The awards highlight the role of the Community Development Authority Dubai in advancing welfare, inclusion, and community care.
Dubai: What does it take to build a stronger, more inclusive society? For Community Development Authority Dubai, the answer lies in investing in people, empowering communities, and translating vision into measurable impact.
This approach has earned the authority four prestigious awards from the Dubai Quality Group, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to improve quality of life across the emirate.
The recognition, announced in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who is also Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, highlighted four key focus areas where CDA has made an impact: volunteering, inclusion of people of determination, women’s empowerment, and the development of young Emirati talent.
“These awards represent recognition of the efforts of our teams and strategic partners who have helped turn visions and aspirations into measurable outcomes and achievements. We will continue to develop innovative services and initiatives that encourage community participation, empower all members of society, and enhance quality of life,” said Buhumaid.
She added that investing in people remains the foundation of sustainable development, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33.
Volunteering movement
One of CDA’s key achievements has been its efforts to foster a culture of giving. Its initiative, “Promoting the Culture of Volunteering – Spirit of Volunteering,” was recognised at the UAE Ideas Award 2025 for transforming how volunteering is organised and experienced in Dubai.
The results highlight its impact: in 2025 alone, the initiative recorded 2.29 million volunteer hours, engaged more than 66,000 volunteers, and created over 6,000 opportunities for community participation.
Beyond the figures, the programme has helped integrate volunteering into everyday life, supported by awareness campaigns, digital platforms, and strong community partnerships.
Early support
Another award recognises the Community Development Authority Dubai’s work with people of determination, where early intervention can make a lasting difference.
The “Integrated Early Intervention Programme,” recognised at the Ideas Arabia International Award 2025, provides a comprehensive model of developmental and rehabilitation services for children.
By focusing on specialised and holistic early-stage support, the programme has enhanced inclusion, empowerment, and overall quality of life for children and their families.
Women leading the way
The Community Development Authority Dubai’s impact is also reflected within its own workforce, where it has been recognised at the Emirates Women Award 2025 for advancing women in leadership and decision-making roles.
Today, women hold 64% of leadership positions within the authority, including 15 of 25 director roles and 34 of 50 section head positions. Flexible workplace policies and targeted development programmes continue to support this progress.
The result is a workplace where opportunities and career progression are increasingly driven by capability and ambition.
Lasting impact
Among the four awards is a notable individual achievement. Aisha Al Banna from the Community Development Authority Dubai’s “Soun Centre for Care and Rehabilitation” was recognised in the Young Employee category for her work with juvenile offenders.
Her approach has achieved a 100% success rate in preventing repeat offences, a rare and significant milestone. Through five specialised rehabilitation programmes spanning more than 300 training hours, she has focused on behavioural change and helping individuals reintegrate into the community.
“My family encouraged me to keep going and give my best for my country. I’m grateful to be from the UAE. Our leadership provides us with opportunities, and that motivates us to continue learning and contributing to the community,” Al Banna said.
She added, “One of the programmes I am most connected with is teaching juveniles how to read and write. As the first word in our religion says, ‘read,’ I want to inspire them to try something new in life and encourage them to be more ambitious.”
Her contributions also include developing operational manuals, registering three intellectual property works, and completing more than 200 volunteer hours.
“Our leadership provides us with many opportunities, so keep learning and believe in your abilities. You are an important part of the community, and you can make a difference,” she said.
A bigger picture for Dubai
Taken together, the four awards represent more than recognition—they reflect how Community Development Authority Dubai is helping shape Dubai’s social future.
From mobilising thousands of volunteers to empowering women leaders and supporting vulnerable groups, its initiatives are contributing to a more inclusive and resilient society.
