New law on social and community work in Dubai

Dubai: In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued Law No 8 of 2015 on Dubai’s Community Development Authority (CDA).

The new law aims to enhance the quality of life in the emirate of Dubai, organising and reinforcing community development, empowering vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, people with special needs, underprivileged, juveniles and delinquents and help them reach higher levels of self-dependency.

The law also contributes to providing social services for the targeted segments and boost innovation and development in the social service sector and oversee fulfilment of social services goals in Dubai.

According the new law, the responsibilities of the CDA are to include drafting policies and strategic plans for social services, most particularly those related to social development, the private sector’s social responsibilities, human rights, and national identity, in addition to proposing legislation for social development and social services.

The law also authorises the CDA to organise, regulate and control the licensing and registration process of non-governmental organisations other than those established pursuant to special legislations or those that come under the responsibility of the federal government.

Furthermore, the CDA is responsible for organising and regulating the licensing process for providers of social services, social workers and organising voluntary work for individuals and groups.

Additionally, according to the new law, the CDA is mandated to establish and manage a special system and database for social services in Dubai, set up plans and programmes required to ensure high quality of social services and human rights, and submit such plans and programmes to the Dubai Executive Council for approval.

The law also authorises the CDA to draft and implement plans to develop and empower the youth.

Law No 8 of 2015 replaces Law No (12) of 2008 on the CDA and annuls any other law or legislation that contradicts any of its articles.

This law is valid from the date of issuance and is to be published in the Official Gazette.