UAE: President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has directed the launch of a new community-powered government body aimed at empowering skilled Emiratis to help shape the UAE’s future.
The initiative, named the Community-Managed Virtual Authority, was announced as the UAE concludes its Year of Community and reflects the President’s broader vision to invest in citizens’ talent and expertise.
The authority will adopt a non-traditional approach to governance, placing community participation at the heart of decision-making. A director general, along with team members drawn from across the UAE, will periodically lead the body for fixed terms, assuming full responsibility for managing its operations. Members will be selected based on clear criteria of competence, expertise, and their ability to contribute effectively.
Leadership will rotate regularly to ensure a free flow of ideas and a continuous exchange of knowledge. The authority aims to attract a cross-section of Emiratis, including specialists, academics, entrepreneurs, young professionals, and retirees with substantial experience. By tapping into the country’s diverse talent pool, the initiative seeks to transform community diversity into a driving force for national development.
The core mandate of the authority is to design initiatives, programs, and practical solutions that are innovative and ready for implementation. Its work will align closely with national priorities and strategies, ensuring consistency with broader government goals. The model entrusts the community with full management of a public authority within a structured framework, combining administrative oversight with citizen empowerment.
The launch of the Community-Managed Virtual Authority is seen as a tangible and enduring outcome of the Year of Community. It establishes a lasting institutional framework, transforming time-bound initiatives into a durable, people-led model of shared responsibility and community-driven problem solving in service of the nation.
Sheikh Mohamed designated 2025 as the Year of Community to promote unity and inclusion across society. Previous themed years, such as the Year of Zayed in 2018 and the Year of Sustainability in 2023, have focused on key national priorities.
In December, the President announced that 2026 will be the Year of the Family, highlighting the importance of family values in preserving the UAE’s culture and identity.
