Dubai Launches Retiree Projects Support Under Dubai Social Agenda 33

Dubai government has rolled out an unprecedented initiative, “Dubai Retiree Projects Support”, that is set to offer Emirati retirees in the emirate a wide range of benefits and incentives. This initiative is part of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, under the theme ‘Family: The Foundation of Our Nation’. The ‘Dubai Retiree Projects Support’ program, a joint venture between the Dubai Police General Command and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, provides a multitude of support mechanisms to enable retirees to contribute towards Dubai’s continued accomplishments.

The main advantages of the program are priority admission to government projects, funding for future activities, a five-year waiver from service costs and consultancy support towards achieving desirable results. The MoU for this initiative was signed by Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, and Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

The initiative runs under the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs, which seeks to funnel retirees’ expertise through Mohammed bin Rashid Fund for SME. It supports the overarching objective of making Dubai a center for SMEs.The program targets two groups of citizens: the existing retirees and employees that are approaching retirement age using their knowledge to propel Dubai further.

The program extends beyond financial support to provide a retiree council for communication purposes as well as additional employment opportunities, which further strengthen their financial standing. This strategic approach utilizes skills and capabilities of retiring people and those about to retire in order to encourage their involvement with SMEs.

To aid in planning for the next phase of retirees’ lives, the program offers consultations, ensuring a content and productive retirement. Collaboration with private sector companies in Dubai is also part of the program, providing additional support for retirees and those nearing retirement.

A notable feature is the five-year exemption from service fees, intended to alleviate financial burdens on retirees and boost their competitiveness in the SME sector. This exemption aims to fortify retirees’ positions in the national economy, recognizing their potential as a driving force in the transition towards a knowledge-based economy.

The application process for the Dubai Retiree Projects Support program involves retirees and employees nearing retirement applying through Dubai SME. This facilitates access to various services, including priority consideration for government projects and bids in coordination with relevant entities.

The Dubai Police General Command is contributing by launching a regularly updated database, tracking the expertise and specialized skills of retirees and those nearing retirement. This information ensures personalized services aligned with retirees’ experience, preparing them for successful market entry through Dubai SME.

Lt Gen Al Marri emphasized that the program is a tangible realization of the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aligning with the Dubai Social Agenda 33’s objectives to enhance citizens’ well-being and family stability. Helal Al Marri highlighted the Department of Economy and Tourism’s commitment to supporting SMEs as crucial drivers of comprehensive and sustainable development.

Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME, emphasized the program’s incentives and benefits, including financing, training, and technical consultation, aiming to inspire retirees to lead projects and initiatives for the continued development of Dubai. The program positions retirees as active partners in Dubai’s growth, promoting social sustainability and economic stability.