Sheikh Hamdan approves Dubai’s new child protection protocol to enhance welfare

Crown Prince of Dubai signs off series of initiatives to enhance social development

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, leads a meeting of the Executive Council of Dubai on Thursday. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, has approved a series of initiatives to enhance social development, quality of life and digitalisation efforts across the emirate.

Chairing a meeting of the Executive Council of Dubai on Thursday, he welcomed President Sheikh Mohamed’s announcement that 2025 will be the Year of Community and said it “serves to strengthen social cohesion”.

“We call on all government entities to support these initiatives,” Sheikh Hamdan said. “They will enhance Dubai’s global standing, promote social well-being, and drive sustainable progress. Through a sense of collective responsibility and determination to unlock potential, we have established a comprehensive development model that sets a benchmark for future cities.”

Protecting children

A new Dubai child protection protocol was approved, which is designed to ensure a more holistic approach to child welfare with a strong emphasis on family support. It will introduce new child welfare services, social worker training programmes and legislative reforms.

The initiative spans several stages of life, covering prenatal care, birth registration, early childhood services, school-age support, youth development and premarital counselling.

A community development fund policy was also signed off. It aims to enhance community services and help fund social programmes to boost inclusivity.

New property initiative

Strata registration, a new property classification initiative, was approved to enhance ownership opportunities for Emiratis in Dubai. It will enable property owners to subdivide flats and issue independent title deeds for each unit within a given building.

It is hoped that this will enable more diverse housing options and support family stability, as well as boosting economic growth. The initiative’s first phase, overseen by the Dubai Land Department, will focus on multistorey buildings within investment and social-purpose zones in areas such as Al Nahda, Al Muraqqabat, Al Karama, Al Warqa, Nad Al Hamar, and Al Barsha. The second phase will extend to villa communities.

Environmental focus

A project known as the Super Block initiative was also announced, which will target urban areas to make them more pedestrian-friendly. It is hoped that this will enhance quality of life, sustainability and boost social interaction between communities.

The initiative also aims to reduce carbon emissions by designating car-free residential areas and increasing green spaces. Areas such as Al Fahidi, Abu Hail, Al Karama, and Al Quoz Creative Zone will be the first to be boosted by the initiative.

Finally, government digital services will be integrated under a unified digital platform initiative. This will consolidate platforms such as Dubai Now, Invest in Dubai and Visit Dubai, and features special portals for mobility, construction, legal affairs and commerce.

The meeting on Thursday was also attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.