Latest news with #SocialCohesion
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi ranks high in quality of life, with 93.6% of residents feeling safe at night
Based on the findings of the fifth Quality of Life Survey in Abu Dhabi Improved Happiness and Quality of Life Indicators in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi has reinforced its position as one of the world's top cities in quality of life, safety, and happiness, according to the findings of the fifth Quality of Life Survey conducted in 2024 by the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD). The survey results revealed that 93.6% of residents feel safe walking alone at night, reflecting the emirate's continued recognition as the world's safest city in 2025 according to global indicators. The Happiness indicator also recorded an increase, reaching 7.74 out of 10, compared to 7.63 in the third cycle. More than 100,000 individuals from 190 different nationalities participated in the survey, which covered 14 key social well-being indicators: housing, job opportunities and revenue, family income and wealth, work-life balance, health, education and skills, personal security and safety, social relations, civic participation and governance, environmental quality, social and cultural cohesion, social and community service, quality of life, digital happiness, and wellbeing. The survey results showed that 75.6% of residents have a strong social support network, emphasizing the importance of social cohesion during the "Year of Community. Meanwhile, the volunteering participation rate reached 34.3%, reflecting a strong community spirit among residents. The Department of Community Development also urged all community members to participate in the sixth cycle of the Quality of Life Survey and to share their aspirations and challenges across all aspects of life. The results reflect the quality of life, and we continue to listen to all community members H.E Eng. Shaikha Alhosani, Executive Director Of the Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector at DCD, affirmed that the results reflect the emirate's strategic efforts to enhance quality of life. The Quality of Life Survey demonstrates Abu Dhabi's ongoing commitment to developing innovative policies that place individual well-being at the forefront of its priorities. She noted that joint efforts across various sectors have contributed to creating a secure and sustainable environment in which residents feel stable and thrive. Alhosani added that high safety levels, increased happiness, and longer life expectancy are all indicators of the success of Abu Dhabi's governmental policies and plans in promoting social, health, and economic development. She stated: 'During the Year of Community, we continue to shape policies and develop programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all community members and fulfilling their aspirations. Recently, we witnessed the opening of the ' Nabdh Al Falah Community hub,' which serves as a tangible example of transforming the 'Voice of the Community' into reality. In collaboration with all our partners, we are working to make it an integrated platform offering activities, programs, and events that target all segments of society.' With Abu Dhabi's continued digital transformation, the survey also revealed a rise in digital well-being, with residents enjoying easy and efficient access to digital services. However, the findings also pointed to growing concerns about the psychological effects of technology, highlighting the need for balanced policies that support mental health and social interaction in the digital age. In terms of work-life balance, the results showed that working hours remain higher than the OECD average, underscoring the need for strategies that better support personal and professional life balance to sustain quality of life in the community. The Department of Community Development relies on the results of the Quality of Life Survey as a fundamental tool for developing social and economic policies, ensuring the creation of a balanced and sustainable community environment. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, the department aims to enhance sustainable livelihoods and promote social cohesion, ensuring a prosperous future for all residents of Abu Dhabi.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Sound The Sirens: Are Voluntary Associations Under Attack?
A social enterprise that supports thousands of non-profits across the country, LEAD Centre for Not for Profit Governance and Leadership, is sounding the alarm on an unprecedented tax and fee grab from the country's voluntary and community organisations. LEAD co-director, Garth Nowland-Foreman, asked today, 'What has this government got against community groups and member associations? And where is the Minister for Community & Voluntary Sector, when a regulatory barrage is being unleashed on the sector?' 'At a time when social cohesion in this country has dropped below that of our Australian neighbours, membership associations are one of the most important vehicles in helping to build stronger communities, practice democracy, and support social cohesion.' Tax on Charities' earned income First, the government tried to tax charities, and while now been put on hold for this Budget (because it would be excessively complicated, add compliance costs, and still not raise any significant revenue), the threat still hangs over the heads of thousands of charities. And Charity Services is requiring charities to separately list so-called 'commercial' income in this year's annual returns. Tax on Associations' membership fees Inland Revenue now proposes to impose income tax for the first time on subscriptions and other transactions among members of community associations (ED0265). This will overturn a 70-year-old tax understanding of the 'principle of mutuality', with tax specialists warning it could threaten the existence of some small clubs and societies. Fees hike for Incorporated Societies At the same time the Companies Office is ignoring the public-good contribution of these same non-profit associations, with a major hike in one fee, and the introduction of three new fees for incorporated societies, including one that for the first time will need to be paid every year in perpetuity (Review of Companies Office Fees and Levies, 2025). Following funding cuts and increased compliance LEAD co-director, Sandy Thompson, said: 'This follows cutbacks in funding for many non-profits doing important work in the community. Many are still grappling with a new Incorporated Societies Act, which itself imposes increased compliance costs, and is demanding thousands of incorporated societies across the country re-register with new constitutions by April next year or risk loosing any legal protection. 'While individually, each of these threats may not appear monumental, taken together it's hard for community groups not to feel under attack, just at a time we should be supporting them even more.' Background information: Shamubeel Eaqub & Rosie Collins, Social Cohesion in New Zealand (April 2025) Tax on Charities: Tax on membership fees: Increased fees for Incorporated societies: Complying with new Incorporated Societies Act: Cuts to Charities' funding: Who is LEAD? LEAD Centre for Not for Profit Governance & Leadership was established ten years ago to provide evidence-based training, coaching and other support to not-for-profit organisations and their leaders across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific. In that time thousands of leaders and their organisations have been assisted by its consortium of highly expert and experienced not-for-profit consultants and facilitators.
