UAE home to 223 non-profit associations
Abu Dhabi has 70 associations, NGOs and takaful funds
There are 223 associations, NGOs and takaful funds managed and supervised by the Ministry of Community Development.
The tally includes 185 associations, 17 takaful funds and 21 NGOs registered in the ministry’s database till the end of 2018.
The associations divided into groups cover 63 majority public and cultural services associations, 34 professional associations, 29 folk arts associations, 23 humanitarian services, 15 community clubs, 10 theatres and eight women’s associations.
In terms of geographical distribution, Abu Dhabi leads the number of registered associations at 70, followed by Dubai (48), Sharjah (28), Ras Al Khaimah (15), Fujairah (12), Ajman (7) and Umm Al Quwain (5).
Hessa Tahlak, assistant undersecretary of social development, said the civil society organisations in the UAE help raise awareness, spread public knowledge and culture, and stimulate individual efforts to further achieve more social and economic development and participation in public policies.
Professional bodies
As for the role of professional associations, they are defined in taking care of all the benefits of their members, raising their professional levels, exchanging experiences and skills with
specialised local and international bodies, and preparing and issuing research and studies related to social, economic and health phenomena.
Public service and cultural associations seek to achieve cultural standards and local heritage, through dissemination and publishing of books and magazines, holding seminars, monitoring scientific awards and inviting specialists.
Humanitarian associations aim to provide financial and material assistance to needy families and individuals, and contribute to the care of public services, maintenance and furnishing of mosques.
The folk arts and theatre associations look to disseminate local folkloric art, within and outside the UAE through international participation, improving the cultural, heritage and theatrical talents of the younger generations, and raising awareness of theatre, literature and art.
Community clubs strengthen ties between the members of the same community and their homeland. They also enhance relations between different nationalities and cultures and achieve greater cooperation and cultural exchange in a society characterised by tolerance, coexistence and harmony.