His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has greenlit the creation of a supervisory body tasked with steering initiatives under the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, a move that places Emirati families at the center of Dubai’s long-term social development strategy.
The announcement, made on August 3, 2026, sees the Crown Prince of Dubai – who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai – formally approving the Supervisory Committee for Initiatives. The committee will be chaired by Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai. Its formation directly supports the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to build an integrated, sustainable social framework where families are both beneficiaries and contributors to the emirate’s progress.
A Strategic Investment in Families
Sheikh Hamdan underscored that the Emirati family remains the bedrock of a stable, prosperous society. “Supporting and empowering families is a direct investment in Dubai’s future and sustainable development,” he said. He added that the new committee reflects Dubai’s commitment to aligning government efforts around shared priorities, enhancing the efficiency of the social framework, and ensuring it can respond to evolving needs. “Our goal is to establish Dubai as a global model for quality of life and social development, centred on people and founded on strong families,” he noted.
Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid described the committee as an integrated institutional mechanism that will govern government efforts, develop family-focused initiatives, and strengthen collaboration across entities. “Our focus will be on translating social priorities into initiatives and services that deliver a tangible and lasting impact on families,” she said. By harnessing data, crafting proactive policies, and improving intergovernmental integration, the committee aims to meet families’ aspirations and help them navigate future changes.
Committee Composition and Mandate
The Supervisory Committee brings together senior officials from key Dubai government bodies. Chaired by Buhumaid, the committee’s vice chairman is His Excellency Eng. Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality. Other members include:
- Her Excellency Aisha Abdulla Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority
- His Excellency Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority
- His Excellency Omar Bushahab, Director General of the Dubai Land Department
- His Excellency Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department
- His Excellency Mohammed Hassan Al Shehhi, CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment
The committee’s responsibilities include overseeing initiative implementation, tracking progress against approved objectives, coordinating efforts across government entities, and submitting policy recommendations to the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs. It will also monitor performance indicators, assess impact, and submit periodic reports. Additionally, it can propose new programmes, establish specialised working groups, and ensure alignment with Dubai’s strategic priorities and the Social Agenda 33.
Broader Implications for Dubai’s Social Vision
This development underscores Dubai’s belief that sustainable development begins with the family. By strengthening family cohesion and quality of life, the emirate aims to build a more connected, future-ready society and reinforce its standing among the world’s best cities for living, working, and raising a family. The collaborative framework adopted here signals a shift toward proactive, data-driven social policy – one that treats families not as passive recipients of services but as active partners in Dubai’s continued growth. As the committee begins its work, residents can expect more targeted, coordinated initiatives designed to enhance stability, wellbeing, and opportunity for Emirati families across the emirate.