Shaikha Al Jarman, Executive Director of the Social Empowerment Sector at the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai, has confirmed that the 'Baiti' initiative — aimed at assisting low-income beneficiaries of housing programmes — has helped stabilise more than 200 Emirati families in Dubai during 2024 and 2025, having achieved its target of supporting 100 families annually. She noted that the initiative represents a model of community partnerships responding to a fundamental need: housing as a cornerstone of dignified living and family stability.
She explained that the CDA in Dubai is keen to ensure that partnerships go beyond the traditional concept of cooperation to become partnerships with a genuine impact on the lives of individuals and families, pointing out that the first question when building any partnership is what value it will add to people and the community in Dubai, and how it can contribute to improving quality of life and reinforcing social stability.
She further noted that the initiative targets UAE nationals who have received housing grants and loans from the Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment, and contributes to covering some of the additional costs associated with housing through contributions from philanthropists and community partners, within a framework of community partnership that promotes solidarity and cohesion among members of society.
She affirmed that the initiative reflects the complementary roles of government entities: the beneficiary's journey begins with the Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment, while the CDA and its partners complete the support system to ensure that families transition from temporary accommodation to permanent homes, thereby entrenching family and social stability.
She indicated that the Authority maintains a comprehensive database of families in the emirate of Dubai, and monitors UAE nationals residing in temporary or rented accommodation, helping to accelerate their transition to permanent homes and enhance their living stability.
She also highlighted that the Authority, in cooperation with Dubai Municipality, implements a range of quality community initiatives, including the 'Al Barzah' project and community councils — now numbering more than 13 — alongside the activation of parks and public facilities as spaces for social gathering, promoting community cohesion and strengthening ties among members of society, in a model that underscores the importance of partnerships.
The 'Baiti' initiative targets low-income Dubai nationals who are beneficiaries of housing programmes and have received housing grants but require additional funds to build, complete, or furnish their homes, thereby helping to ease their financial burdens. The initiative covers additional construction and furnishing costs through support provided by public benefit associations to beneficiaries, opening the door for philanthropists to contribute to enhancing quality of life.
The initiative also works to entrench family and community stability and provide dignified living for Emirati families. It embodies the vision of the wise leadership in empowering citizens to own modern homes that guarantee them a dignified life and strengthen the social welfare system in Dubai.