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- 27 social enterprises recognized in pilot phase
- Innovative tools make socially-driven businesses sustainable in a competitive marketplace
Abu Dhabi – UAE: Following the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development’s third sector development strategy – Abu Dhabi and its Social Enterprise Classification Framework, The Authority for Social Contribution (Ma’an) today announced the official launch of its Social Enterprise Certification, a first-of-its-kind scheme in the UAE that provides socially driven organisations with a brand seal of approval to indicate their status as a socially certified enterprise.
The announcement was made at a special ceremony held today by Ma’an at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi. The event was attended by His Excellency Dr. Kim. Sheikha Shamma bint Khalifa bin Hamdan Al Nahyan of the Mubaraka Foundation, His Excellency Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of Ma’an City, and a number of senior officials from related social organizations in Abu Dhabi.
As an innovative tool to make socially-driven businesses and businesses sustainable in a competitive marketplace, the programme provides certified entities with a range of direct and indirect benefits and incentives.
Through certification, Maan aims to promote social entrepreneurship, support the establishment and development of social SMEs, ensure measurable social impact led by community-based enterprises, and create a multiplier effect of social value, supporting innovative solutions and initiatives. Development addresses Abu Dhabi’s key social priorities.
During the pilot phase from March 2022 to July 2022, a group of social enterprises and enterprises that meet the accreditation standards will be awarded social certificates at the official launching ceremony.
Through the accreditation programme, Ma’an aims to raise awareness of the third sector and highlight the role of business in operating and sustainably serving the community in Abu Dhabi’s social sector.
Ms Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of Ma’an, said: “Today, we present to the different segments and groups of the Abu Dhabi community – individuals and organisations – an innovative initiative that will transform the third sector landscape in the emirate. In launching the program, we aimed to underscore the vital role of socially driven organizations in providing a wide range of products and services that meet community needs and achieve the government’s social priorities.”
His Excellency Al Ameemi added: “As the UAE’s first social enterprise government accreditation body, Ma’an appreciates the government’s trust in us and is aware of our great responsibility in serving the country and society. We will continue to serve as government, private A vital link between the sector and the third sector to create a positive and sustainable social impact, while fostering cooperation and integration between all segments of Abu Dhabi society.”
His Excellency Al Ameemi stated that the certification will be a catalyst for positive economic and social change by embedding a social procurement mindset in the delivery of various services and products at the individual and organizational level. “We are delighted that our strategic partners have had unwavering support in this key project, including the Ministry of Community Development, Economic Development and the Abu Dhabi Global Market, who have helped Ma’an achieve an important initiative, ‘ added my lord.
All businesses whose activities are in line with social priorities identified by the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development can apply for the Maan Social Certificate free of charge. Social certificates are awarded to Abu Dhabi-based social enterprises that have social goals as part of their organizational and operational goals. Businesses outside of Abu Dhabi can also join the program after setting up a branch in Abu Dhabi. Socially-driven businesses and entrepreneurs can apply for a certificate at: https://maan.gov.ae/maan-social-certificate/.
Rewards offered by the program
Social certificates enable social enterprises to enhance the credibility of their brands in Abu Dhabi and the public and private sectors across the UAE. The recognition certifies that certified businesses align their business activities with Abu Dhabi’s social priorities and contribute to their sustainability and profitability. Furthermore, it helps promote social entrepreneurship across the emirate by encouraging the growth and development of new socially driven organisations.
Accredited social enterprises receive Abu Dhabi’s brand seal of approval and enjoy a range of direct and indirect incentives such as exclusive access to mentors and coaches, funding and networking opportunities, golden visa endorsements, and access to learning management systems and public procurement platform. Socially certified businesses will also receive a subsidy for commercial licensing fees.
27 social enterprises join the programme during the trial launch phase
During the trial start-up phase from March 2022 to July 2022, Ma An received applications for social certification from 45 companies. Of these, 27 entities have successfully obtained certificates and 13 entities are currently reviewing and renewing their applications.
These businesses serve multiple social priorities, including health, education, social inclusion, the environment and family cohesion. They also serve community groups such as people of determination, youth, students, seniors and the entire community of Abu Dhabi.
His Excellency Faisal Alhmoudi, Executive Director of Incubation and Social Contract at Ma’an, said: “The programme significantly contributes to building a social procurement mindset between government and private entities in the emirate and encourages the development of the third sector through the establishment of new social enterprises. “
Ma’an adheres to the strict governance systems and procedures adopted by the Abu Dhabi government in its initiatives and plans to promote the development of the third sector in Abu Dhabi. These programs are reviewed by specialized committees of Maan and its key partners to review social credential applications. Companies that receive social credentials must submit an annual report on the social impact of their programs and initiatives in order to continue to benefit from the direct and indirect incentives provided by social credentials.
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About Ma An
The Ma’an Social Contribution Authority was established in February 2019 by the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development to drive social innovation and build a culture of social contribution and engagement to address social priorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Maan brings together government, the private sector and civil society to support innovative solutions that contribute to the development of strong, active, collaborative and inclusive communities.
The Authority has launched several pioneering programmes through its five pillars of work – Social Impact Bonds, Social Incubator and Accelerator Programmes, Social Investment Funds, Community Engagement and Outreach Management to provide solutions and make a difference for Abu Dhabi residents difference in life. To this end, Maan provides resources and support to nurture and develop community organizations, raise and distribute funds for community organizations and social initiatives, and promote a culture of community engagement and volunteerism. Ma’an is a ‘Ghadan 21’ accelerator programme initiative supporting Abu Dhabi as one of the best places in the world to invest, live, work and travel.
For more information on Maan, please visit maan.gov.ae. Or stay up to date with the latest news and events in:
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