Terminologies

Explore a list of terms and definitions to clarify the language used across all MOCE communication channels.

State

 The United Arab Emirates

Ministry

Refers to the Ministry of Community Empowerment, the federal authority responsible for developing the social empowerment ecosystem for UAE nationals and managing economic empowerment and social welfare programs that protect low-income families and enhance their stability and financial independence. The Ministry also works to activate the role of the non-profit organizations sector and strengthen its contribution to national development, while promoting the values of social responsibility.
In addition, the Ministry is responsible for setting the conditions and procedures for licensing entities authorized to collect, receive, provide, or accept donations from within and outside the country; developing and implementing programs to promote volunteering; and establishing the standards, conditions, and licensing procedures for non-Muslim places of worship.

Customers Happiness Centers

Customers Happiness Centers are service centers established by the Ministry to provide government services to citizens and residents in a way that enhances their overall experience and satisfaction. The centers aim to ensure easy access to services while offering a convenient, efficient, and user-friendly environment for customers.

Low-Income Citizens

UAE families with incomes below the minimum threshold required to ensure a stable quality of life.

The Social Welfare Program provides financial assistance to these families in accordance with the program’s eligibility criteria and regulations..

Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profit organizations are legal entities licensed by the Ministry, in accordance with the laws in force in the country, to undertake one or more non-profit activities. Their activities span social, cultural, scientific, educational, professional, creative, artistic, recreational, and environmental fields, in addition to humanitarian services and charitable or solidarity purposes.
The non-profit organizations include associations, national foundations, unions, and social solidarity funds.

Union

The union is formed by at least five non-profit organizations and national foundations engaged in activities similar to non-profit work. A union is established to coordinate efforts, unify resources, and strengthen the ability to support and advocate for the priorities of the non-profit organizations sector on a broader scale. It also enhances cooperation among organizations and represents their shared interests.

Inflation Allowance

Temporary monthly allowances provided to families with a monthly income of less than 25,000 AED, to align with the emerging economic and social conditions in the country, aiming to meet the living needs and combat the rising costs of fuel, food, electricity, and water.

Open Data

Open Data refers to the data published by the Ministry on its website that can be freely accessed, used, reused, and shared by anyone without technical, financial, or legal restrictions, subject only to proper attribution and data sharing.

The Ministry provides a wide range of datasets and statistics through its website to support use and reuse, with the aim of enhancing public and specialized knowledge of its work and practices, in line with the principles of transparency, openness, collaboration, and participation.

Social Welfare Program

A government program dedicated to improving the quality of life of low-income Emirati individuals and families by enhancing their stability and supporting economic empowerment. The program offers financial assistance through a set of core and supplementary allowances, provided in accordance with eligibility criteria and conditions determined by the beneficiary’s social status.

Volunteers.ae

A national platform that allows individuals and organizations to participate in volunteer opportunities offered by government entities and the private sector. The platform facilitates the search for volunteering opportunities based on individuals’ interests, skills, and experience, allowing volunteers to register and create accounts, while organizations post volunteer opportunities according to their needs.

The Non-Profit Organizations Sector

The non-profit organizations sector consists of civil society organizations in the country licensed by the Ministry of Community Empowerment. These organizations work to advance social, cultural, environmental, and developmental goals, without pursuing financial profit. The sector encompasses all forms of non-profit organizations, including associations, national foundations, unions, and social solidarity funds, which collectively contribute to improving quality of life, supporting vulnerable groups, and fostering social innovation.

971 From the Community

An initiative launched by the Ministry of Community Empowerment to support and empower Emirati family entrepreneurs, organized annually within its pavilion at Global Village in Dubai. The initiative enables entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products, strengthen their presence in the local market, and provides an advanced platform to support home-based businesses, promote community entrepreneurship, and enhance economic empowerment.

Social Welfare Allowance Calculator

A digital advisory tool made available by the Ministry on its website to help beneficiaries of the social welfare program estimate the financial assistance they may receive. Users enter their personal, social, and financial information, and the calculator automatically calculates and displays the expected support amount.

Economic Empowerment

In coordination with federal and local entities, the Ministry designs integrated programs to empower beneficiaries of the social welfare program who have the health capacity and the educational qualifications or skills required for employment. These programs focus on skills development, training, and workforce integration, with the objective of achieving long-term financial independence.

Social Support

A monthly allowance provided to beneficiaries of the social welfare program.

Basic Allowance

Financial entitlements granted to the primary beneficiary of the social welfare program, usually the husband, along with the dependents under their care.

Complimentary Allowances
Additional allowances granted on top of the basic allowance for beneficiaries of the social welfare program, subject to eligibility criteria. These include the Housing Allowance, Academic Excellence Allowance for Higher Education, and the seasonal allowance.
Volunteering Activity
Any individual or collective activity carried out without financial or employment compensation, aimed at providing benefit to others or serving the community.
Religions, Sects, and Beliefs
Non-Muslim religions, sects, and beliefs whose religious practices, acts of worship, and rituals within the state are defined and regulated by the competent committee.
Places of Worship
Licensed places in the country designated for conducting religious practices, acts of worship, and rituals for religions, sects, and beliefs, including their associated facilities.
Zero Bureaucracy
A program aimed at simplifying and reducing government procedures by eliminating unnecessary processes and requirements. It serves as a national operating model to achieve the simplest, fastest, easiest, and most efficient government procedures. Through this program, the UAE Government seeks to deliver a transformative and exceptional shift in the way government procedures are designed and implemented.