A new law issued by President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed has legally established the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority.
The authority, when up and running, will provide social support to UAE nationals, as well as drafting strategies and general policy for approval from the Executive Council.
UAE nationals in Abu Dhabi will have to register for eligibility for a new social support programme, which is separate from federal-level benefits, as announced last summer.
More details are yet to be released about the nature of the new benefits, but citizens will need to accept one of three offers of employment or lose eligibility to ensure everyone is contributing to society.
The rules do not apply to stay-at-home parents or people who are out of work for medical reasons.
The Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority will create a database of those eligible in co-ordination with the relevant authorities.
The move is part of the Abu Dhabi Development Accelerator Programme 'Ghadan 21', adopted in September last year by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
The programme is based on four pillars that encourage trade and investment, develop the community, promote knowledge and innovation and enhancing ways of living.
The establishment of the Social Support Authority is part of the community development pillar.
