The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD) launched the Public Policy Development Guide for the Social Sector in Abu Dhabi, to ensure that the government meets the needs of the members of the society and to ensure their wellbeing.
The guide aims to provide a starting point to policymakers in the social sector in Abu Dhabi, by equipping them with a clear approach, examples, tools, and templates, across the policy development process. This will ensure consistency and unification of policymaking efforts in the Abu Dhabi Social Sector, and to align social policies with the federal and Abu Dhabi Social agenda requirements.
H.E Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, Executive Director of the Community Development Sector at DCD, stated: "We are pleased to announce the launch of the Public Policy Development Guide for the Social Sector in Abu Dhabi, a roadmap for designing policies for the Social Sector in Abu Dhabi, that will achieve the three aspirations by ensuring a decent standard living in Abu Dhabi, a tolerant and inclusive society founded on cohesive family, and an active and responsible community".
Al Mulla added: "the guide in the context of the Abu Dhabi Social Sector is the set of National guidelines and a key priority in the UAE, it consistently forms a pillar of the country's national vision and strategies, to achieve a dignified life for everyone".
Seven Social themes were identified in the scope of DCD, such as Social assistance, Social Insurance, Family cohesion, Social inclusion, Sports & Recreation, Community engagement and volunteering, and National identity. The guide should have eight fundamental features, such as Clear, Forward-looking, Outward-looking, Inclusive, Evidence-based, Rigorous, Measurable, and Impactful.
The guide showcases the Policy Development cycle that starts by analyzing the situation on a first stage that needs to trigger the policy process, scope and justify the policy needs, analyzing the policy evidence base and define the desired policy outcomes. Then moving to the second stage of Developing the policy, by identifying and assesses the policy instrument options, and finalizing the policy pack and obtain required approvals. And at the third stage of Implementing the policy, by planning to implement the policy instruments, and monitor, evaluate results and revise the policy.