The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai has hosted a participatory design session to refine social financial benefit services and bolster financial empowerment for Emirati citizens. Efforts focus on providing tools for social independence and decision-making capacity. The initiative helped 2,940 citizens secure employment and supported 194 home-based entrepreneurs between 2023 and 2025. A central focus was the "Dubai Empowerment Programme," facilitating the transition from government reliance to financial independence. Over 10,000 Emirati citizens benefit from monthly support annually, with total disbursements exceeding AED 1.9 billion over the last three years.
