Latest news with #MinistryofCommunityDevelopment
Time of India
06-08-2025
- General
- Time of India
UAE mass weddings: Young couples can now apply for 11th annual ceremony in Sharjah, December 2025
Sharjah's first mass wedding in 1998 was held under the patronage of the Emirate's Ruler, starting a now-national tradition/ Image: SCI Mass wedding (2024) As the UAE prepares to mark its 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations in December 2025, Sharjah Charity International has officially begun accepting applications for its 11th annual mass wedding. Rooted in a long-standing Emirati tradition that promotes social unity and financial support for young couples, the initiative continues to grow in scale and significance, with expanded eligibility and digital access. A Longstanding social tradition Anchored in Emirati values The concept of mass weddings in the UAE dates back to 1998, with the very first event held in Sharjah under the patronage of the Emirate's Ruler. Since then, mass weddings have evolved into a prominent social model that reflects the Emirati community's deeply held values, chiefly solidarity, unity, and the importance of family stability. Over the years, the Ministry of Community Development has led these initiatives to strengthen the social fabric by supporting young men and women, encouraging early marriage, and reducing the financial burden on new couples. The aim is not only to preserve cultural traditions but to ensure long-term family cohesion and happiness. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the UAE adapted this tradition to the times by organising the first virtual mass wedding under the banner 'Emirati Joy.' The event was conducted across five locations with 20 grooms in each ceremony, complying with safety protocols and demonstrating the nation's commitment to upholding its traditions even in challenging times. Sharjah's 11th mass wedding set for december 2025 Sharjah Charity International has announced that it is now accepting applications for its 11th mass wedding, to be held in December 2025. The event will coincide with the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations and will take place under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Community Development, targets UAE nationals and select residents with strong ties to the country, offering them a chance to begin their marital life without the heavy costs typically associated with weddings. The overarching goal is to build sustainable, stable families rooted in Emirati traditions. Applications for participation are now being accepted exclusively through the charity's official website—a move toward digital modernisation of its services. A dedicated committee will review submissions after the registration period closes to evaluate eligibility and select the participants. Who can apply: Eligibility criteria To qualify for the mass wedding, applicants must meet specific requirements: Must be UAE citizens, children of female UAE citizens, or individuals born in the UAE whose fathers have rendered significant services to the country. Must be unmarried at the time of application, that is, first-time grooms who have not been married before. Must demonstrate financial need, specifically, the inability to afford the costs of marriage. Exceptions may apply for those supporting their families due to a father's death or disability. Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mohammed Rashid bin Bayat, highlighted the purpose of this initiative: to offer genuine support to couples who wish to marry but are held back by financial constraints. He encouraged young men and women to take advantage of this program, emphasizing its role in building strong, lasting families grounded in mutual support and cultural identity. Milestones in the UAE's mass wedding history While Sharjah has played a key role in sustaining the tradition, other Emirates have also contributed to its evolution: Expo 2020 Dubai witnessed its first-ever traditional mass wedding in March 2022, sponsored by the Ministry of Interior and the Fazaa Social Security Fund. Held near the UAE Pavilion at Gayath Trail, the event hosted 100 grooms, with gifts provided to help them start their married lives. In June 2019, Abu Dhabi hosted the first mass wedding for non-Emirati couples, a historic first. The event included separate ceremonies for grooms and brides, reflecting both inclusivity and respect for traditional customs. In October 2020, facing pandemic-related restrictions, the UAE conducted a virtual mass wedding with 100 Emirati grooms, ensuring continuity of tradition under extraordinary circumstances. Each of these events reflects the UAE's commitment to evolving its cultural practices while staying true to its core values, community support, family stability, and responsible financial planning.
CairoScene
12-06-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Families With Monthly Income Below AED 25,000 to Receive Allowance
As part of the expanded Social Support Programme, the initiative provides monthly stipends for food, fuel, and utilities. Jun 12, 2025 The Ministry of Community Development has announced a new inflation allowance designed to support Emirati families earning less than AED 25,000 per month. As part of the expanded Social Support Programme launched in 2022, the initiative provides monthly stipends for food, fuel, and utilities. Eligible households will receive AED 500 for food per breadwinner and spouse, with AED 250 allocated for each child under 21 (up to four children). Fuel subsidies are tiered—AED 300, AED 600, or AED 900—depending on 95‑octane prices, and a monthly allowance of AED 400 (or equivalent) is provided for electricity and water. This support mechanism aligns with broader government restructuring of the Emirati Social Welfare Programme, which now operates under a AED 28 billion budget. The programme includes enhanced allowances for retirees and working individuals, ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 13,000 for family breadwinners, as well as provisions for spouses, children, and individuals of determination. The inflation allowance can be claimed through the Ministry's online platform, with processing completed within 10 working days.
Sharjah 24
10-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Sheikha Fatima visits Sheikh Zayed Children's Complex in Istanbul
Presentation highlights the Complex's comprehensive care During the visit, Sheikha Fatima and Emine Erdoğan attended a presentation outlining the complex's extensive programmes for child care. The session began with a Quranic recitation by one of the children, symbolising the spiritual and emotional grounding provided to those in the centre. The presentation detailed the centre's commitment to providing a holistic environment for children, including educational, social, and health services. It also emphasized the complex's role in strengthening UAE-Türkiye collaboration in early childhood development. Redevelopment project unveiled Sheikha Fatima was briefed on a major redevelopment project for the complex, supported by the UAE Ministry of Community Development and the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation in coordination with Türkiye's Ministry of Family and Social Services. The initiative includes extensive expansion, maintenance, and modernization efforts aimed at raising care standards and aligning with international best practices. A humanitarian symbol of bilateral relations Sheikha Fatima praised the complex as a leading humanitarian institution, noting its role in advancing social solidarity and joint cooperation. She reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to prioritizing child welfare as part of its global humanitarian mission. Stories of impact and hope The visit featured a heartfelt speech by a young adult who was raised in the complex, describing it as a nurturing and life-shaping environment. His testimony reflected the impact of the UAE's initiatives on individual lives and broader humanitarian efforts. Children from the centre also performed a choir presentation, expressing their aspirations and celebrating the support they receive. Tour of nursery facilities Sheikha Fatima visited the nursery section of the complex, which caters to infants and toddlers up to two years old. She commended the centre for its high standard of care during the most formative years of childhood. UAE's longstanding support for children and families In a speech, Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, highlighted the historical ties between the UAE and Türkiye and the lasting legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. She underlined the UAE's dedication to family and child welfare, supported by the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikha Fatima. She also referenced the designation of 2025 as the 'Year of Community' in the UAE, stressing the importance of family as the foundation of a strong society. Türkiye affirms strong bilateral cooperation Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Türkiye's Minister of Family and Social Services, acknowledged the UAE's global role in supporting humanitarian and social initiatives. She praised Sheikha Fatima's leadership in championing the rights of women and children and expressed Türkiye's eagerness to deepen cooperation with the UAE in child protection and family support. Distinguished delegation accompanies Sheikha Fatima Sheikha Fatima was accompanied by several high-level UAE officials, including members of the presidential family and ministers representing various sectors. Their presence reflected the importance of the visit and the UAE's commitment to fostering strong international partnerships in humanitarian development.
Khaleej Times
01-04-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Salik fee exemption in UAE: How to apply for toll waiver; 4 categories, process explained
Dubai has installed multiple Salik gates to manage traffic flow on the city's arterial roads. Salik, an electronic toll collection system implemented by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), automatically deducts toll fees from a prepaid account when vehicles pass through any of the ten strategically placed toll gates across the emirate. Salik has also introduced an exemption programme, allowing some residents and their relatives to apply for toll fee waiver. This initiative aligns with Dubai's broader efforts to enhance accessibility, inclusivity, and quality of life for all residents. Who qualifies for Salik fee exemption? If you are challenged in any of the following categories, you are eligible to apply for an exemption from paying Salik road toll fees: The permit for Salik fee exemption can be obtained for the relatives of a person of determination. The acceptable relationships for eligibility include parents, husband or wife (with a marriage contract required), children (with a birth certificate required), grandparents, sisters or brothers, and grandchildren. These relationships are outlined to ensure that the relevant family members can apply for the exemption on behalf of the person of determination. What are the requirements for Salik toll waiver? For new application, the following documents are required: Copy of the valid vehicle's registration card of the person of determination or one of their first or second degree relatives Copy of the valid Emirates ID (for applicant) Copy of the valid people of determination card issued by the Ministry of Community Development or Sanad card issued by Community Development Authority Valid proof of relationship document (first or second degree relatives) if the person of determination is not the vehicle owner - To be sent to the following email: specialaccounts@ How long does a Salik fee exemption last? The validity of the exemption is one year and the customer must renew it on a yearly basis to avoid any violations. The applicant will be required to present the same above-mentioned documents when renewing the exemption card. For replacement or a change of vehicle, in addition to the above-mentioned documents, the person of determination must also submit a cancellation form for the old exemption. Process to apply for Salik exemption Residents can apply through the Salik website or send an email to specialaccounts@ Through Salik website The customer enters the required details and uploads the required documents. After finishing the exemption application online, the special accounts team verifies and processes the request for exemption. Once the exemption is approved and updated in the system, the customer will be informed by phone. Through email The customer has to download the commitment form through Salik website or receive it by e-mail. The customer sends the commitment application form and the required documents to specialaccounts@ After receiving the complete documents, the special accounts team verifies and processes the request for exemption. Once approved, the customer will be informed. Is there a limit to the number of Salik fee exemptions granted? The customer can receive a free Salik tag after requesting an exemption if they have not purchased one previously. Only one vehicle can be exempted from Salik road toll fees for people of determination. However, the exemption can be transferred to another vehicle after canceling the previous one, upon the customer's request. The service is free of charge, and the processing time is five working days, provided all submitted documents meet the eligibility criteria How Salik operates in Dubai Salik operates as Dubai's electronic toll collection system, using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to charge vehicles automatically when they pass through designated toll gates. The system is fully automated with no toll booths or barriers. Each time a vehicle passes through a Salik toll gate, the technology scans the Salik tag, and a toll fee (either Dh6 or Dh4, depending on the time of passage) is deducted from the motorist's prepaid toll account. A Salik tag costs Dh100, which includes Dh50 in credit added to the account upon activation. If purchased online, an additional Dh20 charge applies. Motorists can conveniently top up their Salik card accounts online or recharge cards from any participating retail outlet. However, failure to maintain an adequate account balance may lead to penalties or limitations on vehicle use. Variable Salik toll rates Variable road toll pricing (Salik) system offers motorists toll-free passage between 1am and 6am. During weekdays, the toll rate is Dh6 for morning peak hours (6am to 10am) and evening peak hours (4pm to 8pm). For off-peak hours, between 10am and 4pm, and from 8pm to 1am, the toll tariff is Dh4. On Sundays, excluding public holidays, special occasions, or major events, the toll charge is Dh4 throughout the day and free from 1am to 6am. Number of Salik toll gates With the addition of two new toll gates in January at Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road and Al Safa South on Sheikh Zayed Road between Al Meydan Street and Umm Al Sheif Street, there are ten Salik gates in total in Dubai.
Sharjah 24
24-03-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
SSSD participates in "Community Dialogue" Initiative
The Youth Council of the Ministry of Community Development, in collaboration with the Media Office of the Government of Dubai, organised a discussion session as part of the "Community Dialogue" initiative. The session, titled "The Legacy of Success: The UAE's Story and the Art of Building a Positive Reputation – Inspiring Figures and Influential Experiences," shed light on national efforts and inspiring success stories from individuals of various nationalities who have contributed to remarkable achievements across different sectors in the UAE. Participation of Influential Personalities The session featured a distinguished group of influential personalities, including Kholoud Al Nuaimi, Director of the Community Service Sector at the Sharjah Social Services Department (SSSD). During her participation, she emphasised the department's commitment to enhancing community well-being and ensuring family stability through the best social practices. Achievements and Contributions of Sharjah Social Services Al Nuaimi also highlighted the key achievements of the department in 2024, focusing on its role in supporting and empowering various segments of society by providing care and social protection. She pointed out the department's ongoing contributions, which align with the initiatives of "The Year of the Community." The Role of the Private Sector in Social Development Additionally, she stressed the importance of private sector involvement in supporting the nation's development journey, particularly in the social sector. She also discussed major partnerships that strengthen this collaboration, reinforcing the role of collective efforts in fostering societal growth and well-being.
