Ma’an announces launch of Social Enterprise Accreditation in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, 13th October, 2022 (WAM) -- Following Abu Dhabi’s third sector development strategy of the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi and its social enterprises’ classification framework, the Authority for Social Contributions (Ma'an) today announced the official launch of its Accreditation for Social Enterprises, a first-of-its-kind scheme in the UAE that provides socially-driven organisations with branding recognition stamp to signify their status as a socially certified enterprise.

The announcement was made at a special ceremony hosted by Ma’an today at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi. The event drew the participation of Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi; Sheikha Shamma bint Khalifa bin Hamdan Al Nahyan of the Al Mubarakah Foundation; Salama Al Ameemi, Director-General of Ma’an, and several senior officials from relevant social organisations in Abu Dhabi.

Serving as an innovative tool to enable socially-driven enterprises and businesses to grow sustainably in a highly competitive market, the scheme provides certified entities with a range of direct and indirect benefits and incentives.

Through the accreditation, Ma'an aims to drive social entrepreneurship, support the establishment and growth of social Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), secure measurable social impact led by community-based enterprises, and create a multiplier effect of social value that supports the development of innovative solutions and initiatives to tackle Abu Dhabi’s key social priorities.

A number of social enterprises and businesses that fulfilled the accreditation criteria during the pilot phase from March to July 2022 were awarded with the social certificate at the official launch ceremony.

Through the accreditation scheme, Ma’an seeks to elevate awareness about the third sector and highlight the role of enterprises operating and sustainably serving the community within Abu Dhabi’s social sector.

Salama Al Ameemi, Director-General of Ma’an, said, “Today, we are presenting to different strata and segments of Abu Dhabi community - individuals and organisations - an innovative initiative that will transform the third sector landscape in the emirate. In launching this scheme, we aim to highlight the important role of socially driven organisations in offering a variety of products and services that fulfil the communities needs and achieve the government’s social priorities.”

“As the UAE’S first government accreditation body for social enterprises, Ma'an appreciates the confidence reposed on us by the government and is aware of the great responsibility that we have in serving our country and society. We will continue to function as an important link between government, private and third sectors to create a positive and sustainable social impact, while promoting collaboration and integration among various segments of society in Abu Dhabi," she added.

Al Ameemi noted that the accreditation will act as a catalyst for a positive economic and social change through embedding a social procurement mindset in the delivery of various services and products, both at individual and organisational levels. “We are delighted for the unwavering support received from our strategic partners in this key project, including the Department of Community Development, the Department of Economic Development and Abu Dhabi Global Market, who helped Ma’an bring an essential initiative to life,” she stated.

All enterprises whose activities are aligned with the social priorities defined by the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi can apply for the Ma’an Social Certificate free of charge. The Social Certificate is granted to social enterprises based in Abu Dhabi that have set a social goal as part of their organisational and operational objectives. Businesses based outside Abu Dhabi can also join the scheme upon establishing a branch in Abu Dhabi. Socially-driven businesses and entrepreneurs can apply for the certificate at https://maan.gov.ae/maan-social-certificate/.