Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in France
3, Rue de Lota, 75116 Paris, France
Tel: + 33 1 443 40200;
Fax: + 33 1 475 56104
Email: ambassade.emirates@wanadoo.fr
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SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT - SOCIAL WELFARE
Vice President launches two social service centres in Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain
posted on 04/04/2013
 The UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, yesterday launched the two social service centres in Ajman and Umm al-Qaiwain.
In Ajman, Sheikh Mohammed unveiled a commemorative plaque of the centre funded by Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable '&' Humanitarian Foundation at cost Dh25 million.
H. H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Ajman and H. H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman were present.
In Umm al-Qawain, The UAE Vice President also unveiled a commemorative plague of the social service centre. The centre was also financed by the The Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable '&' Humanitarian Foundation at cost Dh25 million. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Emiratis can be foster parents now
posted on 04/04/2013
 Emirati families now have the chance to take in abandoned children and give them a chance of a decent life, according to a report published by English language local daily, Khaleej Times, on Wednesday.
Director-General of the Community Development Authority (CDA) Khaled Al Kamda made the announcement on Tuesday morning as part of a programme billed ‘Ihtidan' or ‘Embrace'.
"In fact, the number of abandoned children does not exceed 15 to 20 annually, but the CDA believes that it is necessary to provide appropriate channels to care for them," he said. The CDA would receive requests from families interested in the custody and care of abandoned children and simplify all procedures and instructions to complete the process, he said.
"The CDA, being keen to move abandoned children into a caring and loving family, wants to provide them with special care including healthcare, and psychological, social, recreational and educational support." As per the Federal Law (1) of 2012, abandoned children are defined as being in the country with no parents or extended family, thus being deprived of familial care. "Therefore, we want the child to be integrated into the family unit on a long-term basis, giving them the opportunity to lead a decent life," Al Kamda said.
CDA Family Development Department director Dr Huda Al Suwaidi said there were a number of conditions sponsors would have to meet before they could take in a child, including that the family should be an Emirati Muslim living in the UAE.
"The spouses should be at least 25 years old and single mothers should be 30 years or more." She added that the surrogate family members should be free from infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders that could affect the wellbeing of the child and that the hosting family or mother should have the financial means to look after the child.
"As a procedure, a first meeting is held between the family and the child, followed by a transition plan for the child and a trial period of six months. Upon completion of the trial period, Embrace and the surrogate family will finalise the decision." Al Suwaidi said the initiative is deeply rooted in the pillars of Islam and Arab culture which both pay more attention to social solidarity.
"Abandoned children deserve to grow up in an appropriate environment where they can be relieved from the disruption they have gone through in the past." Al Suwaidi urged UAE national families interested in the programme to visit the CDA's official website (www.cda.gov.ae), download the application form and submit the completed form along with the required documents to the Alternative Families Department (4th floor) at the offices of the Community Development Authority in Dubai.
"The social and psychological status of the family will be assessed through a series of interviews and field visits. For more information, interested families can call 8002121." – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Sultan inspects Wadi Hilu projects
posted on 20/12/2012
 His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Wednesday toured the Wadi Hilu area as part of his keenness to enquire about conditions of citizens so as to find their requirements.
During the visit, Sheikh Sultan stopped at the site of the Hira residential neighbourhood which he ordered to consist of 5,000 houses and be linked with a modern road network.
According to the Ruler's instructions, a land will be allocated for building a petrol station and another one for the civil defence centre in the area.
Salah Bin Butti Al Muhairi, Chairman of Sharjah Planning and Survey Department, said Sheikh Sultan had inspected expansions he ordered previously in regards to schools in Husin district and other services and utilities projects. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Security and decent living rights to each citizen, says Mohammed bin Rashid
posted on 10/12/2012
 The Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has said that the security and decent living were the rights for each UAE citizen.
"The achievement of development and the social empowerment for Emiratis top the priorities of the government, which always seeks to invest on human resources, being the core of social development," he added.
The remarks were made after the endorsement of the 'Social Solidarity Fund' for the Emirate of Dubai.
Upon the directives by H. H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, the law was drafted in accordance with the framework adopted by the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai after the approval of financial benefits policy presented by the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai.
Sheikh Hamdan instructed the implementation of policies that support the social development objectives in line with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015.
Abdullah Abdul Rahman Al Sheibani, Secretary General of the Executive Council said the endorsement of Social Solidarity Fund comes in line with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 to ensure good living conditions for citizens.
For his part, Khalid Al Kamda, Director General of the CDA in Dubai said at a press conference that the law comes in line with the concept of social empowerment, a key principle of the Strategic Plan of the CDA. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Vice President issues law on social benefits for UAE nationals in Dubai
posted on 10/12/2012
 Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. 7 of 2012 regarding social benefits for UAE nationals in Dubai.
The law stipulates the establishment of a 'Social Solidarity Fund' as part of the organisational structure of the Community Development Authority (CDA) with aims to enhance cooperation among society members and provide social welfare for eligible Emirati families.
Benefits will include continuous financial assistance, emergency and one-time financial assistance, zero-interest easy loans and temporary home rentals.
The Community Development Authority will take the role of prioritising the implementation of articles of the new law in addition to launching new programs to empower beneficiaries and help them manage their financial resources.
The law is effective from its date of issuance and shall be published in the Official Gazette. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Emirati women is a significant factor in the UAE's development, says Al Shamsi
posted on 06/05/2012
 Minister of State and Chairwoman of the Marriage Fund Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi said Emirati women have become a significant factor in the process of growth and development thanks to the support extended by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the efforts of H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and Chairwoman of Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.
"Women now account for 66% of the government's workforce. 30% of those are in senior positions related to decision-making, 15% in technical jobs (medicine, nursing, pharmacies) and the remaining 15% are in the Armed Forces, customs and the police force," Al-Shamsi.
Al-Shamsi made her remarks at a forum organised by the Federal Human Resource Authority in Dubai. She noted that around 12000 businesswomen run 11000 investment projects worth Dh12.5 billion. She also noted that women account for 37.5% of the workforce at banks. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Sharjah Ruler increases social aid by 45 per cent
posted on 25/01/2012
 H. H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Sharjah, has ordered the increment of the social assistance granted by the Department of Social Services to all entitled categories in the Emirate of Sharjah, by 45 percent worth Dhs50. 4 million. The amount will be paid to the beneficiaries with effect from the month of January.
He stressed through the 'direct line' programme over the radio and TV, that he follows up the social conditions of all categories, citing the pension category deprived in the past from the social aid.
With the donation from Sheikh Sultan, the annual social assistant granted by the Department of Social Services touches Dhs126.4 million. The amount is paid to 8, 092 beneficiary families. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Minister of Social Affairs hails UAE President resolutions on social aid increment
posted on 01/12/2011
Mariam Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs has welcomed the decree issued by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to hike the social aid of some cases, who receive the financial aid from the Ministry of Social Affairs.
She added that thousands of the beneficiaries of social security law appreciated the gesture of Sheikh Khalifa.
Al Roumi reiterated that the Presidential decrees aim at achieving aspirations of the citizens under the Union, citing the UAE President's resolution to treat the children of Emirati women married to the foreigners as UAE citizens. She indicated that the resolution allows children from Emirati mothers to apply for UAE citizens when they turn 18, adding that the move has given hope to this category.
The UAE minister noted that the resolutions were not new to the UAE President, who has pledged to serve the citizens, adding that Sheikh Khalifa has issued tens of the decrees and laws that provided the security and welfare to the citizens.
She emphasised that the resolutions covered all the sectors of community, including the federal employees, beneficiaries of social security, children of Emirati women married to the foreigners, adding that the decisions have also given glimpse of hope to the citizens who cannot redeem their debts. â€" Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Minimum pension pay raised to Dh10, 000 in Sharjah from March 1
posted on 15/02/2011
H.H.Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah has ordered raise of minimum pension being paid by the Government of Sharjah to Dh10, 000 from Dh6, 000. The pension increase order, which will come into effect from March 01, aims to help those pensioned who currently get Dh6, 000 to meet decent living condition requirements. H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, thanked Sheikh Sultan for his kind gesture, citing keenness of the Sharjah Ruler to ease burden on them in recognition for their long service. Tariq bin Harem said 593 out of 660 retirees will benefit from the order. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Mohammed bin Rashid issues decree to include female breadwinner in the social allowance system
posted on 23/12/2010
 Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued a decree to amend the social allowance system for the sons of the employees in the federal government to include offering, a widow employee who sustains her Emirati children from her husband who is unable to earn his living or unemployed, social allowance for children who are dependents
The review aims at offering financial assistance to these families.
The decree guaranteed the right of the female employee to this allowance even if she is divorced, as long as, she is the breadwinner while it also stipulated proving the case of disability with a medical decision issued by a medical authority. In case of an unemployed husband, the female employee is demanded to submit a declaration stating that he is not an employee in any federal or local entity or in the private sector, or international organisations inside the country or abroad.
The decree provided that the allowance will be paid from the annual budget of the Ministry or the federal entity. The decree will be effective from the date of its issuance in the official gazette. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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UAE calls Arab countries to direct social policies towards sustainable development
posted on 13/12/2010
 Cairo - Mariam Mohammed Khalfan Al Roumi, UAE Minister of Social Affairs, called on the Arab countries to have a common vision for social work and propel social policies towards viable social development conducive to building safe and stable communities.
'We need to double efforts during this edition in order to arrive at this target, Al Roumi told the 30th meeting of the Council of Arab Ministers for Social Affairs in her capacity as chairman of the 27th session of the council of GCC social ministers.
She highlighted the need for lending focused attention to the vital role the family could play in social cohesion.
'The GCC will spare no efforts to boost joint Arab action to produce best results, she affirmed.
She added that the UAE will host next November the 28th meeting of GCC social ministers' council. The 3rd Arab Report on the MDGs 2010 and impact of Global Economic Crises was launched during the meeting. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Al-Roumi meets acting UNDP representative
posted on 16/03/2010
 Minister of Social Affairs Maryam Khalfan Al-Roumi has received Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Elballa Hagona.
In remarks at the meeting, Al-Roumi underscored the steps taken by the UAE in recent years in light of the Government Strategy 2008-2010 and the UAE Government Strategy 2011-2013 which hold changes in the country's social policy and its shift to the developmental approach.
She noted that initiatives for family and women development have been carried out by her ministry. The UAE, she said is keenly interested in tapping all relevant expertise of social care and social development.
For his part, the UNDP official hailed the UAE's development efforts which he said are greatly appreciated by international organisations for being cantered around developing human resources as well as for building on balanced and sustainable development.
He expressed UNDP's interest in further promoting cooperation with the UAE and providing all possible services and expertise. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Umm al Qaiwain Crown Prince lays foundation stone for social service centre
posted on 20/01/2010
 H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Crown Prince of Umm al-Qaiwain, laid yesterday the foundation stone for the social services centre in the presence of partners of the project H.E. Mariam Mohammed Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs and Salim Al Dhahiri, Director General of Zayed Foundation for Charitable and Humanitarian Works. The centre is funded by the Zayed Foundation and considered as a new departure for integrated social services for the years 2011 -1013. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Roumi lays foundation stone for social services centres
posted on 14/01/2010
 H.E. Mariam Mohammed Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs, laid down yesterday the foundation stone for social services centres in the emirates of Ajman and Fujairah in the presence of Salim Al Dhahiri, acting Director General of Zayed Foundation for Charitable and Humanitarian Works.
Financed by the Zayed Foundation for Charitable and Humanitarian Works, the centres will deliver integrated social services for women, children and elderly people.
Each centre will cost Dh20 million and will house an administration office, a 200 seat auditorium, a sewing workshop, a traditional kitchen, an exhibition hall, a family house, educational and entertainment rooms, a nursery for 50 children in the age group 1 month to 4 years and a wedding hall with a capacity of 500 persons.
'The centres are considered a significant turning point in the social services given the fact that it is the first time such integrated, state-of-the-art social services centres are being built in the country,' she said. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Takatof approves delegation to HFH's annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project 2009
posted on 27/10/2009
 Director General of Takatof, a leading UAE social program, Maitha Al-Habsi has approved the list of volunteers for the Habitat for Humanity's annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project 2009.
The volunteers, to be led by project developer Eric Hensel, will be part of the program's delegation to an event by Habitat for Humanity (HFH).
Thousands of international volunteers will build or repair 166 homes in Cambodia, China, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam on the November 15-20 tour. The build will be the beginning of a larger, multiyear effort to help 50,000 families have improved housing conditions in the five countries.
Habitat for Humanity began in 1998 in Udon Thani. Since July 2006, HFH Thailand has been operating through Habitat Resource Centers in Bangkok in the central area, Chiang Mai in the north, Udon Thani in the northeast, Surat Thani in the south.
Takatof is a UAE voluntary social program, designed by the Emirates Foundation to create a culture of volunteering throughout the UAE. It mobilizes people and resources across the nation to help those in need. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Emirati family the best in Arab world: a study
posted on 16/08/2009
 Arab media study has shown that the Emirati family is the best across the Arab world as reflected by the TV drama, which portrays strength of relations among the UAE family members, sticking to religious and social values, as well as care given by community to women.
Lubna Mohammed Al Kenani, a researcher, stated in her PhD thesis at Cairo University that the findings of survey has shown the UAE national family "is the best family in the Arab world in terms of sticking to religious and social norms and allegiance", adding that the government is also keen on providing welfare for its citizens".
In the light of family relations, she continued, the survey shows the UAE national family tops with 62 per cent, followed by Tunisian family with 54.9 per cent. Dr Al Kenani reiterated that the exemplary model of Emirati family is repetitive in the Emirati TV serials by 85.2 per cent against 69.2 per cent in Egyptian TV serials, 67.6 per cent in Syrian TV serials and 63.8 in Tunisian TV serials.
She noted that the TV serials implant among viewers the concepts and themes loaded in the serials.
The researcher focuses in her study on the reality of UAE national women through the TV serials, pointing out that "the reality of Emirati woman's occupational status on the ground is better compared to what is being shown on the TV".
About the UAE families sponsored by women, Sheikha Ayesha Bint Salman Al Khalifa, from Kingdom of Bahrain, said during her meeting with Dr Al Kenani that; as per instructions of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE government offered support to women, particularly to the divorced, widows and orphans. They were given farms with seeds, fertilisers, workers and free marketing of their products through the agricultural shopping centres spread across the country. These women get revenues to their families. She added that this experience is pioneer and unprecedented, hoping that other Arab countries would follow suit.
Dr Al Kenani underlined that the UAE institutions strive to make the UAE family less exposed to socio-economic, educational, health and legal problems. She attributed this to the world class infrastructure installed by the UAE despite being a young country. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Takatof launches second initiative in Morocco
posted on 29/07/2009
 Rabat - The Emirates Foundation's Takatof Program for social volunteering launched its second voluntary project in Morocco.
The inititiave is inspired by the vision of Lt. General HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Takat said in a press release.
To that end and in materialising this vision, a 20-member delegation representing Takatof volunteers arrived in Morocco yesterday as part of the program's international volunteering initiative which aims to inculcate the culture of volunteering and mobilize both people and resources to deliver creative solutions that meet the proven needs of the community.
Members of the delegation have joined the program due to their belief in the necessity to contribute to local community service in the brotherly countries.
In recognition of the close ties linking the UAE with Morocco, the delegation will be working to further develop joint cooperation in social volunteering areas and enhance leadership skills of the UAE and Moroccan youth groups as a number of Moroccan young men will be involved in this initiative, a pioneering one at the Arab level. They will be working hand in hand with their Emirate peers during July 28- August 12.
The delegation is headed by Takatof Director Maytha Al Habsi, who led the first voluntary project in Morocco last year. The project was overwhelmingly successful and highlighted the bright image of the UAE through the humanitarian voluntary efforts made by Takatof volunteers.
This year's program centers on school maintenance and renovation work, providing services to patients in a number of hospitals, improving schools's teaching environment and strengthening the volunteers' spirit of social responsibility.
"The second edition in Morocco reaffirms Takatof's determination to pursue its voluntary work by virtue of directives by Lt General HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, who is keen on involving Emirate youth into voluntary activities to contribute to developing local solutions and design programs that help meet local community needs," Habsi said.
"This program reflects the two countries' keenness to promote values of human solidarity," she added.
Takatof's international volunteering program in Morocco is carried out in cooperation with the UAE embassy in Rabat, Moroccan ministries of Youth and Sports and National Education, Mohammad VI Foundation for Environment Protection and other Moroccan organizations. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Abu Dhabi to have centre for family violence victims
posted on 12/07/2009
A centre for providing health, psychological and legal assistance to victims of domestic violence will be established in Abu Dhabi to act as a safe shelter for children and women undergoing dangerous forms of violence that could put their life and their physical and psychological safety at risk.
Instructions for setting up the centre in coordination with the Family Development Foundation (FDF) were issued by H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs in his capacity as Chairman of Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD).
The move is part of the ADJD's vision to create an environment that ensures easy access by individuals, mainly women and children, to their vested rights enshrined in the state constitution and enforcement of working legislations in virtue of basic principles of human rights.
The creation of the centre, the first of its kind in the country, will constitute a qualitative addition to efforts being made by HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the FDF, to provide care and protection for women and children from all forms of violence including those they incur within the family.
The centre will offer health and psychological care to victims of domestic violence as well as legal counselling to help them prosecute their abusers.
As part of its mandate, the centre will conduct awareness campaigns to educate women and children about their rights and how to defend them and stand up to whoever dares to breach and abuse them.
The shelter will give the victims a platform for exchanging experiences and expertise so as to draw lessons from them in order to build their capacity in confronting the phenomenon and those behind it.
The centre will tap know-how, data base, and knowledge of various civil society organisations taking care of family and social welfare to identify the magnitude of the phenomenon in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The shelter will establish a mechanism to identify lapses in the procedures and systems which could discourage victims to report violent acts against them to the competent authorities. A proper, safe channel of communications will be in place to allow abused women and children to lodge complaints about risks they face within the family.
The establishment of the centre is a practical embodiment of the ADJD's strategy which seeks to ensure that justice is not only administered inside courts but also through addressing and tackling social issues which could be a source of violence and crime. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
- Emirates News Agency, WAM
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UAE, UNIFEM explore joint cooperation
posted on 31/03/2009
 H.E. Mariam Mohammed Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs, discussed yesterday with visiting Deputy Director of the United Nations Fund for Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) Mr. Moez Doraid ways of developing and advancing women in the UAE.
The Minister briefed the UN official about the ministry's strategies and programmes. She told him that social assistance worth Dh 2.3 billion were offered to 38 limited-income families in 2008.
The UN official said the UNIFEM would be ready to join hands with the ministry in its programme on domestic violence.
Recognising the UAE status as having the highest rates of woman MPs, he said the UNIFEM hoped the UAE would involve in a programme dedicated to further empower Arab woman MPs. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Advanced construction village at Saadiyat Island nears completion
posted on 15/02/2009
 Saadiyat Construction Village, one of the most advanced housing facilities for construction workers in the Middle East, is soon to be inaugurated by Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi's leading tourism asset developer.
Situated at Saadiyat Island, the signature 27 square-kilometre leisure, residential and cultural destination island adjacent to Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, TDIC's Saadiyat Construction Village will set a new benchmark in the region for the standard of accommodation and facilities provided for construction workers.
"The first accommodation cluster in phase one of Saadiyat Construction Village opens April 2009 and will house 5,000 construction workers in facilities that match or exceed international standards for personal space, public utilities and leisure and recreation facilities," said Lee Tabler, CEO of TDIC.
"By July, the three additional clusters of phase one will be opened accommodating an additional 15,000 workers and we have the potential to add clusters in the future to accommodate a total of 40,000 workers when required." Investment in Saadiyat Construction Village's first phase will total AED 950m (US$258m) and includes halls of residence, dining areas catering to a multitude of ethnic tastes, sports and leisure amenities, shops, internet booths, recreational parks and laundry facilities.
"The construction village is situated on the beach to the south of the island and has extensive landscaped areas with parks, tennis courts, basketball courts and a cricket pitch," added Tabler. "One of the core rationales behind the decision for the village is to foster a sense of home and community for the workers on the island." Saadiyat Construction Village was master-planned by Singapore's award-winning Surbana Corporation Pte Ltd., which has 45 years of township planning and development experience, and has taken 12 months planning and construction. The village buildings are designed with significant environmental considerations including the installation of an energy-efficient cooling system.
"By committing to building this village, TDIC is fulfilling its pledge to deliver best practice across every element of its operations," said Tabler. "In matching and in some areas, exceeding international living standards for workers accommodation, the company is also delivering on the promise of respect which is at the core of the Abu Dhabi brand." – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Census 2010 aimed at socio-economic progress
posted on 12/02/2009
 Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, yesterday said the general census 2010 is envisaged as an integrated national programme aimed at building a reliable and strategic statistical database aimed at the social and economic development of the country.
He was addressing the first meeting of the Higher Committee of Population, Housing and Establishments Census held in Dubai. The meeting was attended by representatives of federal and local institutions to discuss various aspects of the census and implement time-lines.
A first-of-its-kind initiative in the GCC, the committee also reviewed presentations on the census strategy for 2010. The 2005 census experience was evaluated and a draft budget plan was debated for the 2010 project.
Al Mansouri stressed on the objectives of the census as focusing on population research, evaluating variations in number and researching the qualitative, marital and professional composition of UAE residents according to different administrative divisions. He said the census will include population movement within the different regions of the country and provide data that will help in developing socio-economic and demographic policies.
Al Mansouri stressed on the importance of the strategic use of collected data to prepare growth strategy plans. He said the census will provide basic data about important demographics and socio-economic aspects related to residents, which will help in designing specialised legislations and systems.
Al Mansouri said: "The census is designed based on the specific aspects of the UAE population. It will contribute to developing a national human resources strategy and empowering UAE nationals for the job market. It will also be used to prepare appropriate growth strategies for all age groups and communities. The data will give us important information on the various community groups to identify social problems." – Emirates Business
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Ministry of Social Affairs launches 'Dirham Wa Bas' campaign
posted on 21/08/2008
 The Social Responsibility Fund, an Initiative of the Ministry of Social Affairs, today announced the launch of 'Dirham Wa Bas' Campaign (One Dirham Only), a campaign for raising funds for social care and development projects in the UAE. Supported by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the ‘Dirham Wa Bas Campaign' invites financial contributions from the public to support the Social Responsibility Fund. By encouraging contributions of as little as a dirham, the Campaign seeks to facilitate public participation in the fund-raising effort.
Donation boxes placed across the UAE, including all Emarat petrol stations, major shopping malls and retail stores, will enable all members of the public to contribute to the Campaign.
Launching the Campaign at a press conference held at DIFC, Minister of Social Affairs HE Maryam Al Roumi, said: "The ‘Dirham Wa Bas' Campaign is one of the initiatives of the Social Responsibility Fund aimed at supporting sections of society, which need our help, such as people with limited income, disabilities and the elderly. Everyone can contribute to this Campaign.
All financial contributions starting from as little as one dirham are needed and appreciated. The Campaign is part of the Social Responsibility Fund's objective of bridging the gap between the public and private sector and uniting them to address and solve social and community issues."
"The ‘Dirham Wa Bas' Campaign will tap the power of public participation in contributing towards social causes in the UAE. Small contributions can add up to make a huge difference. We seek the support of all members of the public across the UAE to make the Dirham Wa Bas Campaign a success," the minister added.
The DIFC will actively support the roll-out of the campaign by providing their expertise and marketing support to develop publicity campaigns that will help the ‘Dirham Wa Bas' Campaign reach out to the retail industry and the UAE public.
The ‘Dirham Wa Bas' Campaign is a programme launched to support the Social Responsibility Fund an initiative of the Ministry of Social Affairs aimed at financing social care and social development projects in the United Arab Emirates. Part of the Ministry's strategy for 2008-2010, the mission of the Fund is to support social projects that have the potential to contribute to the enhancement of society while fostering cooperation between the private and public sector in contributing towards social responsibility projects. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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UAE Releases First Anti- Human Trafficking Report
posted on 19/05/2008
Abu Dhabi, May 18, 2008: The UAE is committed to doing everything in its power to help stop human trafficking wherever it occurs and to aggressively interdict those who are responsible for it with the toughest possible penalties, according to the first annual report released by the UAE National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking.
The annual report, ÒCombating Human Trafficking in the UAE 2007Ó released a year after the committee was formed, highlights the countryÕs stand on the crime, the efforts to counter it, the obstacles and challenges it has encountered, as well as plans for the future.
The report, released ahead of the UAE's participation at the UN General Assembly debate on trafficking in New York in June, focuses on the measures taken since Federal Law 51 came into force. The 16-article law, effective since November 2006, spells out stiff penalties against traffickers ranging from one year to life imprisonment and fines of AED 100,000 and AED one million.
At least 10 human trafficking-related cases were registered by the end of 2007 under the clauses of the new law, explained the report. ÒNotably, there were also convictions in at least five cases during this period, with the convicted receiving jail terms ranging from three to 10 years for committing, aiding or abetting human trafficking,Ó it added.
According to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Anwar Gargash, who is also Chair of the UAE National Committee to Combat Trafficking, ÒThe UAE is firm against the exploitation of human beings for any purposes and against the coercive, illegal and inhumane treatment of any individual. The countryÕs resolve to fight human trafficking at home and abroad in collaboration with international partners remains central to our counter-trafficking strategy. General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahayn, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces has cemented this resolve with a generous donation to the UN.GIFT to establish an international network to fight this crimeÓ.
Dr. Gargash said ÒThe UAE is not ashamed to admit that the problem of trafficking afflicts this country as it does many other countries. It would be wrong, however, if immediate action is not taken once the crime is recognized, and the UAE is therefore pursuing an active and results-oriented strategy that aims to achieve immediate impact.Ó
The publication aims to share Òthe UAEÕs efforts with our partners and promote dialogue, transparency and knowledge exchange in order to learn from the experiences of other nations in combating this crime.Ó The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, which was established in March 2007, is committed to producing regular reports annually in order to document progress and challenges in fighting this global crime.
In parallel to the UAEÕs tough stand on anyone convicted of trafficking, the report also documents measures that reflect the UAEÕs concern about the victims of this crime and their physical and emotional well-being.
The report outlines the progress that the UAE has achieved with regards to the victim support network, noting the important work carried out by the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children and the new shelter in Abu Dhabi for victims of trafficking.
Specific measures associated with the UAEÕs comprehensive four-pillar action plan Ð legislation, enforcement, victim support, bilateral agreements and international partnerships Ð are elaborated on through the report, which can be obtained from the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking in both Arabic and English.
The report concludes by emphasizing that Òthe UAE has achieved much in a short period of time, but realizes that much more needs to be done to combat the challenge. The country is committed to serving as an active member of the international community, as well as a model for change in the region and takes these responsibilities seriously.Ó
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Productive Families project to boost development - Maryam Al Roumi
posted on 21/03/2008
 HE Minister of Social Affairs Maryam Mohammed Khalfan Al Roumi said that the invitation made by HH Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to organise the 'Productive Families Fair' as an annual event in Sharjah is encouraging, and the proposal will be put forward at the next meeting of the Social Affairs ministers of GCC states for streamlining plans to bring this vision into fruition.
Al Roumi was speaking at the closing ceremony of the First Gulf Social Work Festival which ended here on Wednesday. The five-day event was successful in building a common base and strategy for social work in the Gulf countries.
Al Roumi said that the Festival also played a remarkable role in harnessing a clear vision for empowering the productive families in GCC states.
The exhibition of Productive families showcased handicrafts, household items and garments and traditional crafts of the region, among others.
The event also created a rare opportunity for over 400 participants from all over the Gulf States and Yemen to exchange their views and share their experiences on social work and family productivity. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Social affairs delegation concludes visit to Canada
posted on 21/02/2008
 A delegation of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Headed by HE Abdullah Rashid Al Suwaidi, Under Secretary of the Ministry, has concluded its visit to Canada, which aimed at getting acquainted with the best government practices in the field of social services. The visit program included meetings with Canadian social affairs officials to discuss with them a number of issues related to social services, such as social security, services provided to elderly people, issues related to people with special needs and juvenile. Policies and legislations, family development programs and laws for family, women and children protection against violence were also touched during talks with Canadian officials. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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The complete UAE Yearbook 2007 in English, French and Arabic in pdf format. Comprehensive, up-to-date information on all aspects of the UAE.
