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Department of Community Development

As the custodian of Abu Dhabi’s social sector agenda, we strive to raise the quality of services in the sector, create an inclusive and cohesive society in the Emirate, provide opportunities and …

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Volunteering in Abu Dhabi

The Volunteering Policy in Abu Dhabi promotes a culture of Volunteering to enhance social cohesion and benefit the community as a whole, through increasing volunteering engagement and participation ...

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SCP Highlight

Social Care Professional Licensing

In line with our vision of promoting and ensuring a “Dignified life for all”, we are constantly monitoring the social care practice in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and are keen on ensuring that the highest quality of service is provided by competent, qualified and licensed practitioners ...

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Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination 2020-2024

Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination 2020 - 2024, approved by the Executive Council, was launched with the aim of activating the role of People of Determination in society and of making the Emirate of Abu Dhabi an inclusive and well-prepared city for People of Determination by 2024

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Community Development

Family Care Authority

The Authority was established in Abu Dhabi to provide specialized and centralized services in response to families’ needs in the emirate. It achieves this by consolidating efforts after studying the circumstances of Abu Dhabi’s

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NGO Licensing Services Highlight

Licensing of Non-Governmental Organization

In line with our vision to provide a "dignified life for all members of the Community", the Department of Community Development is responsible for granting initial approvals and licensing public interest associations and civil society foundations in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulating decisions.

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DCD is focused on three main aspirations

A decent standard of living for every member of the community
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DCD is focused on three main aspirations

A tolerant and inclusive society founded on cohesive families
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DCD is focused on three main aspirations

An active and responsible community.
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Press Release

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1 Oct 2022
Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili: Our seniors are an asset that we must invest in and benefit from

In a statement marking the International Day for Older Persons 2022, the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development emphasized the important role that senior citizens and residents play in society and bringing together its members. The Department also reaffirmed its commitment to improving their quality of life in the emirate, meeting their diverse needs, and fostering the values that call for respecting them and benefiting from their skills and experiences.

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29 Sep 2022
DCD honors three winning ideas on Wyakom Platform

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi organised a ceremony to honour the best winning concepts on the ‘Wyakom’ platform, an online platform to address existing social challenges and devise solutions for them. The ceremony was held in the presence of H.E. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of DCD and H.E Eng. Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary at DCD, along with a group of executive directors, at the Marriott Hotel Al Forsan.

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26 Sep 2022
DCD organizes ceremony to honor winning ideas on ‘Wyakom’ platform

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi organized a ceremony to honor the winning ideas submitted on ‘Wyakom’, an online platform that promotes social engagement and encourages community members to contribute to addressing pressing social challenges by designing innovative solutions to tackle them. The first phase of this pilot was launched in partnership with Al Tawajud Al Baladi in Khalifa City. Furthermore, efforts will be made to implement these ideas on the ground, in collaboration with the relevant entities in the emirate.

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22 Sep 2022
Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi celebrates International Day of Sign Languages

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi celebrated the International Day of Sign Languages, which falls on 23 September every year, highlighting its support for the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of people of determination, especially those with hearing loss, by underlining the importance of sign languages – their key communication tool. This day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in order to raise awareness on the importance of sign languages as part of the human rights of people with hearing loss and considering them to be natural languages ​​with complete elements, regardless of their structural differences compared to spoken languages.

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13 Sep 2022
DCD celebrates Gulf Family Day to promote its role in achieving sustainable development

H.E Dr. Laila Abdel Aziz Al-Hayas, Executive Director of the Social Development Sector at the Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi, took the initiative to celebrate Gulf Family Day to highlight the significant role family plays in fostering balance and stability in the community.

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28 Aug 2022
DCD partners with Prometric to automate social care professionals’ competency assessments

The Department of Community Development (DCD) has collaborated with Prometric, a technology-driven global assessment service provider, to automate their assessment processes for social care professionals’ licensing procedures. This partnership is aimed at facilitating and improving the efficiency of licensing processes. Through automation, DCD intends to conduct more assessments on a regular basis than any local and international facilities. Under this initiative, applicants can undergo evaluation at any of the 3000 centers in Prometric’s channel, located in 160 countries around the world.

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28 Aug 2022
H.E. Mugheer Al Khaili: Women have consolidated their positions in society with the trust and confidence of the wise leadership

On the occasion of Emirati Women's Day, H.E. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, congratulated H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and the ‘Mother of the Nation,’ for her role in assisting, advancing, and empowering Emirati women.

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23 Aug 2022
Department of Community Development reviews services of ‘SAAED Association’ and ‘Make a Wish Foundation’

His Excellency Eng. Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi, evaluated the services, initiatives and projects of SAAED Association for Prevention of Traffic Crashers and the Make a Wish Foundation licensed by the DCD.

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22 Aug 2022
DCD and specialised academic institutions collaborate to develop competency assessments for social care professionals’ licensing

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi has formed strategic partnerships with specialised academic institutions to assess and enhance the quality of social care professional licensing procedures in Abu Dhabi. This is in line with the DCD’s efforts to optimise the social care sector and ensure best quality of services by guaranteeing high capability of social care professionals.

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31 Jul 2022
The Department of Community Development (DCD) continues to activate the Integrated Strategy to Combat Addiction in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

H.E. Dr.Layla Al-Hayas, Executive Director of the Community Development Sector at the DCD in Abu Dhabi, confirmed that the Integrated Strategy to Combat Addiction in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi will help prevent substance abuse through early detection of drug use cases before they develop into addiction and promote mechanisms for reintegrating patients into the society and early intervention through programs that will be activated in cooperation with partners in the Emirate. ​

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4 Jul 2022
The Department of Community Development reviews the progress of the pillars of the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination

The Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (ADDCD) which oversees the implementation of the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination 2020-2024 along with strategic partners, held the second quarter meeting of 2022 for the leaders of the Strategy pillars. The meeting, which was chaired by HE Dr. Layla Alhyas, Executive Director of the Community Development Sector at DCD, and attended by executive representatives of 13 concerned entities, discussed the progress made in the implementation of the strategy and action plans, as well as the expected outcomes for the remaining period of 2022.

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14 Jun 2022
DCD to Collaborate with Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities in Monitoring and Anticipating social topics in Abu Dhabi

The Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi (DCD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH) to enhance collaboration in monitoring, analyzing and anticipating social issues in Abu Dhabi. The agreement aims to develop innovative solutions, in line with international best practice, to address various issues related to jurisprudence, philosophy, ethics, languages ​​and the humanities to enable both parties to help provide a better quality of life for all as envisioned by the late Sheikh Zayed.

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12 May 2022
“Social Care Professional Licensing” Provides Services of Highest International Quality

Mubarak Salem Al Ameri, Executive Director of the Licensing and Control Sector at the Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi, confirmed that the “Social Care Professional Licensing” service contributes to regulating the sector and ensuring the provision of high-quality services by qualified and licensed professionals, in accordance with international quality standards.

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9 May 2022
The Department of Community Development announces the extension of the “Wyakom Platform” until the end of May 2022

The Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi (DCD) has announced extension of the first phase of the Wyakom initiative until May 31. The online platform was launched in March, in partnership with Al Tawajud Al Baladi, to empower members of the community to address pressing social challenges. The first phase focuses on the Khalifa City community.

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30 Apr 2022
Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi Hosts Ramadan Gathering for Religious Leaders

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi hosted a Ramadan gathering and an Iftar banquet at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for leaders of different religions and sects. The event aimed to highlight the humane values cherished by the Emirati society, such of tolerance, social cohesion, peace and dialogue.

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29 Apr 2022
Department of Community Development join Iftar with Abu Dhabi Workers

The Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi (DCD), join Iftar for workers at Worker Village in mussaffah. Organised in cooperation with the KIZAD Communities, the gathering aimed to promote camaraderie and strengthen communication between workers and DCD officials.

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25 Apr 2022
DCD Holds Workshops on Licensing Services for Third Sector Institutions

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi organised nine virtual workshops on licensing of third sector institutions. Held over two weeks, these workshops were attended by 105 civil associations and institutions of public interest. Commenting on DCD’s regulatory responsibility, His Excellency Mubarak Salem Al Ameri, Executive Director of the Licensing and Control Sector at DCD, said: “The Department of Community Development seeks to define individuals and entities that actively participate in community service, as part of its supervisory role in the promotion and development of the social sector, and development of the third sector that includes civil associations and establishments related to public interests.”

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20 Apr 2022
DCD Hosts the first-quarter meeting for 2022 for the taskforces’ leaders of the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi, which oversees the implementation of the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination 2020-2024, held the first-quarter meeting for the leaders of the strategy’s taskforces, including the executive directors of the 13 entities implementing the strategy. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Mohamed Helal Al Balooshi, Executive Director - Office of Strategic Affairs at DCD. The taskforces’ leaders provided updates on the implementation progress and focused on presenting the action plans and expected outcomes for the current year.

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20 Apr 2022
Sheikh Zayed Created a Global Model in Humanitarian Work, Says Mugheer Al Khaili

His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi, said: “Zayed Humanitarian Work Day falls on the 19th of Ramadan each year, corresponding to death anniversary of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is one of the most important occasions for the nation as it highlights his humanitarian principles and work that have become a global model. He believed in providing assistance to all that needed it, regardless of their ethnicity and religion, thus making the UAE a symbol of love, peace and tolerance.

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18 Apr 2022
DCD Launches First Emirate-Wide Sports and Physical Activity Survey to Support More Active Lifestyles in the Post-Covid Era

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi has launched its first emirate-wide survey on community sports trends, needs and behavior to gather essential information to inform decisions and shape sports sector policies.

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2 Apr 2022
DCD Strives to Enable Persons with Autism to Actively Participate in Society

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi affirmed that the observance of the World Autism Awareness Day, which falls on 2 April of each year, represents an opportunity to enable persons with autism to actively participate in society. This year‘s observance will address inclusive quality education for all in the context of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, , as the foundation for improving people’s lives and reducing inequalities.

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21 Mar 2022
Dr. Layla Al Hyas: We Seek to make the Emirate of Abu Dhabi an accessible, inclusive and enabling community for People of Determination

Her Excellency Dr. Layla Abdulaziz Al Hyas, Executive Director of the Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector at the Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi, said: “The World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated globally by the United Nations on 21st of March every year, so we can call for equal rights for people with down syndrome and communicate with stakeholders to bring about positive change that promote their inclusion in society and ensure access to their rights.

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20 Mar 2022
DCD: Reports Quality of Life Indicators show Increased Happiness and Satisfaction Rates in Abu Dhabi

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi announced coinciding with the International Day of Happiness, which falls on 20 March every year and is considered one of the most important global days declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in recognition of the importance of happiness as a key driver of community, economic, and sustainable development, DCD reports quality of life indicators show increased happiness and satisfaction rates in Abu Dhabi.

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18 Mar 2022
DCD Launches Wyakom Platform to Engage Community in Identifying and Solving Social Challenges

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi has launched Wyakom, an online platform, that will empower members of the community to address pressing social challenges.

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15 Mar 2022
DCD Celebrates the Emirati Children's Day

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi celebrated the Emirati Children’s Day, which is held under the theme “The Right to Health” this year and falls on March 15 of every year. The department helps in raising awareness amongst all segments of society on the rights of children and ensuring they grow in a healthy and safe environment which supports nurturing their abilities and skills to contribute to the community.

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8 Mar 2022
Layla Al Hyas: Women Achieved Success In Various Fields, Committed To Be Active Partners In Giving

On the International Women’s Day 2022 that is held under the theme “Breaking the Bias”, Her Excellency Dr. Layla Abdulaziz Al Hyas, Executive Director of the Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector at the Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi, said in a speech: “Women celebrates this year’s theme to prove their ability to face obstacles and challenges and work to promote thoughts and values about a world free from bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A diverse, equitable and inclusive world. On this day, we celebrate women who faced numerous challenges, we celebrate those who sought to have a bright future by giving to their families, children and communities. We should not forget to celebrate men who supported women in the path of success and excellence.”

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22 Feb 2022
DCD Meeting Focuses on Third Sector development, and Licensing of Associations and Institutions of Public Interest

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi organised a virtual introductory meeting, which focused on DCD’s role in licensing Third-Sector organisations in Abu Dhabi, as well as its strategy to develop the sector. The meeting was attended by 97 representatives of 67 associations, institutions and social solidarity funds declared by the Ministry of Community Development and located in Abu Dhabi.

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20 Feb 2022
DCD Celebrates World Day of Social Justice

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi celebrates the World Day of Social Justice, which was declared by the International Labor Organization of the United Nations on 20 February, and this year comes under the theme "Achieving Social Justice through Formal Employment".

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9 Feb 2022
DCD Launches Survey to Identify Causes of Domestic Violence

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Centre for Sheltering and Humanitarian Care (Ewa'a), has launched a survey to identify the causes of domestic violence and patterns of abusive behaviour. The questionnaire focuses on exploring different types of domestic violence identified in the family protection policy that was launched by the UAE government in November of 2019.

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5 Feb 2022
DCD Issues 6,000 Volunteer Licenses in Abu Dhabi

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi announced the completion of issuing 6,000 volunteer licenses in the emirate, since the launch of the service in September of last year. The licensing service aims to facilitate and encourage volunteering in the emirate and provide support and opportunities for community participation.

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4 Feb 2022
DCD Observes International Day of Human Fraternity

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi today observed the International Day of Human Fraternity. The occasion is marked on February 4, following the adoption of a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly to commemorate the signing of the Abu Dhabi Document for Human Fraternity in the UAE on this day in 2019.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the main segments DCD focuses on?

The Department of Community Development serves all groups of society, especially those with special needs (people of determination). This includes but is not limited to those with disabilities, the elderly, youth, women, orphans, families, and children.

How can I apply for a job?

By sending an email to recruitment@addcd.gov.ae or by visiting the “apply for job” page here.

How can I contact the Department of Community Development, or submit a proposal?

You can contact us through our toll-free number: 800555.

What is the strategy of the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi?

The Department of Community Development works towards three main ambitions:

  • A decent standard of living for every member of the community
  • A tolerant and inclusive society founded on cohesive families
  • An active and responsible community

What is the Department’s role in Community Development?

The Department of Community Development plays a central role in organising and coordinating the contributions of individuals, governmental entities, NGOs and private corporations through a range of initiatives.
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ADDCD @ SOCIAL MEDIA

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