Salik and Community Development Authority Join Forces to Empower People of Determination

Salik Company PJSC (Salik), Dubai’s exclusive toll gate operator, has signed a partnership agreement with the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai to support community development programs dedicated to People of Determination. The initiative aligns with Salik’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments, contributing to funding several community projects implemented by the Authority.
Coinciding with the UAE Year of Community, the agreement aims to support the Dubai Social Agenda 33 by funding a range of programs and projects geared toward empowering People Of Determination and fostering their integration into society. For its part, CDA will allocate Salik’s contributions to address the basic needs of People of Determination and scale up the program to accommodate the largest number of beneficiaries.
Her Excellency Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority, commended the initiative that reflects the keenness of leading institutions in Dubai to support community development and promote social solidarity among different segments of society. Her Excellency added, “This partnership sets a shining example of the private sector's important role in achieving sustainable community development while highlighting the support provided to the social sector from all other sectors.”

Mr. Ibrahim Al Haddad, CEO of Salik, said: “Salik is strongly committed to social responsibility. It also recognises the importance of humanitarian work in meeting social priorities, enhancing the quality of life for individuals, and ultimately establishing an advanced and prosperous society.
“For Salik, People of Determination are an integral part of society. We are dedicated to promoting social solidarity programs and initiatives, including those focusing on People Of Determination. Salik will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities to support national efforts towards building a more inclusive society, in line with the vision of the wise leadership and the humanitarian and social values of the UAE.”
Sheikha Al Jarman, Executive Director of the Social Development Sector at the Community Development Authority (CDA), said: “This initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that strengthen the social sector, and reaffirms that empowering People of Determination remains a fundamental national priority. The collaboration with Salik enhances the development of a sustainable framework for empowerment and inclusion—one that focuses on meeting individual needs and improving overall quality of life, in alignment with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33. We value Salik’s responsible role, which demonstrates an advanced model for leading institutions supporting humanitarian and social initiatives, and contributes to building a more inclusive community where opportunities are accessible to all."
Salik places special importance on supporting people of determination, aiming to enhance their active participation across all aspects of life as an essential part of society. They were among the first groups to receive exemptions from Salik toll fees, along with a range of additional facilitations.
The Community Development Authority offers a robust and well-integrated system of services that supports People of Determination and their families across multiple aspects of daily life. This includes financial assistance to help adapt learning and work environments, as well as access to assistive technologies that promote independence and ease everyday challenges. The

Authority also provides personal care and educational support, in addition to vocational programs that help participants develop hands-on skills in areas such as agriculture, coffee craftsmanship, and the creation of handmade products.
The Authority’s service portfolio also extends to specialized therapeutic and rehabilitation programs—such as hydrotherapy, equine-assisted therapy, and mental-wellbeing initiatives—alongside dedicated efforts to guide and empower families of children with autism. Together, these services demonstrate CDA’s long-standing commitment to improving the quality of life for People of Determination and ensuring their full and meaningful inclusion within the community through a holistic and responsive support framework.