The Department of Community Development (DCD) has updated its Social Enterprise Classification Policy to encourage private sector companies to integrate clear social goals into their business models and increase their contributions to the community.
The updated version of the policy is designed to motivate more private companies to align their operations and strategies with social objectives. Eligible companies, as per the policy, will receive an official classification, recognising their commitment to social impact and granting them access to competitive incentives and benefits, such as endorsement for the Golden Visa, deal facilitation, procurement opportunities, and networking support.
They can also access co-working spaces and specialised volunteers. Additional incentives include fundraising, as well as licensing fee discounts through ADGM. By fostering a culture of community participation, the policy also creates a supportive environment for businesses to drive meaningful social development in Abu Dhabi.
The policy applies to all private establishments operating in the emirate, provided they are licensed by the relevant authorities and demonstrate a clear social purpose in their founding or legal documents with measurable benefits for the community through one or more services.
The classification is overseen by the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, a DCD affiliate. The authority reviews applications based on criteria, including clarity of the social mission, measurable impact of ongoing projects, and the company’s transparency and governance practices. Achieving the Certificate of Social Enterprises signals a company’s dedication to community values and enhances trust with stakeholders and the public.
Since its launch in 2022, the Certificate of Social Enterprises has gained steady traction, with a growing number of private companies certified each year, reaching a total of 156 to date, a testament of the growing interest in creating social impact among the private sectors.
His Excellency Mohamed Helal AlBalooshi, Executive Director of Community Engagement & Empowerment at DCD, said: "The updated Social Enterprise Classification Policy reflects our commitment to empowering the social sector and building partnerships between government, private companies, and the wider community. It is part of our ongoing mission to support sustainable, inclusive development across Abu Dhabi.
"The private sector plays a key role in social development in the UAE. Many companies are already engaged in meaningful community work, and this policy helps formalise and support those efforts. It offers a clear framework, based on company size, social impact, and transparency. Social responsibility is no longer just a voluntary initiative – it’s now an integrated, structured, and recognised path supported by government recognition and incentives."
His Excellency Salem Al Shamsi, Social Incubation and Contracting Executive Director at the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an, said: "The updated Social Enterprise Classification represents a pivotal step toward establishing social impact as an integral part of Abu Dhabi’s corporate framework. It marks a key milestone in our ongoing efforts to empower these enterprises and enable them to deliver innovative, long-term solutions that addresses social priorities in Abu Dhabi."
“Being the official entity for accreditation reflects Abu Dhabi Government’s confidence in the authority’s role as a key enabler of this vital sector. This policy update also aligns seamlessly with the recent launch of Athar Plus (Athar+), Abu Dhabi’s first purpose-driven hub dedicated to accelerating the growth of non-profits, social enterprises, and social initiatives through capacity-building, mentorship, and fostering collaboration and networking opportunities.”
DCD and Ma’an encourage all eligible businesses to explore the updated policy on its official website. Companies interested in applying for the Certificate of Social Enterprises can submit their applications through the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma’an’s website.
