Licensing and accrediting 1,144 professional staff in social, psychological and educational specializations in Dubai
DUBAI, 13 JULY/WAM/ The Community Development Authority in Dubai has approved a new batch for the year 2026, which is the “third batch,” and it includes 38 professionals within the social sector after they completed all the requirements for obtaining a professional license and took the professional oath before Her Excellency Hessa bint Issa Buhumaid, Director General of the Authority, bringing the total number of officially licensed and accredited social professional cadres in the emirate to 1,144 practicing professionals.
The number of licensed professionals by the end of 2025 reached 991, while the first half of 2026 witnessed the accreditation of 115 professionals, all of whom represent a group of social, psychological, and educational specializations.
This comes within the framework of the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, and an embodiment of the objectives of the “Dubai Social Agenda 33”, which aims to build the most cohesive, sustainable and globally pioneering societal system so that the Emirate of Dubai leads a paradigm shift in the organization and governance of social professions.
The excellence witnessed by the social sector in Dubai today is based on legislation that was updated under Law No. 12 of 2026 regarding the Community Development Authority in Dubai, which gave the authority the jurisdiction to regulate, license and monitor social profession practitioners throughout the emirate.
The commitment of specialists to take the professional oath comes in compliance with Article 14 of the Executive Regulations of Executive Council Resolution No. 20 of 2011 and a direct implementation of the legal objectives of the 2026 law, which provides for the adoption of a classification and licensing system so that taking the oath is the final station that culminates the journey of verifying qualifications and experience and declares full legal and ethical readiness to begin practice.
Data related to the system showed its compatibility with the precise specializations that have emerged with societal development, and the approved professional specializations included psychologist, assistant psychologist, social worker, social counselor, special education teacher, behavior analyst assistant, learning support assistant, and behavior analyst.
Her Excellency Hessa bint Issa Buhumaid stressed that continuing to supply the sector with licensed payments reflects the strategic progress of the emirate and said: “We believe that investing in the qualification and licensing of social professionals is an investment in people and the quality of life. By preparing qualified cadres according to the highest professional and ethical standards, we establish a more efficient and sustainable social sector capable of keeping pace with the needs of society and enhancing the quality of services provided to individuals and families. The continued growth in the numbers of licensed professionals reflects the success of this vision, as their number increased from 450.” Professionally at the beginning of 2024, the number we celebrate today has exceeded two and a half times in just two and a half years, confirming the progress Dubai has achieved in developing the social sector.
Her Excellency added that performing the professional oath represents an ethical and professional commitment that enshrines the values of responsibility and integrity and enhances society’s confidence in those practicing social professions. We, in the Community Development Authority, will continue to develop the professional licensing system and raise the efficiency of national and resident cadres in line with the objectives of “Dubai Social Agenda 33” and enhance Dubai’s position as a global model in developing social services and quality of life. What we are achieving today embodies Dubai’s approach to transforming visions into tangible achievements and confirms that the human being, family and society will always remain Its top priority.
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