UAE launches housing and education allowances to empower Emirati families

Abu Dhabi: As part of its broader vision to foster a cohesive and prosperous society, the Ministry of Community Empowerment has activated two allowances—housing and academic excellence for higher education under the nation’s Social Support and Empowerment Program, according to a recent announcement by the ministry.

The allowances are stipulated in the complementary allowances under the Social Support and Empowerment Program, a federal programme that provides monthly support to Emirati families with limited income, aimed at providing a social safety net, enhancing their stability and enabling their economic empowerment.

The move reflects the ministry’s ongoing commitment to ensuring a stable living environment for beneficiary families while inspiring long-term investment in human capital.

The two allowances reflect an integrated Emirati model combing direct support and providing incentives, thereby striking a balance between immediate financial support with long-term incentives for self-reliance and excellence, aligning with the goals of the programme to empower individuals and increase their active participation in society.

The housing allowance is intended for families enrolled in the Social Support and Empowerment Program who do not receive any form of government housing assistance. The amount is determined based on the family’s size and living conditions, distinguishing between those living independently and those sharing accommodations with other households. Designed to promote family stability, the allowance is seen as a foundational step toward achieving genuine social empowerment.

The academic excellence allowance targets high-achieving university students from beneficiary families. Students enrolled in accredited higher education institutions in the UAE who maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) are eligible to receive up to Dh3,200 per month. The initiative seeks to encourage sustained academic performance and reflects the country’s commitment to cultivating national talent and investing in its future workforce.

Applications for both allowances can be submitted through the ministry’s official digital platform at www.moce.gov.ae, via the social subsidy service. All applications are processed within 21 days of submission, demonstrating the ministry’s focus on efficient and responsive service delivery.

The housing allowance includes flexible terms for orphans and children of individuals serving jail terms, ensuring inclusive access to support.  Similarly, students enrolled in accredited UAE institutions through remote learning are eligible for the academic excellence allowance—reinforcing the system’s adaptability and inclusiveness.

The ministry described the allowances as integral components of its comprehensive social empowerment strategy. By combining direct support with long-term capacity building, the initiative aims to provide families with the stability needed to transition toward greater independence and achievement.