Latest news with #HessaBuhumaid
Emirates 24/7
06-08-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
The Government of Dubai Media Office hosts ‘Meet the CEO' session featuring CDA Director General
Dubai's leadership has always placed people at the core of its development plans, taking inspiration from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. Dubai's development paradigm is firmly rooted in the belief that the well-being of the community is the cornerstone of a cohesive and sustainable society, said Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority. Her Excellency Buhumaid was interacting with editors in chief and representatives of leading UAE media outlets during an event held as part of the 'Meet the CEO' series hosted by the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO). Outlining several strategic pillars and initiatives that underpin the work of the CDA and its plans going into the future, she illustrated how they empower the community at various levels. This concerted effort contributes to advancing the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to strengthen the foundations of sustainable social development and extend services that positively impact people's lives — including health, housing, education, culture, sports, and community development — in a manner that fulfils the aspirations and ambitions of Dubai's community at large, she said. 'We strive to champion innovative social policies and initiatives that translate into quality services and exceptional quality of life for the community while adhering to the highest global standards in planning, implementation, and evaluation. This is done in close cooperation with various government entities, the private sector, and civil society institutions. We continually work to anticipate the future needs of the community and leverage the latest technologies to enhance access to a range of services and expand their impact, helping foster a cohesive society that can respond positively to change,' Her Excellency said. She added: 'Our mission at the Community Development Authority goes beyond simply enriching the social support system; it extends to empowering individuals to actively participate in the development journey and affirming their role as partners in shaping a prosperous future for Dubai. This commitment stems from the leadership's vision of investing in people to build a happier, more cohesive, and more sustainable society. This belief instills a sense of collaboration in solidifying Dubai's position as a global exemplar in quality of life and social cohesion — a status that reflects its pioneering ambitions and ensures the happiness of all who live on its land.' Key role of media highlighted Her Excellency Buhumaid affirmed that the CDA is committed to facilitating an open channel of communication, enabling media to accurately mirror different facets of the leadership's development vision while spotlighting service-inspired initiatives that make a difference in the daily lives of citizens. 'The media is our strategic partner in delivering our message and amplifying the impact of our programmes and initiatives. In its many forms, the media serves as a vital bridge for communication with the community and a key driver in fostering a culture of cohesion and social responsibility, raising awareness of the values that the Community Development Authority strives to promote. We believe that synergy between media establishments and government entities is essential in realising our shared vision of building a more cohesive, aware, and sustainable society.' During the session, Her Excellency reviewed several aspects of the CDA's work, emphasising that the Authority seeks to actively engage with the community and elicit feedback on what people perceive as their immediate needs and the solutions they look forward to. In this regard, Data Driven Community Engagement is one of the most important pillars enabling the CDA's mandate, she said. The Authority accords prime importance to the community's feedback, keenly gauging public sentiment and suggested areas for improvement articulated during social gatherings. This approach ensures that new services and initiatives offered help in addressing actual community needs. Remarkable initiative Another key initiative that defines the CDA's community empowerment mission is the Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Program, which has helped significantly boost marriage rates among Emiratis. Notably, 27.7% of all marriages recorded this year were facilitated through the Dubai Weddings initiative, with a 218% increase in participation in the initiative in Dubai in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The programme has also been a pillar of support for families blessed with newborns, reflecting the long-term social impact and expanding reach of the initiative. Hundreds of families have benefited from the initiative to date, with CDA-managed wedding halls witnessing a surge in bookings, including on weekdays, reflecting a growing awareness among younger people about the anchoring influence of families and the solidarity and strength they impart in a community setting. Comprehensive Post-marriage Support is another vital aspect of the CDA's public outreach. The Authority offers family counselling services, financial and psychological education, priority access to ready housing, and concessional home loans aligned with the leadership's vision of stable families as the very foundation of societal prosperity. The CDA has also gained the confidence of communitities throught its Empowered Community Majalis initiative. The Community Majalis acts as a dynamic neighbourhood platform that fosters dialogue, strengthens social bonds, serving as a local data hub to better understand residents' needs. Thirteen such platforms are currently active across Dubai, with plans to expand that number to 17 by the end of the year. Acting as the 'pulse of the community,' the Majalis supports localised decision-making, bringing services closer to Emirati families in their own neighbourhoods. The Advanced Volunteerism System is another pillar enabling the Authority to extend its support network. In 2024, more than 59,000 participants contributed to various social causes, collectively pledging over 1 million hours. Specialised initiatives showcased volunteer skills while generating an estimated AED40 million in value. 'In Dubai, volunteering goes beyond giving time, it demonstrates our societal solidarity,' HE Buhumaid said. The CDA stands in solidarity with the community in moments of grief through its Responsive Mourning Support system. The service facilitated the installation of 239 condolence tents during the first half of 2025, with each tent assembled within five hours of receiving a request. Delivered in collaboration with Dubai Police, DEWA, Civil Defense, and RTA, this service follows clearly defined protocols to respect the privacy of bereaved families and the emotional sensitivity associated with the loss of a dear one while offering all necessary support. Economic empowerment initiatives The Dubai Empowerment Program, which boosts opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and capacity-building within the community, supported 1,078 Emiratis in 2024 and 538 through the first quarter of 2025. Backed up by over 130 public-private partners, the CDA also supported 125 home-based businesses via exhibitions, social events, and its digital platforms. Exemplifying the spirit of giving while promoting homegrown economic empowerment, the 'Dubai's Goodness Lies in Its People' initiative, launched during Ramadan in collaboration with the Dubai Charity Association, saw Emirati families prepare and distribute over 14,400 iftar meals valued at AED288,000. Under the Family Financial Literacy Program component of the Sheikha Hind initiative, CDA, in partnership with the New Economy Academy, the General Pension and Social Security Authority, and UAE national banks, will reach hundreds of beneficiaries in 2025. HE Buhumaid commended the Government of Dubai Media Office for organising the 'Meet the CEO' sessions, describing them as impactful discussions that promote genuine dialogue between government entities and media and foster a better understanding of mutual responsibilities in shaping a more cohesive and resilient society.
Zawya
12-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EHRDC signs MoU with CDA to enhance employment opportunities for Emiratis in Dubai
Dubai: The Emirati Human Resources Development Council (EHRDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Community Development Authority (CDA) to enhance employment opportunities for Emiratis in Dubai and increase their contribution to the Emirate's economic and social progress. The partnership marks a significant step towards strengthening collaboration and promoting shared objectives in community and workforce development. The agreement was signed by H.E. Abdullah bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director-General of the Dubai Government Human Recourses and Deputy Chairman of the Emirati Human Resources Development Council in Dubai and H.E Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority. Under this MoU, both entities will work together to support Dubai's broader strategy to empower national talent by launching targeted programs and initiatives, fostering robust synergy among government entities and creating inclusive job opportunities for Emiratis across all sectors. H.E. Abdullah bin Zayed Al Falasi, said: 'The partnership underscores our ongoing commitment to transforming the leadership's vision into impactful initiatives that directly benefit Emiratis. It is a pivotal step towards activating institutional partnerships that open new professional horizons for Emiratis. We are also working to transform community councils into vibrant hubs that connect job seekers with potential employers, enabling talent discovery, matching them with the right opportunities, promoting equal opportunity, and improving the overall quality of employment outcomes. H.E Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid from CDA, said: "The partnership marks a strategic step toward enhancing institutional collaboration in community empowerment and opening practical pathways to opportunity, it stems from a firm belief that the individual is both the heart and purpose of development, a principle that aligns with Dubai's vision of building a cohesive, productive, and sustainable society. We are confident that this collaboration will serve as a launchpad for impactful initiatives that deliver tangible outcomes and meet the aspirations of community members, ensuring their long-term empowerment and well-being.' The MoU aims to lay the foundation for deeper collaboration between both parties to design and deliver targeted programs that support the integration of Emiratis into the workforce. Through personalised career guidance, specialised training, and tailored employment pathways, we aim to equip national talent with the requisite tools to thrive and succeed across various sectors. The collaboration further aligns with CDA's empowerment strategy to improve citizens' quality of life and enhance their economic participation, in line with Dubai's long-term development vision. This MoU exemplifies a leading model of effective integration between government entities focused on Emiratisation and community development. It echoes Dubai's commitment to building a responsive and forward-looking employment ecosystem, in line with the objectives of the 'Dubai Social Agenda 33' and the 'Dubai Economic Agenda D33,' both of which emphasise increased Emirati participation in economic development and strengthen job market stability for them. A key component of the partnership will involve organising employment days at neighbourhood councils. These events aim to enhance community engagement and strengthen collaboration among relevant stakeholders by enabling Emirati job seekers to explore roles aligned with their qualifications and meet prospective employers in a supportive, opportunity-driven environment. Additionally, the collaboration will facilitate improved coordination between the parties through the sharing of relevant data and the development of joint action plans. Together, EHRDC and CDA will provide targeted support that addresses both the professional and personal needs of Emirati job seekers, in line with the CDA's empowerment strategy.
Emirates 24/7
19-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Arab Strategy Forum holds two sessions to discuss future of global economic relations, investments
As part of its ongoing commitment to empowering decision-makers and leaders to better understand global transformations and develop future-focused visions grounded in deep analysis of international dynamics, the Arab Strategy Forum hosted two discussion sessions titled 'Dubai and the Global Economy: A Map of Opportunities and Investment' and 'The Global Trade War: Are the Rules of the Game Changing?' The sessions addressed the current economic and geopolitical landscape at a time of rapidly accelerating global shifts and mounting challenges to the international economic system. The events were attended by a distinguished group of senior leaders and decision-makers, including Hessa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai; Saeed Al Eter, Director-General of The Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Essa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre; Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, Director-General of Dubai Chambers; Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates NBD; Major General Awad Hader Al Muhairi, Vice President of Dubai's State Security Department; Major General Tamim Mohammed Al Muhairi, Director-General of the State Security Department in Dubai; Faisal bin Sulaitin, CEO of the Dubai Economic Security Center; Dr. Abdullah Busnad, Director-General of Dubai Customs; Hamed Ali, CEO of the Dubai Financial Market and Nasdaq Dubai; and Arif Amiri, CEO of the DIFC Authority. Also attending the sessions at Emirates Towers were global experts and over 100 leaders and professionals. The first session, moderated by journalist Cyba Audi Agha and featuring Sultan bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, explored how Dubai has developed a flexible economic model. Bin Sulayem stated that the current geopolitical shifts prove that readiness and resilient economic models determine a country's ability to thrive. 'The real challenge is no longer just surviving crises—but leveraging them to build a more stable and influential role in global economic chains.' He emphasised that ensuring the continuity of trade is no longer just a technical or logistical matter but a strategic imperative tied directly to market security and national economic stability. Bin Sulayem highlighted the importance of long-term investments in infrastructure and supply chains, noting: 'Thanks to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we realised early on that the key to future success lies in rapid market access. We invested in transport, connectivity, and technology to strengthen the ability of ports and free zones to respond to volatile global demand.' He revealed that DP World handled more than 88 million TEUs in 2024, representing US$3.7 trillion in goods annually, or more than US$400 million per hour, reflecting the group's global impact on trade stability and supply chain efficiency. The group's infrastructure spans over 250 shipping offices, covering more than 90 percent of global trade routes, enabling it to deliver fully integrated logistics solutions in a complex and volatile global economy. Addressing regional competition, Bin Sulayem noted that the increase in trade corridors and infrastructure doesn't weaken any single player but strengthens the global market as a whole: 'Dubai is now a necessity for trade, not a choice. The more alternatives that emerge in the region, the greater the need for coordination and trust exchange... The global system requires integrated—not fragmented—networks. This calls for enhanced cooperation tools, not just competition.' The second session featured Carla Sands, former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark and current Vice President of the Center for Energy and Environment at the America First Policy Institute, alongside Dr. Victor Gao, Vice President of the Center for China and Globalisation. The discussion was moderated by journalist Ryan Chilcote and tackled fundamental questions about the future of the global trade system amid accelerating geopolitical transformations and the decline of traditional globalisation frameworks. Ambassador Sands stated that the world is at a pivotal crossroads, one that is reshaping the rules of international economic relations. 'The challenge today is not just competition among global powers, but how to safeguard the stability of the global system as trade tensions rise and old balances unravel,' she said. 'What we are witnessing—the retreat of conventional globalisation—demands the emergence of fairer models for mutual interest. We need systems that value transparency and foster balance, not structures run from closed circles or dominated solely by power dynamics.' Sands emphasised that successful alliances in the future will not be based solely on geography, but on shared values guiding collaborative action. 'Global economic relations will no longer be dictated purely by power dynamics,' she noted. 'They will be redefined by those who hold a vision grounded in partnership, respect for sovereignty, and a long-term commitment to stability.' Dr. Victor Gao echoed this forward-looking perspective, stating that the world is moving rapidly toward a new era of economic multipolarity—driven by emerging blocs seeking to decentralise global economic decision-making. He described the current transformations as a historic opportunity to redistribute roles and make room for cooperation-based models that reject dependency. Gao argued that the future of the global economy will not be shaped by governments alone, but at the intersection of technology, cross-border capital, and transcontinental supply chains. 'The question is no longer who controls the markets,' he said, 'but who understands their rhythm—and can adapt swiftly in an age of rapid decisions and constant disruptions.' He stressed that reforming global economic institutions has become more urgent than ever. 'The IMF, the WTO, the World Bank… these institutions must reclaim their role as neutral balancers—not political instruments—and evolve in step with the changes, rather than remain on the sidelines.' Ambassador Carla Sands is recognised as an influential figure in U.S. policy and economic diplomacy. She currently serves as Vice President of the Center for Energy and Environment at the America First Policy Institute. Her distinguished career includes senior sovereign positions, most notably serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands from 2017 to 2021. She was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Medal by the U.S. Department of Defense and holds memberships in several diplomatic and security forums. Dr. Victor Gao, Vice President of the Center for China and Globalisation, is one of China's most prominent experts in development and global economic policy. He has extensive experience in government, diplomacy, energy, and investment, having held senior positions in major international institutions such as Morgan Stanley and Sinopec. He previously served as translator and advisor to the late Chinese President Deng Xiaoping. Holding a doctorate in law from Yale University, Dr. Gao is regarded as a global authority on the interplay between geopolitical shifts and economic power dynamics. The Forum seeks to provide future-focused insight and a deeper understanding of key political and economic issues at the local, Arab, and international levels. It employs two scientific methodologies: the strategic foresight approach and the strategic future planning approach, in addition to drawing on historical evidence and analyzing current developments to anticipate political and economic events in the future. Launched in 2001 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Arab Strategy Forum focuses on future foresight and a deeper understanding of key geopolitical and economic issues affecting the Arab world and the international community. It brings together a select group of global leaders and thinkers to discuss the most pressing issues in this regard. The Forum serves as a networking platform composed of sessions that contribute to a better understanding of future geopolitical and economic trends in the region and globally, with the ultimate aim of building a better world. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Emirates 24/7
07-04-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai Municipality awards project to build five community neighbourhood councils
- In Support of the 'Year of Community', Dubai Municipality, in collaboration with Community Development Authority, awards project to build five community neighbourhood councils Hessa Buhumaid: Project contributes to ensuring that social services reach all residential neighbourhoods according to the highest standards. Marwan bin Ghalita: Community neighborhood councils embody Mohammed bin Rashid's vision to remain constantly informed of citizens' needs to ensure a decent life for them - Project supports Dubai Social Agenda 33's objective to strengthen national identity, family cohesion, and social well-being - Five new councils to be constructed in Nad Al Sheba II, Al Awir II, Al Barsha South I, Al Warqa II, and Hatta - Unified architectural designs preserve the heritage and national identity of neighbourhood majlis buildings. - Each facility covers 1,256 square metres and includes multi-use halls, chapels, reception areas, and administrative spaces - Project completion expected between Q4 2025 and Q2 2026 In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, Dubai Municipality, in collaboration with the Community Development Authority, has announced the awarding of a contract for the construction of five new community neighbourhood councils in the areas of Nad Al Sheba II, Al Awir II, Al Barsha South I, Al Warqa II, and Hatta. This project supports the goals of the 'Year of Community', declared for 2025, which aims to strengthen family and societal bonds, and is aligned with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which seeks to enhance the well-being of Emirati families, reinforce national identity and values, and ensure a cohesive and inclusive social environment. Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority, affirmed that neighbourhood councils serve as living examples of social cohesion in Dubai. 'These spaces bring community members together in environments that support dialogue, preserve heritage, and reflect the UAE's cultural identity,' she said. 'As part of our role in supervising neighbourhood councils, we are committed to evolving these facilities in line with the needs of residents, ensuring they contribute to national identity and foster meaningful engagement through a variety of activities and events.' She added that establishing new councils represents a pivotal step in enhancing social services across residential areas. 'This expansion supports the leadership's vision of building a more connected and empowered society. These projects respond to population growth and urban development while ensuring that high-quality services reach every neighbourhood, in accordance with the highest standards.' His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality, described the project as a strategic step aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. 'These councils are essential to keeping pace with the evolving needs of citizens and providing facilities that ensure a decent, happy, and stable life for all,' he said. 'They offer spaces that strengthen community cohesion, encourage younger generations to uphold Emirati traditions, and create inclusive platforms for dialogue, consultation, and engagement.' He added: 'Neighbourhood councils serve as a bridge between residents and government, facilitating participation, understanding, and feedback to continuously improve the quality of life for citizens. These spaces have always played a vital role in bringing people together during various occasions and community events and will continue to do so in a more structured, impactful way.' The five councils will follow a unified architectural design reflecting modern aesthetics while respecting Emirati heritage. The Hatta council will be adapted to suit the area's unique heritage and urban standards, ensuring that it complements the natural and historical environment of the region. Each council will cover approximately 1,256 square metres, within a total development area of 6,280 square metres, and will include a divisible multi-use hall, a majlis for daily use, separate prayer halls for men and women, a reception area, staff offices, storage spaces, preparatory kitchens, and toilet facilities. Construction of the Al Barsha South I, Al Warqa II, Nad Al Sheba II, and Al Awir II councils is expected to be completed by Q4 2025, with Hatta's council scheduled for handover in Q2 2026. Dubai Municipality remains committed to implementing urban development projects that serve both residents and visitors, while advancing the city's liveability and supporting social cohesion in line with Dubai's position as one of the world's most desirable places to live and work. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
