Almost 20,000 Emiratis have benefited from a scheme to provide financial support for those on low incomes in Abu Dhabi. A total of 19,248 people received help during the first phase of the Abu Dhabi Social Support Programme. The core objective of the programme is to improve living conditions for low-income Emirati families in the capital by providing financial support. Some 3,200 families have benefited from the scheme since it launched in January. "Supporting these families, and empowering family members who are able to work, is a fundamental part of our vision to support low-income families and ensure their social stability and financial independence," said Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, director-general of the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority. He said they are still accepting applications from eligible families in an effort to help every low-income family in Abu Dhabi. In addition to financial support, and partnerships with various government entities, the Abu Dhabi Social Support Programme seeks to empower individuals who can work by helping them secure jobs that match their skill sets, reported state news agency Wam. Beneficiaries are selected on a range of different criteria including as age and health conditions. Digital integration with various government and financial bodies gave us access to all the information we needed to understand the families who applied,” said Mr Al Dhaheri. “This insight enabled us to begin providing financial support to beneficiaries before the end of Ramadan."
