The value of financial aid provided by the UAE’s federal government and local governments totalled Dh19.2 billion in 2018.
The Ministry of Finance said payments accounted for five per cent of total financial expenditure in 2018, which was Dh389 billion.
It extended to social aid, subsidies, financial support for partner organisations, and services for vulnerable people, including those disabilities, the elderly and underprivileged families.
State news agency Wam reported that the move is part of UAE Vision 2021, a drive for social cohesion and welfare.
Earlier this year, Hessa Buhumaid, the Minister for Community Development, said more than 90 per cent of disabled Emiratis were unemployed.
Helping people with disabilities to enter the workforce is a key focus of the Special Olympics World Games legacy.
