In a bid to shape the future vision of Dubai’s Social Sector Strategy 2025–2033, the Community Development Authority (CDA) announced today that it hosted a wide-scale co-design workshop that brought together around 70 representatives from 27 local and federal government entities.
The session featured interactive dialogues and technical discussions, during which participants shared valuable insights and field-based expertise, enriching the strategy’s outputs and ensuring their alignment with the real needs of the community.
“Shaping the future of the social sector is not achieved through decisions alone—it requires dialogue, participation, integration and the courage to ask difficult questions. This strategy is more than just a working document; it is a sincere call to renew our commitment to people and society, and to pursue development pathways that are more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable,” said Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, director general of the Community Development Authority.
Strategic outcomes outlined
This workshop marks the first phase of a three-stage strategy development process taking place throughout July and August, which includes situational analysis and future foresight, designing key pillars, initiatives and performance indicators and building an integrated implementation plan and roadmap.
Each phase will include direct engagement with stakeholders through technical workshops, interviews and field visits to ensure the development of a practical and actionable strategy with measurable impact on individuals, families and communities. The CDA affirmed that Dubai’s Social Sector Strategy 2025–2033 represents a long-term commitment to human wellbeing and reinforces Dubai’s global position as a model for building cohesive, inclusive, and future-ready societies.
The initiative aligns with the objectives of Dubai Social Agenda 33, Dubai Plan 2033 and the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, reinforcing Dubai’s mission to place human wellbeing at the heart of every development effort.
Dubai’s upcoming Social Sector Strategy 2025–2033 is built around tangible outcomes focused on the individual, the family and the wider community. It focuses on enhancing the psychological and social health of individuals, strengthening the nurturing and supportive role of families. and empowering every individual to participate and contribute meaningfully to society.
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Strategy to leverage key technologies
The Social Sector Strategy 2025–2033 also places strong emphasis on leveraging technology, digital transformation and artificial intelligence to reimagine the delivery of social services—enabling faster, more precise responses to societal needs and enhancing the overall user experience.
Building on past achievements, Dubai’s Social Sector Strategy 2025–2033 also aims to expand its reach and impact through:
- Strengthening societal resilience, empowering families to adapt to emerging challenges.
- Transitioning from traditional care models to social investment that values community contribution and ensures sustainability.
- Reinforcing national identity and belonging, particularly amid digital and social transformations.
- Addressing cost-of-living pressures for low- and middle-income families.
Buhumaid added that adopting a co-design approach reflects the authority’s belief that lasting solutions come from within—from ordinary citizens, practitioners and experts alike. She praised the active role of participating entities in proposing innovative ideas that meet the aspirations of today’s community and tomorrow’s generations.
