United Arab Emirates initiates benefits for housing and academic achievements
In a significant move to support Emirati families and promote long-term social and economic empowerment, the UAE Ministry of Community Empowerment has announced the introduction of two new allowances under the Social Support and Empowerment Program. These are the Housing Allowance and the Academic Excellence Allowance for Higher Education.
### Housing Allowance
The Housing Allowance is designed to support families enrolled in the Social Support and Empowerment Program who do not receive any other government housing assistance. The aim is to promote family stability and provide a stable living environment. The allowance amount varies, with families receiving up to AED 2,500 per month, depending on the family size and living conditions, especially distinguishing between families living independently or sharing accommodations.
### Academic Excellence Allowance
The Academic Excellence Allowance is aimed at high-achieving university students from beneficiary families enrolled in accredited UAE higher education institutions. To be eligible, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0. The allowance offers financial support of up to AED 3,200 per month, and includes students attending remote learning programs at accredited UAE institutions, ensuring inclusivity.
The program also takes into account orphans and children of incarcerated individuals, offering flexible methods to access the allowance. The goal is to encourage the pursuit of higher education and invest in human capital, supporting individual capabilities and pathways toward self-reliance.
### Application Process
Applications for both allowances can be submitted digitally via the "My Files" section on the Ministry of Community Empowerment's official website (www.moce.gov.ae). Complete applications are processed within 21 days. Detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures are provided in the Supplementary Allowances Guide — First Edition, July 2025, available on the ministry’s website.
These allowances reflect the UAE government's commitment to balancing immediate financial support with incentives for excellence and self-reliance, aiming to strengthen national capabilities through empowering families and talented students.
[1] Source: Ministry of Community Empowerment press release, dated July 2025 [3] Source: Ministry of Community Empowerment website, www.moce.gov.ae [5] Source: Ministry of Community Empowerment, Supplementary Allowances Guide — First Edition, July 2025
- The Housing Allowance and Academic Excellence Allowance, introduced by the UAE Ministry of Community Empowerment, are designed to provide support to families and students in both housing and education sectors, fostering long-term social and economic empowerment.
- In the pursuit of family stability, the Housing Allowance offers financial assistance for families enrolled in the Social Support and Empowerment Program who don't receive other government housing aid, with amounts varying based on family size and living conditions.
- The Academic Excellence Allowance is directed towards high-performing university students from beneficiary families, requiring a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3. It offers financial aid of up to AED 3,200 per month, with inclusivity extended to students attending remote learning programs at accredited UAE institutions.
- By supporting the pursuit of higher education for orphans and children of incarcerated individuals, these allowances aim to invest in human capital, fostering individual self-reliance and long-term empowerment, aligning with the UAE government's mission to balance financial support with incentives for excellence and self-reliance.
