In line with its commitment to fostering a cohesive and thriving society, the UAE’s Ministry of Community Empowerment has announced the activation of the Housing Allowance and the Academic Excellence Allowance for Higher Education.
These two funds are key components of the supplementary benefits framework within the Social Support and Empowerment Program. They aim to ensure a stable living environment and promote long-term investment in human capital among beneficiary families.
Moreover, they reflect an integrated Emirati model that combines direct family support with targeted incentives, fostering independence and long-term excellence in alignment with the program’s core mission to empower individuals and enhance their active participation in society.
Enhancing household stability
The Housing Allowance is one of the supplementary benefits provided through the Social Support and Empowerment Program, designed to assist eligible Emirati families that do not receive any form of government housing support. Tailored to the family’s size and living conditions, this allowance plays a pivotal role in enhancing household stability.
The UAE’s Ministry of Community Empowerment determines the allowance amount based on the number of family members and the type of housing. The ministry also distinguishes between families residing in independent housing units and those sharing accommodations with other families, ensuring support is calibrated to each family’s specific circumstances.
Ministry raises academic allowance to AED3,200
Meanwhile, the Academic Excellence Allowance for Higher Education aims to encourage students from beneficiary families to pursue higher education and maintain outstanding academic performance by providing additional support to students who achieve outstanding levels of academic results at university.
The allowance for outstanding students has been raised to a maximum of AED3,200 per month and is granted only to high-achieving students enrolled in accredited higher education institutions within the UAE, provided they maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0. This allowance reflects the government’s commitment to investing in promising talent and strengthening national capabilities.
How to apply?
In line with the UAE’s digital transformation advancement, the ministry has launched an integrated digital platform enabling beneficiaries to submit applications via the “My Files” section on the official website.
The platform ensures all complete applications are processed within 21 days, reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to timely, efficient and user-centric service delivery.
The ministry also revealed that the system includes special provisions for orphans and children of incarcerated individuals, enabling them to access allowances through a flexible and comprehensive approach that reflects their unique circumstances.
Students pursuing remote learning through accredited UAE institutions are also eligible for the Academic Excellence Allowance—affirming the program’s inclusivity and adaptability.
These allowances are an essential part of the UAE’s broader strategy for social empowerment. They represent a commitment to enhancing individual capabilities and creating pathways toward self-reliance.
