The Ministry of Community Empowerment has concluded the first edition of "Al Maqeedh Season 2026", a summer program which was held from 20 July to 6 August, offering an integrated experience that combined learning, interaction, and skills development. The program featured more than 100 activities, delivered through over 35 programs, representing a total of 155 hours of enriching activities.
The activities were implemented in collaboration with more than 100 partners, including government and private sector entities, non-profit organizations, and experts, across more than 20 locations throughout the UAE. Launched in line with the “Year of the Family", the program attracted more than 3,000 participants as part of the Ministry's efforts to make meaningful use of the summer break by investing in people and enhancing quality of life.
The success of the season reflects the Ministry's vision of delivering impactful community programs derived from the UAE's cultural heritage while embracing a contemporary perspective. The programs also provided an interactive environment that brought together members of the community from across the country, reinforcing the values of lifelong learning, belonging, and social participation in support of the aspirations of the We the UAE 2031 vision.
A Closing Journey Through Dubai's Landmarks
The season concluded with a unique experience organized by the Ministry in collaboration with Dubai Post, The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), and Heritage Express. As part of the initiative, the Emirati Moving Majlis welcomed 40 participants from the Maqeedh 2026 program, representing a diverse group of citizens and residents of different age groups, on a guided tour of some of Dubai's most prominent historical and cultural landmarks.
The experience included visits to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the Dubai Frame, the Museum of the Future, the Burj Khalifa, and Etihad Museum, offering participants an engaging journey that combined education and entertainment while introducing them to some of the emirate's most significant cultural and historical attractions.
The tour also featured an interactive program delivered in both Arabic and English, in addition to a photography competition organized in collaboration with Dubai Post to select the three most outstanding photographs taken by participants of Dubai's landmarks. The initiative aimed to encourage creativity and enable participants to document their experience in an innovative way.
Volunteers: Partners in Success
Volunteers played a central role in the success of "Al Maqeedh Season 2026", reflecting the program's commitment to promoting a culture of volunteerism and encouraging active community participation. More than 160 volunteers contributed over 320 volunteer hours, supporting the organization and delivery of the season's activities and reinforcing the values of social responsibility, participation, and collaboration.
Partnerships Driving Impact
Institutional partnerships represented one of the key pillars of the season's success, bringing together the efforts of government and private sector entities, and non-profit organizations to deliver activities and enrich the program's content. Media organizations also played a vital role in showcasing the program's activities and conveying its messages to various segments of society, strengthening its community presence, expanding participation, and supporting its developmental objectives.
"Ya Marhaba Bel Khair": An Anthem Reflecting the Spirit of the Season
The season also received widespread community engagement with its official song, "Ya Marhaba Bel Khair", which was released by the Ministry of Community Empowerment alongside with the launch of the program. The song gaineda positive response from individuals and institutions alike, reflecting the values of generosity, connection, cooperation, and giving that are deeply rooted in the UAE's cultural heritage.
It became one of the most memorable features of the inaugural edition of "Al Maqeedh Season 2026", embodying the program's vision of strengthening social bonds and reinforcing the values of participation and belonging.
Results That Strengthen Future Aspirations
Faisal Al Yammahi, Director of the Government Services Department at the Ministry of Community Empowerment, emphasised that the results achieved by program "Al Maqeedh Season 2026" had exceeded the initial targets established when the program was launched, in the level of participation and community interaction. He noted that these achievements reflected the program's success in fulfilling its objectives and strengthening its position as one of the UAE's leading summer initiatives dedicated to empowering members of the community and enhancing their quality of life.
He said: "Since the launch of Al Maqeedh Season, we have been committed to delivering a comprehensive summer experience that places participants at the center of every experience, combining learning, interaction, and skills development within an inspiring community environment. Our team observed the happiness of participants and the pride of parents in the knowledge and experiences their children gained through the season's diverse programs.
The strong levels of participation and interaction demonstrate the program's success in achieving its objectives and surpassing a number of the performance indicators established at its launch."
He added: "The remarkable enthusiasm demonstrated by community members, together with the support provided by our partners and volunteers, serve as a powerful motivation for us to continue developing the program and delivering an even more diverse and innovative edition that responds to the aspirations of the community and provides enriching experiences for families."
The Season Achievements and a Lasting Message
The conclusion of "Al Maqeedh Season 2026" reflects the Ministry's success in presenting an innovative summer model that places people at the center of the experience, promotes learning through practice, and combines knowledge, practical application, and interaction.
Through this approach, the program has contributed to developing skills, enhancing quality of life, and strengthening the culture of volunteerism and community partnership. It also reaffirms the principle that investing in people remains the cornerstone of building a more cohesive and prosperous society through sustainable initiatives that respond to the aspirations and needs of all segments of the community.
09 Aug 2026