Dubai Commends 30 Non-Profits through Ethraa Initiative

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The Community Development Authority (CDA) of Dubai hosted a celebratory event in Emirates Towers, honouring 30 non-profit organisations during the latest edition of the Ethraa Empowerment Program. This gathering is part of the ongoing ‘Year of Community’ initiatives aimed at bolstering social cohesion and enhancing the capabilities of non-profits in the region.

Designed to elevate the standards within the non-profit sector, the Ethraa Empowerment Program seeks to foster improvements in governance, service quality, and partnerships. Furthermore, it aims to support organisations in delivering more impactful services to the community.

Recognition Levels

This year's ceremony recognized organisations across three tiers:

• Gold: 13 organisations

• Silver: 10 organisations

• Bronze: 7 organisations

Awards were handed out based on several performance metrics, including:

• Governance and transparency excellence

• Quality of community services offered

• Sustainable operational practices

• Effective partnerships and collaborations

• Initiatives yielding positive social outcomes

Beyond recognizing leading organisations, the initiative also aims to inspire others to embrace best practices and sustainable development strategies.

Program Framework

The Ethraa Empowerment Program is built on three core principles:

1. Institutional Enablement - Empowering groups to establish robust systems, clear policies, and manage resources effectively.

2. Human and Social Capital - Fostering skills and knowledge among personnel in the sector and encouraging social partnerships.

3. Sustainability and Performance Excellence - Aiding organisations in creating enduring services that generate measurable impacts.

The objectives of these pillars are to enhance the capabilities of non-profits, enabling them to deliver superior services and reinforce their contributions to society. This vision aligns closely with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which focuses on developing a robust and adaptable social framework in the emirate.

Assessing 159 Non-Profits

Building on last year's success, the current evaluation involved 159 non-profit organisations, adhering to the legal stipulations of Federal Decree Law No. (50) of 2023 to ensure compliance and high standards in assessment.

This year's evaluation brought qualitative changes, specifically aimed at:

• Strengthening governance

• Aligning performance with strategic goals

• Evaluating transparency and accountability measures

• Quantifying community impact

Expert assessors conducted evaluations to ensure impartiality. CDA emphasised that Ethraa is more than just a ranking system; it serves as a comprehensive empowerment tool designed to assist organisations in enhancing operations and establishing public trust.

Statements from Leadership

Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, CDA Director General, articulated that effective social development arises from innovative ideas and collaborative partnerships. She underscored Dubai’s commitment to cooperative community development as foundational for genuine social enhancement.

The recognition event mirrored Dubai's understanding that shared obligations are vital for impactful social progress. She commended the non-profit sector's contribution to strengthening community bonds and improving lives throughout the emirate. The close of the Ethraa Program's second edition marks a triumphant end to the Year of Community, solidifying Dubai’s leadership role in fostering an organised and inclusive social framework.

Huraiz Al Mur bin Huraiz, CEO of the Community Regulations and Services Sector at CDA, conveyed that this edition of Ethraa highlighted significant developments in governance, service quality, and organisational maturity. Organizations showcased enhanced partnerships and operational advancements. He affirmed the program's focus on equipping the third sector with sustainable practices that align with Dubai's social objectives.

Feedback from Award Winners

Organisations earning Gold accolades expressed gratitude for the Ethraa Program, noting its role in refining their operations. The evaluation provided them with an insightful, balanced analysis of their strengths and potential areas for enhancement.

Winning representatives shared that:

• The program bolstered their governance and leadership

• It facilitated alignment of organisational goals with community requirements

• Tools for improved sustainability were provided

• A culture of ongoing improvement was encouraged

Many noted that the initiative enhanced their capacity to deliver exceptional services and broadened their positive social outcomes.

Commitment to Future Endeavours

The CDA reiterated its commitment to continuing support for non-profits. The aim is to facilitate services that cater to community demands while contributing to long-range social aspirations. The Authority affirmed that the Ethraa Program will persist in empowering organisations, fostering institutional readiness, and building trust with the community.

By recognising and uplifting critical players in the non-profit sector, the UAE is championing innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. These initiatives contribute to a cohesive society where organisations can thrive and swiftly adapt to evolving needs.

Future Directions

As Dubai progresses on its path toward a sustainable future, programs like Ethraa play a pivotal role. They assist non-profits in enhancing quality and transparency while amplifying community influence. The Year of Community efforts have illustrated how effective partnerships between government and society lead to tangible changes.

With a growing number of organisations embracing better methodologies, Dubai is focused on fortifying its non-profit framework, ensuring resilience, impactful contribution, and readiness to confront future challenges.

#Dubai #UAE News