Investing in people

Scroll through the information above to find out how Ghadan 21 succeeded in making Abu Dhabi an even better place to live, work and thrive.

The job creation programme was a sustainable job creation system to generate jobs for UAE nationals in the private sector. The initiative was implemented by prominent companies such as EY, KPMG, SEHA, Mubadala and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, creating more than 10,700 jobs for UAE nationals.

A total of 14,064 housing loans were disbursed to UAE nationals in Abu Dhabi worth a total of AED22.3 billion.

An initiative that increased access to high quality education by creating affordable private school places for more than 15,000 children.

An initiative offering a third education model based on public-private partnerships to launch charter schools in Abu Dhabi. So far, 22 charter schools have been established, with places for 34,500 students.

The Authority for Social Contribution – Ma'an was established by the Department of Community Development to drive social contributions, build a culture of social participation and encourage social innovation in Abu Dhabi. Ma'an successfully brought the government, private sector and civil society together through programmes that enabled the growth of Abu Dhabi's economy and positively impacted people's lives.

Ma'an has launched five incubator cycles and 56 social enterprises, provided AED6 million in funding, forged 60+ partnerships and launched the region's first-ever Social Impact Bond.

MSIA was launched in 2019 to foster social innovation by providing participants with technical and financial support to develop solutions to social, cultural and environmental challenges.

Since its launch, MSI launched five cycles and 56 social enterprises focused on supporting People of Determination, mental wellbeing, family cohesion, the environment and senior citizens. The programme has so far provided AED6 million in funding to individuals looking to create innovative solutions from within the community.

Social Impact Bonds (SIB) – the first of its kind in the region – is a Ma'an initiative that uses multi-party partnerships to develop sustainable solutions to complex social challenges on a pay-for-success basis.

The programme forged more than 60 partnerships, including Atmah, a SIB between Aldar Properties, Aldar Education, the Department of Community Development and the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, which works to support the employment of People of Determination.

Abu Dhabi Moments included a series of community events launched by the Department of Community Development (DCD) to promote social cohesion and strengthen social bonds. The programme of 25 recreational, cultural and sporting events took place across the emirate and attracted more than 320,000 visitors.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) launched Abu Dhabi Calendar, a curated calendar of events taking place throughout the year in Abu Dhabi to promote the emirate globally as a centre of culture and entertainment.

Abu Dhabi Calendar included events such as Showdown Week, a seven-day celebration of all Abu Dhabi has to offer. Alongside various social and entertainment events, the capital was home to the highly anticipated UFC 242, which showcased 12 Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) matches with 14,000 attendees and was broadcast to 165 countries.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) launched the 'For Abu Dhabi' project to enhance public spaces and nature.

For Abu Dhabi included a citywide public art programme, 130 projects to beautify public spaces, the redevelopment of 16 community parks, and the addition of more than 200km of cycle paths.

The one million sqm eco-tourism attraction on Al Jubail Island opened in January 2020 to enhance awareness and appreciation of the important ecological functions of mangrove habitats in protecting Abu Dhabi's coastline and supporting biodiversity. Jubail Mangrove Park is operated by Modon Properties.

Under the directives of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority was established to financially and socially support families, as well as to empower family members capable of working. Through a series of care programmes, the initiative enhances quality of life by providing housing, healthcare, food support, and other subsidised services.