Key Terminologies of the Empowerment Ecosystem

Refers to the United Arab Emirates.

Refers to the Ministry of Community Empowerment, the federal entity responsible for developing the social empowerment system for UAE citizens and managing economic empowerment and social support programmes that protect limited-income families and strengthen their stability and financial independence, in addition to activating the role of the public benefit organisations sector and its impact on national development, and promoting the values of social responsibility.

The Ministry's remit also includes setting the licensing conditions and procedures for entities authorised to collect, receive, give or accept donations from inside and outside the State; developing and implementing programmes to promote volunteering; and setting the standards, conditions and procedures for licensing houses and rooms of worship for non-Muslims.

Service centres designated by the Ministry to deliver government services to citizens and residents in a way that improves their experience and increases their satisfaction. These centres aim to make government services easier to access and to provide a convenient, easy environment for visitors.

Emirati families whose income falls below the minimum calculated to enable them to achieve a stable quality of life.

The Social Support Programme provides financial allowances to these families in accordance with the programme's eligibility conditions and provisions.

The public benefit organisations sector includes entities licensed by the Ministry of Community Empowerment that serve the community and pursue public benefit goals without seeking financial profit. It includes associations, public benefit foundations, federations, social solidarity funds and other entities that contribute to national priorities, improve quality of life and create sustainable community impact.

A grouping of at least five (5) associations or civil foundations that carry out a similar public benefit activity. A federation is established to coordinate efforts, pool resources and strengthen the ability to support and advocate for the priorities of the public benefit organisations sector on a wider scale. It also promotes cooperation between organisations and represents their common interests.

Temporary government support granted as monthly allowances to Emirati families with a monthly income below AED 25,000, to ease the financial burden caused by inflation and rising fuel, food, electricity and water costs.

"Open data" is data the Ministry makes available on its website that anyone can freely use, reuse and redistribute without technical, financial or legal restrictions, subject to only two conditions: attributing rights to their owners and keeping the data available for sharing.

The Ministry provides many datasets and statistics on its website for use and reuse, to raise general and specialised knowledge of the Ministry's work and practices, in line with the principles of transparency, openness, cooperation and participation.

A government programme that aims to improve the quality of life of limited-income Emirati individuals and families, strengthening their stability and empowering them economically. The programme provides financial allowances, including several basic and supplementary allowances, granted according to the terms and conditions determined by the social status.

A national platform that enables individuals and entities to take part in volunteering opportunities offered by government entities and the private sector. The platform makes it easier for those who wish to volunteer to find opportunities that match their interests, skills and experience: volunteers list their names and register accounts on the website, while organisations advertise volunteering opportunities according to their needs.

The public benefit organisations sector is the group of civil society organisations in the State licensed by the Ministry of Community Empowerment, which work to achieve social, cultural, environmental and developmental goals and do not seek financial profit. The sector includes public benefit organisations in all their forms (associations, civil foundations, federations and social solidarity funds), which work to improve quality of life, support groups in need and promote social innovation.

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

An indicative digital tool provided by the Ministry on its website to help beneficiaries of the Social Support Programme estimate the financial allowances they will receive from the programme. The user is usually asked to enter their personal, social and financial information, and the calculator automatically shows the amount of support they will receive.

In coordination with federal and local entities, the Ministry prepares integrated programmes to empower every beneficiary of the Social Support Programme who has the health capacity and the educational qualifications or skills to work, by building their skills, training them and enabling them to join the labour market to achieve financial independence.

A monthly amount paid to the beneficiary of the Social Support Programme.

The financial allowances for the primary beneficiary of the Social Support Programme (usually the husband) and the beneficiaries under his care.

Allowances added to the basic allowance due to beneficiaries of the Social Support Programme when their eligibility conditions are met. Supplementary allowances include the housing allowance, the higher-education academic excellence allowance and the seasonal allowance.

Any individual or collective activity, without financial or job-related compensation, that aims to benefit others.

The non-Muslim religions, sects and beliefs whose practices, worship and rites within the State are determined by the competent committee.

Places licensed in the State for performing the practices, worship and religious rites of religions, sects and beliefs, including their annexed facilities.

A programme that aims to simplify and reduce government procedures and eliminate unnecessary procedures and requirements. It is a national working model for achieving the simplest, fastest, easiest and most efficient government procedures, through which the UAE Government aims to bring about a qualitative and exceptional shift in government procedures.

Empowerment in MOCE is a comprehensive system that enables people, families, and non-profit organizations to build stable, independent, and fulfilling lives. It starts by providing support when it is needed most, while protecting people's dignity and well-being. From there, it creates opportunities to develop skills, access work opportunities and income, strengthen social connections, and actively contribute to the community. The goal of empowerment is to help people move from needing support to achieving greater self-reliance and making a positive, lasting impact on society.

The process of equipping individuals and communities with the capabilities, opportunities, and support needed to enhance their well-being, strengthen their contribution to society, and achieve sustainable social and economic progress.

Active participation of individuals, organizations, and institutions in initiatives that contribute to development and building a more cohesive community.

Income-generating activities and businesses operated by Emirati families, often from home-based enterprises.

A sense of connection, inclusion, and shared identity that enables individuals to participate meaningfully and contribute to their community.

A comprehensive framework of programs and services that supports individuals and communities, safeguards well-being, and fosters social stability and quality of life.

The positive and measurable change created in the lives of individuals, families, and communities through programs, initiatives, partnerships, and collective action.

The active participation of individuals, families, and non-profit organizations in creating positive social, economic, and community impact.

The knowledge, skills, resources, and opportunities that enable individuals and organizations to achieve their potential, strengthen self-reliance, and contribute effectively to society.

Programs and activities that address individuals, communities, and NPOs to strengthen social cohesion, promote participation and volunteering, and create positive social impact.