All about UAE’s Ministry of Community Development (MOCD)
A nation thrives when its diverse people thrive. Recognising this, the UAE established the Ministry of Community Development (MOCD). This forward-thinking government agency goes beyond simply reacting to social needs; it actively strengthens communities and implements programs to improve the lives of all residents.
All about the MOCD
The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Community Development (MOCD) is a government agency responsible for promoting social development and well-being in the country. Aligned with the National Agenda, the MOCD champions a vision of “a happy and cohesive community.” They proactively implement plans with a long-term view, aiming to achieve the ambitious goals of the UAE Centennial 2071.
From safeguarding children’s rights to empowering families and people with disabilities, the MOCD prioritises the well-being of all residents. They foster strong Emirati families and promote community connections. Furthermore, innovation lies at the heart of the UAE Ministry of Community Development’s approach, ensuring services are delivered efficiently and transparently and meet the highest international standards.
Currently, Her Excellency Shamma bint Sohail Faris Al Mazrui is serving as the UAE’s Minister of Community Development. She was previously appointed as the Minister of State for Youth Affairs in February 2016 at the age of 22, making her the world’s youngest cabinet minister.
Initiatives for Community Building and Empowerment
The Ministry of Community Development UAE has partnered with various associations to take initiatives to build a harmonious community.
The UAE President’s Initiative has two parts – the New Social Subsidy Programme and Inflation Subsidies.
The New Social Subsidy Programme sets out to improve the quality of life for all residents and promote community well-being. This programme will provide financial assistance to meet basic needs and educational expenses. It includes benefits like children’s allowance, education allowance, housing allowance and regular adjustments to ensure effectiveness.
The second part of the President’s Initiative is Inflation Subsidies. It is a flexible monthly payment to help low-income Emirati families. This program aims to improve their well-being by offsetting the rising fuel, food, electricity and water costs. The subsidy amount adjustments are based on current economic and social conditions to ensure it meets families’ needs. It includes:
- Fuel subsidy
- Food subsidy
- Electricity and water subsidy
Other initiatives include:
- Strategic and operational programmes to improve social care, social development and support systems
- Gamification technique – The MOCD, in collaboration with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), launched KidX, a digital platform for children
- National Programme for Happiness and Wellbeing
- Promoting innovation in all sectors
Services offered by the Ministry of Community Development
Proactive Services
By leveraging data, information and documents you’ve shared with the government, the MOCD can anticipate your needs. This includes considering your preferences, life events and past interactions. Based on these insights, the Ministry of Community Development will proactively recommend relevant services at the right time.
These services include:
Renewal of the People of Determination Card
The MOCD POD card will be automatically renewed upon its expiry date and delivered to the beneficiary via courier.
Masara Services for Senior Citizens through ID Cards
The Emirates ID card becomes a benefit card for all UAE residents aged 60 and above. This pre-loaded card will grant access to various services and privileges that will help improve their well-being and quality of life.
Usrati Platform
Usrati is a pioneering government initiative that supports UAE families throughout their journey. This one-stop platform is developed by the Communications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority in collaboration with various federal and local authorities. This platform proactively leverages services to assist with family formation and education and ensure well-being. However, the Ministry of Community Development is a key partner, offering services like marriage grants.
Volunteers.ae
This is a volunteering social initiative to communicate with senior citizens in the UAE who are registered with the National Volunteering Platform. The goal is to identify and meet the needs of elderly citizens. This can involve intergenerational programs where younger community members learn from the experiences of seniors.
Furthermore, promoting volunteering and community services fosters a sense of purpose and strengthens community bonds.
Smart Services
The Ministry of Community Development website streamlines the service experience for its customers by offering a convenient online portal. You can access, fill out and submit all forms and applications directly on the website for any service with just a click. The MOCD UAE website provides clear explanations and descriptions for each electronic service, categorised for easy navigation.
Smart services are available for:
- Civil Institutes
- Family Consulting
- License of Rehabilitation and Care Centre for People of Determination
- Marriage
- People of Determination Card
- Productive Families
- Registration of People of Determination
- Senior Emiratis
- Social Protection
- Social Subsidy
MOCD Customer Happiness Centres
Several customer happiness centres are working under the MOCD UAE. These include:
- Happiness Centre of Abu Dhabi: 15th Street, East 3, Baniyas, Abu Dhabi
- Happiness Centre of Al Ain: 2nd Steet, Al Jimi, Al Ain
- Happiness Centre of Dubai: 58 B Street, Al Wasl, Jumeirah
- Happiness Centre of Ajman: Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Street, Al Jurf 1
- Happiness Centre of Dibba Al Fujairah: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi Road – City Centre
- Happiness Centre of Fujairah: Anajaimat
- Happiness Centre of Khor Fakkan: Seaport Street, Khorfakkan Square
- Happiness Centre of Senior Emirati – Ajman: Tariq Bin Zeyad Street, Meshairef
- Happiness Centre of Umm Al Quwain: Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Street, Al Salamah
- Happiness Centre of Ras al Khaimah: Al Nahdah Street, Dafan Al Khor
- Happiness Centre of Sharjah: Abdulla Bin Jaber Street, Al Yarmook
- Happiness Port – Al Dhaid: Martyr Sultan Bin Huwaiden Al Ketbi Street – Social Services Department Building
- Happiness Port – Al Mirfa: Al Mirfa – Abu Dhabi Road, TAAM Centre
- Happiness Port – Dalma: Dalma Airport Road, Dalma Municipality Building, Abu Dhabi
- Happiness Port – Ghayathi: Arada – Ghayathi – Ruwais Road, Ghayathi Municipality, Abu Dhabi
- Happiness Port – Al Sila: Al Sila – Abu Dhabi Road, TAM Centre
- Happiness Port – Dibba Alhisn: Al Akd Al Fareed Street, Social Service Department Building, Dibba Alhisn, Sharjah
- Happiness Port – Hatta: Dubai-Hatta Road, Al Hosn Square, Hatta Municipality Building
- Happiness Port – Kalba: University Street, Social Services Department Building, Kalba, Sharjah
- Happiness Port – Masafi: Al Dhaid – Masafi Road, Fujairah Municipality Masafi Branch Building
- Happiness Port – Madinat Zayed: Tarif – Liwa Road, TAAM Centre, Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi
Other centres that are associated with MOCD include:
- Ajman for Welfare & Rehabilitation Centre for People of Determination: 25th Street, Al Jurf 1
- Dibba Al Fujairah for Welfare & Rehabilitation Centre for People of Determination: Al Goub – Dibba Al Fujairah Street, beside Diyar International Private School
- Cabinet of the Ministry – Dubai: Baghdad Street, near ENOC Petrol Station, Al Qusais First
- Dubai for Welfare & Rehabilitation Centre for People of Determination: Baghdad Street, near ENOC Petrol Station, Al Qusais First
- Fujairah for Welfare & Rehabilitation Centre for People of Determination: Anajaimat, Fujairah
- Moeen Assistive Technology Centre: Baghdad Street, near ENOC Petrol Station, Al Qusais First, Dubai
- Ras Al Khaimah for Welfare & Rehabilitation Centre for People of Determination: Sultan Al Kabeer Road, Al Juwais
- Umm Al Quwain Centre for Autism: Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Street, Al Salamah
FAQs About MOCD
What is the Eadad Programme?
The Eadad program equips couples, including newly married couples, with the skills and knowledge to build strong and lasting marriages. It is available to all interested participants, including beneficiaries and spouses.
Does Dubai have facilities for People of Determination?
The government has created several facilities for People of Determination in Dubai to create an inclusive environment. These facilities are available for healthcare, transportation, education, employment and rehabilitation.
Where can I find mental health facilities in the UAE?
If you are stressed out lately or have a depressed mood, try to connect with one of these mental health places in the UAE. Knowing where to turn for help is the first step towards positive change, and the highly-trained therapists at these institutes can help you.
What is TAMM?
TAMM Abu Dhabi is a customer service digital ecosystem that offers more than 700 government and private sector services, including housing, education, citizenship, healthcare, and other functions, to individuals and the business sector.
This concludes our guide to UAE’s MOCD. If you are looking for schools for students of determination in the capital city, check our guide on special needs schools in Abu Dhabi.
Similarly, many special needs schools in Dubai ensure that every child, regardless of their learning and developmental progress, has access to excellent education facilities. Also, if you have an autistic child, the Dubai Autism Centre provides various rehabilitation programs and facilities for autistic children.
