. Data Accuracy Importance Dr. Engineer Kamal Abdul Aziz Mousa, an expert in urban observatories from Saudi Arabia, discussed the role of family observatories in supporting social policies and providing accurate data for decision-makers. He highlighted the importance of measuring performance in family development across various sectors and identifying urgent community issues. Measuring Social Impact Dr. Aisha Al Bousmit, an expert in international relations, presented a paper titled "Developing Tools to Measure Social Impact," focusing on the need for effective measures to assess social impact in line with the UAE Vision 2031, which contributes to enhancing social programs and policies. Future of Social Work The third paper, titled "The Future of Social Work in Light of Artificial Intelligence," was presented by Ahmed Mohammed Bou Haza'a, an executive and leadership coach from Bahrain. He pointed out the main challenges facing the sector, such as lack of transparency and high costs, and stressed the need for innovative solutions to complex issues like poverty, aging, and disability. Mental Health Discussion Dr. Abdullah bin Mabrouk Al Harithi, a senior social worker and addiction specialist, discussed the influence of mental health on family stability in his paper "Mental Health, Family Stability, and Community Cohesion." He emphasized that psychological balance directly enhances community cohesion and highlighted the importance of life skills development and improving the family environment. Media's Role Highlighted Ahmed Abdul Karim, Head of the Family Guidance and Reform Department at Dubai Courts, presented the fifth paper titled "The Role of Media in Building Social Awareness and Enhancing Community Cohesion." He asserted that purposeful media plays a significant role in shaping social values and called for the establishment of a digital platform specialized in family awareness. The sixth paper, titled "The Role of Legislation and Policies in Achieving a More Cohesive Society," was delivered by Dr. Ibrahim Al Shudifat, a judge at the Sharjah Primary Court. He discussed the role of legislation in fostering a cohesive community, emphasizing the need to develop personal status laws to protect families and promote balance among their members. Closing Remarks At the close of the first day of the conference, Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Al Ramezan, a member of the board of directors of the Prince Naif Rehabilitation Centre, affirmed that sincerity is the key driver for achieving success at both national and community levels. He called for utilising all technical and legislative means with a genuine spirit aimed at uplifting society, praising the significant support provided by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for community work and prioritising human development.


Emirates 24/7
14-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Hamdan bin Mohammed witnesses launch of the 'Barwa' initiative for senior citizens and People of Determination
- Hamdan bin Mohammed witnesses launch of the 'Barwa' initiative for senior citizens and People of DeterminationDubai Land -Department and Community Development Authority partner to roll out the programme under the slogan 'You are valuable and should always be appreciated' - Initiative enables beneficiaries to manage their real estate assets independently and with greater convenience - The programme facilitates a comprehensive suite of digital, on-site, and advisory services specifically designed to meet the needs of the targeted segments - The scheme reinforces the values of community partnership and supports the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, witnessed the launch of the 'Barwa' programme, an initiative developed by the Dubai Land Department in collaboration with the Community Development Authority, under the slogan 'You are valuable and should always be appreciated'. A first of its kind in the region, this initiative is a sustainable, socially driven real estate programme centred on human well-being. It will empower senior citizens and People of Determination in Dubai by enabling them to manage their real estate assets independently and with greater ease. Barwa also aims to promote family cohesion and social stability through comprehensive, integrated property solutions tailored to the needs of senior citizens and People of Determination. The 'Barwa' programme represents an innovative model for delivering government services through a human-centred lens. It provides a comprehensive suite of digital, on-site, and advisory services specifically designed to meet the needs of senior citizens and People of Determination. The programme also reinforces the values of community partnership and supports the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, with a focus on enhancing quality of life, ensuring equal opportunities, and promoting the inclusion of all segments of society within a sustainable development framework. The programme was officially launched during a ceremony held at Dubai Land Department, which included the signing of a cooperation agreement between DLD and the Community Development Authority (CDA). The agreement was signed by His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of the Dubai Land Department; and Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, in the presence of CEOs from both entities. In addition, four cooperation agreements were signed with Harbour Real Estate, On Plan Real Estate, Al Ruwad Real Estate, and SBK Real Estate. The service trustee centres Afnan and Al Tabou will also participate in the programme, offering dedicated support to senior citizens and People of Determination. High-quality services His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita said: 'This programme reflects Dubai Land Department's vision of delivering high-quality real estate services while reaffirming our enduring commitment to supporting segments of society that hold a special place in our hearts; individuals who have played a vital role in the development and prosperity of our nation. We are proud to launch this initiative in close partnership with the Community Development Authority, whose leading role in advancing empowerment and social solidarity is truly commendable. This collaboration stands as a distinguished example of government synergy, united in placing human well-being at the centre of our efforts.' He added: 'The Barwa programme is more than a service initiative; it is designed to simplify property management, protect their real estate rights, and deliver tailored services that promote peace of mind, independence, and an enhanced quality of life, in line with the 'Hand in Hand' theme of the 'Year of Community,' reinforcing our dedication to inclusion and social cohesion.' Her Excellency Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid said: 'The Barwa programme represents a model of integrated collaboration between government entities and reaffirms the Community Development Authority's commitment to its pivotal role in empowering priority groups – particularly senior citizens and people of determination – to access government services in a way that preserves their dignity and supports their social and economic stability. Institutional partnerships are the most sustainable path to achieving meaningful social impact. From this perspective, our collaboration with Dubai Land Department in launching Barwa is a strategic step toward expanding our reach by linking social data with real estate services and delivering tailored solutions that address the unique needs and circumstances of each individual.' She added: 'This collaboration aligns with our efforts to advance the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 by developing innovative service models that enhance quality of life, promote the independence of senior citizens, and reinforce the principle of equal opportunity. We remain committed to expanding this partnership to firmly establish a comprehensive, community-focused approach that empowers all segments of society to live with dignity, well-being, and stability.' Integrated pillars The Barwa programme is built on a set of integrated pillars designed to address the diverse needs of its target groups with efficiency and flexibility. It prioritises direct outreach by delivering services at beneficiaries' places of residence, eliminating the need for travel and ensuring a seamless, accessible experience. Through its mobile and field services pillar, the programme deploys dedicated units under the 'Al Taresh' service to carry out real estate transactions at the homes of senior citizens and People of Determination. In addition, the 'Al Karani' service assigns a personal assistant to each beneficiary to follow up on their transactions and provide continuous support. The digital services pillar features the 'Al Kaitoob' platform, which enables seamless remote property management and is equipped with accessibility technologies tailored for people with disabilities. It also includes 'Al Mersal', a real-time digital support service available through the call centre to assist beneficiaries promptly and effectively. Within the financial and real estate advisory pillar, specialised teams offer personalised guidance on property investment strategies and achieving sustainable returns. Meanwhile, the awareness and training pillar introduces the 'Real Estate Katateeb' initiative, which delivers educational workshops to help beneficiaries better understand property management and sound investment practices. Public-private partnership The programme also includes a service facilities pillar through 'Al Barza', dedicated reception lounges for senior citizens and People of Determination located at Dubai Land Department's main building. These spaces are designed to provide a premium, comfortable, and accessible customer experience. The strength of public-private collaboration is reflected in the 'Al Hasela' initiative, which offers integrated services such as lease management, routine maintenance, and investment consultancy. Qualified companies deliver these services at preferential rates tailored to meet the specific needs of the programme's target groups. The institutional framework of the programme is reinforced through the government partnership pillar, where the 'Registry of Honoured Citizens' facilitates seamless data and information exchange between Dubai Land Department and the Community Development Authority. This integration enables the delivery of personalised, end-to-end services, supported by a dedicated communication team committed to ensuring beneficiaries' comfort, as well as their real estate and social stability. The Barwa initiative reflects Dubai's commitment to pioneering human-centred real estate innovation, where social impact and digital transformation converge to place people at the forefront of service delivery. The partnership between Dubai Land Department and the Community Development Authority stands as a sustainable model of collaboration between government and community sectors, contributing to the development of a cohesive, inclusive, and thriving society. It further reinforces Dubai's global reputation as a hub for real estate innovation, with human well-being at the core of its policies and strategic vision. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.


Gulf Business
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
Dubai's RTA adds 200 parking spaces, warns of Emirates Road delays
Image credit: Wam (For illustrative purposes only) Dubai's Read- The delays are expected to continue until August 30, 2025. The RTA advises drivers to plan their journeys in advance to ensure timely arrival. Expected delays on Emirates Road towards Sharjah due to maintenance and rehabilitation works between Dubai-Al Ain Road and the Al Amardhi-Al Awir Road intersection towards Sharjah during weekends from 5:00 PM to 8 PM, until August 30, 2025. — RTA (@rta_dubai) As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance traffic flow across Dubai, the RTA has upgraded the traffic light system at the intersection of Al Doha and Halab Streets. The improvements include the addition of a new lane on Al Doha Street—boosting road capacity and enabling smoother movement through the signal. انطلاقاً من سعيها الدائم نحو حركة مرور أكثر سلاسة على جميع الطرق في — RTA (@rta_dubai) The authority has also developed 200 parking spaces to serve the Community Development Authority in Hatta and constructed a temporary gravel road from the Makan district towards the Hatta-Dubai Road. Traffic flow has also been improved at the intersections of King Salman Street with Braih and Al Gharbi Streets in the Jumeirah Beach Residence area, allowing the tram to operate at traffic signals while maintaining smooth vehicle movement. مشاريعنا في شهر مايو مستمرة لتطوير شبكة الطرق وخدمات التنقل، بما يعزز جودة الحياة في دبي ويدعم نموها المستدام. — RTA (@rta_dubai) Additional parking spaces have been provided at Emirates National School, Al Khawaneej. Motorists can also find a new lane on Dubai-Al Ain Road towards Dubai, beneath the Hind City Bridge.