UAE welfare is top priority for UAE leaders – News

Notable and commendable is the government’s decision to cover 75% of food costs for low-income citizens

If the pandemic has upended lives for more than two years, the Russo-Ukrainian war has only made things worse for working individuals and families. Working-class people are most affected by the health crisis that has morphed into multiple crises.

Natural disasters triggered by climate change have pushed the world to the brink of a catastrophe and oil prices have soared. Food production in conflict zones has been severely affected, and rising inflation is weighing on low- and middle-income households struggling to balance budgets while cutting spending. Economists have warned of a recession by the end of the year.

The outlook was bleak, but the UAE remained the only bright spark, with the government moving quickly to roll out a Dh28 billion support package for Emiratis to help them through the crisis brought on by global factors.

Citizens with lower incomes will benefit more as President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally steps in to double the total social support from AED14 billion.

The government intervenes in due course to provide assistance to those in need. At the start of the pandemic, the UAE government took action to ease the burden on businesses and help keep them afloat. Fees are waived and set-up costs are cut.

The industrial sector is also making a strong comeback as the UAE’s recovery enters the fast lane. The economy is dependent on oil, trade, tourism and manufacturing. It is also diversifying, expanding and making a global impact as it establishes bilateral trade agreements with countries.

At home, its comfortable financial position enables it to help individuals and families. Under the new social plan, support for citizens will increase from AED2.7 billion to AED5 billion. Housing assistance, food, fuel, electricity and water subsidies are part of the package.

Aid for unemployed citizens over 45 will help them find their footing before returning to work. Inflation in the first quarter of this year hit 3.3%.

Community Development Minister Hessa Buhumaid said the increase in Citizenship Allowance was a response to inflation. Notable and commendable is the government’s decision to cover 75% of food costs for low-income Emiratis. This is to meet their “living needs and provide them with a decent life”.

Leadership has lasting connections with ordinary people and reaches out to them on a personal level when things get tough. Sheikh Mohammed is as inspiring as ever. We are reminded of his words at the height of the pandemic. “God forbid this crisis will pass. But we need a little patience,” he said in 2020. These words still apply today.