Emirates: Financial support for limited-income citizens in Dubai has been increased to 58 per cent this year to reach Dh438 million. The amount will be distributed to existing beneficiaries registered with the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai, as well as new ones.

Additionally, authorities have approved a 42 per cent increase in financial benefits for low-income citizens to reach a total of Dh394 million. Depending on additional needs of the beneficiary families, the increase ranges from 20 to 67 per cent. Priority will be given to families with senior citizens, widows and divorced women.

These were among the several decisions announced on Sunday as Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, chaired the first meeting of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs.

Funding has been allocated to include young providers aged under 40 in the Dubai Financial Empowerment Programme.

The higher committee will immediately begin to develop model neighbourhoods for citizens in Dubai, starting with the areas of Al Mazhar 1, Al Khawaneej 2, Al Barsha 2 and Hatta. A comprehensive plan for the development of rural and remote areas will be announced next September. The committee will also create a unified platform to offer all services to citizens in Dubai.

The committee has approved seven aspects of work, with the participation of 10 government entities. The Dubai Crown Prince tweeted that the committee will submit a comprehensive vision for the social sector to the Ruler of Dubai within 60 days.

The top priority of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is to “provide the best quality of life for our citizens, the best environment to raise our families, and the best economic opportunities for our youth”.

“My brother Sheikh Maktoum and I have a mission entrusted to us by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid … Emiratis are our priority."

Sheikh Hamdan called on all government entities to focus on the social sector. He also called on all economic and commercial activities to participate in its development.