The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi hosted the second Strategic Retreat for the social sector in the emirate to define future plans and discuss the current operational systems within the vital sector.
This agreement aims to identify social challenges and provide solutions to support social enterprises in the emirate, through establishing and activating a regulatory framework that boosts emirate’s position as hub for social enterprises
H.E Eng. Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the Department of Community Development, said: This agreement comes as introductory in announcing the social enterprises policy, which will support social enterprises through a new integrated framework to support the business model employed by social enterprises that creates a balance between economic gains and social objectives. Also, to create an economic model which contributes to the emirate’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Al Dhaheri emphasized on the importance of this step for the social sector, he stated: as we are developing and adapting modern frameworks and policies that are compatible with the ongoing global changes and are in line with the company’s needs. We will be announcing during the next phase a policy that will be a new, positive addition locally and in the region, through the newly applied hybrid development model.
HE Rashid Abdul Karim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of ADDED, emphasized the Department’s keenness to promote the joint cooperation with the stakeholders to provide benefits and incentives to socially responsible companies, which in turn enhances the efforts of private sector in social responsibility area across the emirate.
HE indicated that the Department, as the competent authority that issues licences for the private sector’s companies and organizations, would seek to provide the information of socially responsible companies to participate in the exhibitions, conferences and initiatives that support social responsibility objectives in Abu Dhabi. As well as to contribute to the promotion campaigns and educate the public about the benefits they provide for the service and interest of the society.
HE Rashid Al Blooshi said that the achievement of social responsibility objectives requires the cooperation and synergy of all the stakeholders, as the private sector’s companies are concerned with providing societal support and seeking effectively to boost their contribution to the emirate’s GDP, through promoting their partnership with the public sector by providing jobs for citizens and benefit from the investment opportunities and development projects implemented by Abu Dhabi government.
Salama Ajlan Al-Amimi, Director General of the Community Contributions Authority, "Ma'an", said: “As an organization that is committed to creating collaborative communities and build the third sector in Abu Dhabi, it is a privilege to partner with the Department of Community Development, the Department of Economic Development and the Abu Dhabi Global Market, and offer our expertise and knowledge in helping support and grow the number of social enterprises across the Emirate.
“Across Abu Dhabi we are witnessing how social enterprises are making real and tangible differences to people’s everyday lives through Ma’an’s Social Incubator programme, which has given opportunities to aspiring and creative social entrepreneurs to bring their original ideas into excellent and sustainable products that have been developed right here in the Emirate.
“It is imperative we build on this platform, and by working hand-in-hand with our partners, who all share the same goal, this Memorandum of Understanding agreement will help raise more awareness about the fundamental roles social enterprises play as well as how social entrepreneurs can touch people’s lives for the better in our communities in years to come.
“Over the past two years, Ma’an has forged key partnerships with a number of government entities and private and third sector organizations, establishing a culture of social contribution and participation and this collaboration will not only help see more social enterprises being set up but will be another step forward in positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for social entrepreneurship.
”Dhaher bin Dhaher Al Mheiri, CEO of the ADGM Registration Authority, said: “Social impact is key to ensuring the longevity of our society and overall ecosystem, as well as creating a more sustainable future for generations to come. This partnership comes at a critical juncture as we look to solve societal challenges and provide innovative solutions to empower social enterprises in their efforts to drive the UAE’s standing in this regard. As a regional business hub located in the UAE’s capital, we are committed to fostering a sustainability-led business community and reinforcing the efforts and vision of the UAE’s leadership alongside our strategic partners.
It is worth mentioning that Abu Dhabi Global Market’s has recently approved an commercial license incentive scheme for social enterprises being established in the ADGM and meeting the eligibility criteria determined by the Department of Community Development. We look forward to working with our partners to engage in a robust knowledge sharing and provide incentives that promote the contribution of social enterprises to the Abu Dhabi’s GDP.”