Dubai has made a significant advancement in child welfare and family wellbeing with the launch of the Dubai Child Protection Framework. This initiative is part of the city’s commitment to fostering safer and healthier communities, with a focus on child-centered welfare as a critical element of its social development goals.

The Dubai Child Protection Framework was approved in February 2025 by The Executive Council of Dubai, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister. This framework aligns with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, ensuring that every child in the emirate is protected and supported effectively.

The initiative introduces various programs that prioritize child development while emphasizing the family as the essential environment for nurturing and safeguarding children. It promotes cooperation among parents, communities, and institutions to create a comprehensive child protection system. The framework extends its support from prenatal care to young adulthood, covering individuals up to 21 years of age, and focuses on key areas such as healthcare, education, mental health, and career preparedness for young people.

As part of this initiative, parents will receive assistance through specialized training programs aimed at creating nurturing environments for their children. The framework also includes the Dubai Child Protection Protocol for social case management and initiatives designed to train professionals engaged in child welfare. Furthermore, it supports the digital integration of child protection services to enhance accessibility. Legislative reforms are also in progress to improve governance and compliance with national child welfare standards.

With an emphasis on coordination, education, and community involvement, the Dubai Child Protection Framework aims to bolster child protection efforts throughout the city, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Its implementation involves close collaboration among numerous government entities, including the Community Development Authority, Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Dubai Police, and many others.

In addition to government agencies, the framework engages a wide range of professionals and service providers such as educators, healthcare professionals, social workers, non-profit organizations, volunteers, and centers that support children with special needs.