Social Affairs - dda
Social Affairs
Social Benefits
Dubai government provides social aids and benefits to individuals and families in need according to Law No. 7 of 2012 on Financial Social Benefit in the Emirate of Dubai. Read the law
Periodic Benefit
Periodic Benefit is a temporary recurring financial assistance that supplements the income of the householder to meet his or her basic living needs upon meeting the eligibility criteria.
House Furnishing Benefit
House Furnishing Benefit is a financial benefit that is payable only once for house furnishing.
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Temporary Housing Benefit
Temporary Housing Benefit is provided to individuals without a home. A safe home is offered until more permanent solutions are available.
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Marriage
Marriage of Muslims in Dubai is regulated by the UAE's personal status law, which applies sharia provisions to marriage. The minimum legal age for marriage is 18 lunar years. Both parties must provide their consent, and the presence of the bride's guardian (Wali) is mandatory. One of the two parties must be a resident or a citizen of Dubai. Additionally, a pre-marital medical test is required to ensure both parties are free from communicable diseases and genetic disorders.
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Non-Muslims of any nationality or religion can marry under the Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status for Non-Muslims. Both partners must be at least 21 years old and provide evidence of their single status. One of the partners must be a resident of Dubai. The couple or their legally authorized representatives must appear in person before the marriage official.
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Divorce
The process of obtaining a divorce in Dubai involves several essential steps and prerequisites, which may vary depending on the couple's nationality and religious background. Generally, both parties must possess valid passports, residency visas, and original marriage certificates. Couples with children may also need to provide their children's birth certificates.
The initial step in the divorce process involves either party registering the case at the Family Guidance Section within the respective judicial department of one of the emirates. A court-appointed conciliator will then attempt to facilitate reconciliation between the divorcing parties. This conciliatory procedure is a mandatory component of the divorce proceedings in the UAE. During this stage, both parties can discuss their concerns regarding the marriage without the presence of their legal representatives.
If the parties can reach an agreement, an amicable divorce may be finalized at this point. A settlement, based on mutual understanding, must be drafted and signed by both parties before the conciliator.
Should one or both parties remain resolute in their decision to divorce, the conciliator will issue a referral letter, allowing them to advance their case to the court. This letter can be submitted to the court at any time within three months of its issuance. Once the case reaches the court, the specifics of the divorce fall under the court's discretion, with both parties required to present evidence to support their claims against each other and in their own defense.
For Muslim divorces, the Sharia Court handles the proceedings in accordance with Islamic law. For non-Muslim divorces, the couple may choose to file a petition at the Dubai Courts or their respective consulates or embassies, where the legal formalities are carried out as per their national or religious requirements.
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Birth Certificate
After a citizen baby is born in a government hospital, the hospital will issue the birth certificate upon submission of required documents. If birth is in a private hospital, it will provide a stamped and signed birth notification, which must be submitted online with required documents to Dubai Health Authority to obtain the baby's birth certificate.
Residents have a maximum period of 30 days to register their newborn’s birth in Dubai. After getting a stamped and signed birth notification from the hospital, a resident will apply online for a birth certificate.
Documents required from UAE citizens to get a birth certificate include UAE passport, Emirates ID, family book and marriage contract. Documents required from residents are original passport, Emirates ID and Marriage Contract (attested by MOFA).
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Mabrouk Ma Yak
Dubai nationals can use Mabrouk Ma Yak, an integrated eService bundle for newborn Emiratis. Under this eService bundle, a newborn Emirati can get a birth certificate, passport, Emirates ID card, and a family book in one streamlined process.
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Residents must arrange the formal documents for the newborn, which includes birth certificate, passport, visa, and Emirates ID. Failure to arrange these documents within a specific time may result in penalties or fines.
Death Certificate
In the event of a death occurs in Dubai, you must call 999 to report the death to the police, who will issue a death report/notification after conducting the required investigations. If the death occurs in a hospital, the medical facility will issue the death notification instead.
Following the issuance of the death notification, the family or representative can apply for the death certificate online or at the relevant health center in Dubai. Documents required for the application include:
1- Death notification/report
2- The deceased's passport
3- The Deceased’s Emirates ID.
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For expatriates, the death certificate must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the deceased's respective consulate or embassy to be used abroad.
Support for the Homeless
Dubai managed to minimize the issue of homelessness due to strong social welfare programs, strict residency laws, and government initiatives that support low-income individuals. However, there are cases of people in financial distress due to unexpected conditions.
Sheltering services
Dubai Foundation for Women and Children provides sheltering services for particularly focusing on women and children who are victims of domestic violence or abuse. These services include temporary housing, food, clothes, transportation and other needs.
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Temporary Housing Benefit
The Community Development Authority provides a Temporary Housing Benefit to individuals without a home. A safe home is offered until more permanent solutions are available.
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Charitable societies
Charitable societies in Dubai offer a wide range of services, including financial aid, emergency relief, food distribution, healthcare support, and housing assistance. Through coordinated efforts with government entities, these societies help enhance social welfare. Explore services provided by the following charities:
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Vulnerable Groups
People of Determination
Social support
Community Development Authority issues Sanad card for people with disabilities to ensure they have access to privileges and services meeting their needs, provided by different entities.
Moreover, CDA provides social financial assistance to people of determination contributing to the cost of services such as tuition, rehabilitation, caregiving, or personal assistance.
Health
Dubai Health provides homecare services for people of determination, under the Reaya program. This program provides preventive, curative and rehabilitative services to eligible patients from the comfort of their home. Please contact us at 800588 to schedule your home visit. Get Homecare service
Regulations
Law No. 3 of 2022 on the Rights of People of Determination (people with disabilities) in the Emirate of Dubai sets forth their rights and the services that relevant entities should provide them. Read the law
Transport and Parking
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offers integrated services tailored for people of determination at all facilities and stations provided by RTA’s agencies and sectors. Read more
RTA provides people of determination with free parking permits in addition a free-of-charge personal nol Card to use Dubai Metro, Tram and Bus. Read more
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Senior People
Social support
Thukher card is an electronic card issued to the seniors of the Emirate of Dubai who are over age of 60 years in cooperation with a number of government entities and private companies. It provides various benefits and exclusive discounts across services, including healthcare, retail, and transportation, to enhance their quality of life. Read more
Waleef (Homecare)
Waleef is a specialized initiative designed to support senior people by fostering social interaction and enhancing their psychological well-being. The program focuses on reducing loneliness among seniors by organizing regular visits and calls, allowing them to feel connected to their community. Trained social workers and caring staff provide companionship and emotional support, helping seniors maintain a sense of belonging. Read more
Transport and Parking for seniors
RTA provides senior people with free parking permits in addition a 50% discount on use Dubai Metro, Tram and Bus. Read more
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Health of senior people
Dubai Health provides homecare services for senior people, under the Reaya program. Read more
Call 800588 to reserve an appointment to get a homecare service.
Women
Women Empowerment
The National Policy for Empowerment of Emirati Women - 2031 aims to facilitate equitable and comprehensive participation of women in all sectors and enhance the quality of life in the society. Emirati women occupy 50% of the Federal National Council’s (FNC) seats. Read more
According to a report issued by the Emirates Businesswomen Council, the share of women in the workforce rose to 34.6 percent in 2024, up from 32.5 percent in 2023. Read more
Dubai Women Establishment
Dubai actively supports women through various government-led initiatives and organizations like the Dubai Women Establishment (DWE). Read more
Emirati Women's Day
The UAE observes Emirati Women’s Day on 28 August, the day of the foundation of General Women’s Union. Read more
Transport and parking for women
The Dubai Metro offers dedicated cabins for women and children, ensuring a comfortable and secure travel experience, while front seats on the public buses are reserved for women. Read more
In Dubai, there are families and ladies taxi service driven by women. You can book a taxi in Dubai by calling 04-2080808. Read more
Children
Early Childhood
Dubai Early Childhood Development Centre provides family-focused, trans-disciplinary assessment and early intervention services to children (from birth to 6 years) with special needs and those prone to congenital abnormalities. In addition to that, it provides families and community with the appropriate support and educational services required. Read more
Child's safety
Children in Dubai can report abuse by calling 800988, a helpline dedicated to protecting those under the age of 18, regardless of nationality. They can also report to MoI through the hotline number 116111 or through the 'Hemayati' App (available on Google Play and App Store).
Children's Education
Education is a fundamental right of citizens and expatriate residents in the UAE. Federal Decree Law No. 39 of 2022 on Compulsory Education obligates the parent or the legal guardian to send their children to school. Read more
Failure to enroll the child in school or adhere to the compulsory education period will result in legal violations and penalties.
Children's rights
Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 concerning child rights, also known as Wadeema's Law, stresses that all children must be provided with appropriate living standards, access to health services, education, equal opportunities in essential services and facilities without any kind of discrimination. The law protects children against all forms of negligence, exploitation, physical and psychological abuses. Read Wadeema's Law
Minors
The CDA ensures the protection and development of minors by providing financial, legal, and social support tailored to their needs. Key services include:
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Emirati Children's Day
The UAE celebrates Emirati Children's Day on 15 March every year. Emirati Children's Day aims to raise awareness on children's rights and welfare and enhance their safety and health. Read more
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