DCD Chairman Visits Athar+ Hub to Boost Social Entrepreneurship

ABU DHABI: His Excellency Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD), visited Athar+, a specialised hub that supports social entrepreneurship in the emirate.

The visit highlights DCD’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the social sector and encourage innovative solutions that address community challenges across Abu Dhabi.

Athar+ was launched in 2025 by the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an. The hub provides a comprehensive support platform for social purpose entities, non-profit organisations, and public benefit institutions. It offers co-working spaces, mentorship, capacity-building programmes, and collaboration opportunities to help organisations grow and increase their positive impact in the community.

During the visit, Al Dhaheri was accompanied by Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of DCD, and Abdullah Al Ameri, Director General of the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, along with other senior officials.

The delegation toured the facility on the eve of Zayed Humanitarian Day. They reviewed several innovative projects developed by social sector organisations. These initiatives focus on important areas such as financial literacy, healthcare, sustainability, quality of life, economic development, and social inclusion.

Al Dhaheri emphasised that supporting social entrepreneurship is a key priority for Abu Dhabi. He noted that empowering individuals and organisations helps communities develop sustainable solutions to social challenges.

He added that social purpose entities represent an advanced model of development based on innovation and partnerships. According to him, empowering these initiatives allows communities to turn social responsibility into practical and lasting solutions.

Al Dhaheri also highlighted that these initiatives reflect the humanitarian values established by the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He said Zayed Humanitarian Day is an opportunity to remember this legacy and renew efforts to build a society where everyone contributes to positive change.

Speaking during the visit, Abdullah Al Ameri said the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an believes every community contribution can create meaningful social impact. He explained that the authority works to unite community efforts and support social entrepreneurship by directing contributions towards innovative social initiatives that improve quality of life in Abu Dhabi.

Al Ameri added that these initiatives reflect the strong culture of giving and community solidarity in the UAE. He said enabling community participation will help strengthen social responsibility, encourage collaboration, and support sustainable development in the emirate.