Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a significant event held at Emirates Towers, Dubai's Community Development Authority (CDA) celebrated 30 non-profit organizations during the second edition of the Ethraa Empowerment Program. This initiative is part of the broader ‘Year of Community’ activities aimed at fostering social cohesion and expanding the influence of non-profits across Dubai.

The Ethraa Empowerment Program is designed to elevate the standards within the non-profit sector, enhancing governance, service quality, and sustainability. This program collaborates with organizations to ensure they can offer more impactful services to the communities they serve.

Award Categories: Gold, Silver, and Bronze

During the ceremony, 30 organizations were recognized at three performance tiers:

• Gold: 13 organizations honored

• Silver: 10 organizations recognized

• Bronze: 7 organizations awarded

The awards were conferred based on evaluative criteria highlighting:

• governance excellence and transparency

• quality and delivery of community services

• sustainable operational practices

• effective partnerships and collaborations

• social impact initiatives

The event recognized excellence but also aimed to inspire other organizations to adopt robust systems and long-term strategies for development.

Core Principles of the Program

The Ethraa Program is structured around three main pillars:

1. Institutional Enablement – fostering strong internal frameworks and resource management.

2. Human and Social Capital – enhancing workforce skills and bolstering social partnerships.

3. Sustainability and Performance Excellence – facilitating lasting service provision and measurable impacts.

These pillars aim to enhance the capacities of non-profits, allowing them to deliver services effectively and contribute significantly to society's needs. This aligns perfectly with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which is focused on developing a resilient social ecosystem within the emirate.

Comprehensive Evaluation

This year, the program evaluated the performance of 159 non-profit organizations using criteria set by Federal Decree Law No. (50) of 2023 to ensure compliance with national standards.

The evaluation process saw enhancements this year, aiming specifically at:

• strengthening governance frameworks

• aligning performance with strategic objectives

• ensuring transparency and accountability

• measuring actual community impacts

Evaluations were conducted by independent experts to maintain impartiality. CDA highlighted that Ethraa serves as a comprehensive empowerment tool rather than just a ranking system, focusing on operational improvements and public trust building.

Leadership Insights

Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, CDA's Director General, emphasized that social progress starts with fresh ideas and thrives on partnerships. She noted that the awards exemplify Dubai’s commitment to social responsibility.

Highlighting the successes of the non-profit sector in bolstering community ties, she expressed pride in the meaningful outcomes of the Ethraa Program as it wraps up the Year of Community, underscoring Dubai's role in shaping an organized and inclusive social framework.

Comments from Awardees

Organizations receiving Gold recognition expressed gratitude for the Ethraa Program, noting it as an instrumental tool for enhancing governance. They reported that the evaluation provided invaluable insights into their strengths and potential improvement areas.

Representatives highlighted how:

• the program strengthened governance structures

• it aligned their objectives with community demands

• it offered sustainability enhancement strategies

• it fostered a culture of ongoing improvement

Many noted that this initiative has significantly improved their service delivery and expanded their positive influence in the community.

Commitment to Continuous Growth

The CDA reassured its ongoing support for non-profit organizations, emphasizing the importance of delivering services that address community requirements and contributing to long-term social aspirations. Ethraa will persist in empowering organizations, advancing institutional readiness, and forging public trust.

Through the recognition of key non-profit players, the UAE is inspiring innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, all crucial for building a cohesive society that adapts swiftly to evolving needs.

Future Aspirations

As Dubai progresses toward a sustainable future, the Ethraa Program plays an essential role in enhancing quality and ensuring transparency among organizations. The Year of Community has demonstrated that effective partnerships can lead to genuine transformation.

With more organizations embracing improved practices, Dubai aims to fortify its non-profit ecosystem, ensuring resilience and capacity to navigate future challenges.

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