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President MBZ announces more relief measures to support low-income UAE citizens

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ABU DHABI (WAM) – In a welcome relief from the tightening economy squeeze for Emiratis, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has directed the restructuring of the Social Welfare Progarmme of low-income citizens into an integrated programme worth AED28 billion instead of AED14 billion.

The move aimed at raising the annual social support allocation from AED2.7 billion to AED5 billion.

The programme, overseen by the Ministry of Community Development, covers various social aspects for national families with limited income, including the head of the family allowance, the wife allowance, and the children allowance. The programme also covers financial support for housing and other basic needs such as food, water, electricity and fuel, in addition to temporary financial support for unemployed job seeker, and unemployed citizens over the age of 45.

Introducing new allowances

The programme has introduced four new allowances: housing allowance, university education allowance, the allowance for unemployed citizens over the age of 45, and the allowance for the unemployed job seekers.

Housing allowance: The new programme includes a housing allowance between AED1,500 to AED2,500 per month until the family obtains government housing.

Applicants who live with their parents or any other family are entitled to 60% of these amounts. This allowance does not apply to those who obtain government housing subsidy or own a house registered in their names. Beneficiaries will stop receiving this allowance once acquiring government housing.

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University education allowance: An allowance of AED3,200 per month will be allocated to outstanding high school students enrolled in university studies (according to the requirements of the Education and Human Resources Council). The allowance also includes students enrolled in diploma and university education programmes according to the allowances of children for each family (between AED2,400 and AED800) up to the age of 25.

Allowance to unemployed citizens over the age of 45: It is one of the new financial subsidies within the social welfare programme, where a fixed subsidy is granted starting from AED2000 to AED5000 per month according to the age of the unemployed citizens.

Allowance for unemployed job seekers: This allowance extends for a period of six months, and amounts to AED5000 per month for each beneficiary, regardless of his age.

Increasing allowances

The social welfare programme has been keen to increase the allowances allocated to all family members, including the three current allowances: the allowance for the head of the family, the one for the wife, and the one for children.

  • The allowance for the family head has been increased to start from AED5,000 per month and then increase at a rate of AED2,000 per month for every 10 years of work experience until it reaches AED13,000. Whereas the head of the family in the age group of 21-30 years receives an amount of AED5000 per month, and the allowance increases for the age group from 30-40 years to reach AED7000, and the age group from 40-50 years is AED9,000, and the age group from 50-60 years to reach AED11,000, and the age group of those over 60 years old, which amounts to AED13,000 per month.
  • The wife’s allowance has been raised to AED3,500, with the aim of raising the social support that low-income national families receive.
  • The social welfare programme includes increasing the children allowance to AED2,400 per month for the first child, AED1,600 per month for the second and third child, and AED800 for the fourth child or more, and it shall be disbursed up to the age of 21 years.

Inflation allowance

The programme includes three types of allowances: food, electricity and water, and fuel subsidies.

  • The government will bear 75% of food price inflation, as a commitment to provide the necessary assistance to Emirati families to enable them to meet their living requirements and provide them with a decent life.
  • Electricity and water subsidy worth 50% for electricity consumption less than 4,000 kilowatts, and monthly subsidy for water consumption less than 26,000 gallons.
  • Fuel-subsidy-UAEThe programme provides a monthly subsidy of 85% of the fuel price increase over AED2.1 per litre. The head of the family receives a monthly subsidy of 300 litres, while the working wife receives a subsidy of an additional 200 litres. Meanwhile, the head of the family receives a subsidy of 400 litres if the wife does not receive support.

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Eid in UAE: Philippine missions announce holiday closure, emergency services to remain available

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2 hours ago

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March 17, 2026

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The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai have announced the temporary closure of their offices on Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, in observance of Eid Al Fitr.

Despite the holiday closure, both missions reassured the public that essential assistance services will remain available, particularly for urgent cases. The embassy confirmed that its Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) section will continue operating to support Filipinos in need during this period.

Emergency Support Remains Accessible

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other nationals requiring immediate assistance can reach out through dedicated hotlines:

Abu Dhabi – Embassy Contacts:

  • ATN (OFWs): +971 56 270 9157
  • ATN (non-OFWs): +971 50 443 8003
  • Overseas Workers Welfare Administration: +971 54 557 2121
  • Contract Verification: +971 54 725 8482
  • Consular Concerns: +971 50 813 7836

Dubai – Consulate Contacts:

  • Consular Services (passport, notarial, civil registry): +971 4 220 7800
  • ATN (non-OFWs): +971 56 501 5756
  • Migrant Workers Office: +971 50 652 6626 / +971 56 353 5558

The consulate also confirmed that emergency assistance will remain accessible via designated hotlines throughout the closure.

Normal operations at both Philippine missions will resume on Monday, March 23, ensuring services return promptly after the break.

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UAE morning alert: Daily life resumes smoothly across nation as authorities confirm safety and airports reopen

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2 hours ago

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March 17, 2026

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In a powerful display of preparedness and resilience, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to public safety as life quickly returned to normal following a precautionary alert earlier in the day.

Authorities, led by the UAE Ministry of Defence, acted swiftly in response to a potential aerial threat. Advanced air defence systems successfully intercepted and neutralised the situation, ensuring that residents across the country remained safe.

Across cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, residents reported hearing unusual sounds, but later confirmed to be the result of successful interceptions. While the alerts prompted caution, they also showcased the effectiveness of the UAE’s world-class security infrastructure.

In a reassuring follow-up message sent nationwide, officials confirmed that the situation is fully under control and that daily life can resume without concern.

Airspace operations resume

The General Civil Aviation Authority also announced that airspace operations have returned to normal, reflecting the country’s rapid recovery and operational readiness.

Beyond the swift response, what stood out most was the unity and cooperation of residents. Communities stayed calm, followed guidance, and supported one another, highlighting the strong sense of collective responsibility that defines life in the UAE.

With robust systems in place and a community that stands together, the UAE continues to be a global example of stability and preparedness.


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UAE launches free Fazaa discount membership for resident families: Who can apply and what you get

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22 hours ago

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March 16, 2026

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Resident families in the UAE can now apply for a free Fazaa discount membership as part of the country’s “Year of the Family 2026” initiative.

The programme, launched by Fazaa in collaboration with the Ministry of Family, aims to support family stability, strengthen social cohesion, and improve the quality of life for residents living in the UAE.

Here’s what you need to know:

Who can apply?

Resident families in the UAE are eligible if:

  • They live in the UAE
  • They have at least one son or daughter

The membership will remain valid throughout the Year of the Family 2026 and will expire at the end of the year.

What benefits do families get?

Members will gain access to a wide network of discounts and services, including:

  • Discounts at more than 34,000 retail outlets in the UAE and internationally
  • Offers on over 28,000 food and consumer products through Fazaa stores
  • Travel and accommodation deals at more than 500,000 hotels worldwide through the Fazaa Places service
  • Up to 70% discounts on entertainment and activity tickets through the Fazaa mobile app
  • Exclusive offers on various products and services

How to register

Families can apply online through the official Fazaa website.

Once approved, applicants can activate their digital membership cards, which can then be used to access discounts and services.

A dedicated support team has also been assigned to help residents with registration and activation.

Why is the initiative being launched?

The programme is part of the UAE’s Year of the Family 2026, which focuses on strengthening the role of families in society and promoting values of cooperation, stability, and community well-being.

Officials say the initiative also recognises the contributions of resident families who live and work in the UAE and play a role in the country’s growth and development.


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