UAE Families Can Receive Up to Dh350,000 for Home Damage Under New Aid Rules
New UAE Cabinet rules allow Emirati families receiving social support to claim up to Dh350,000 for verified home damage from crises.
Emirati families currently benefiting from social support programs can now apply for financial aid up to Dh350,000 to cover home damage caused by qualifying crises or disasters, according to new Cabinet regulations effective from August 15.
The assistance aims to address verified losses to homes and essential household items, including furniture, electrical appliances, and critical interior and exterior finishes. The support applies when damage affects five homes or fewer, aligning with the resolution's criteria for defining a crisis or disaster.
Cabinet Resolution No. 135 of 2026 supersedes the previous disaster relief framework established under Cabinet Resolution No. 22 of 2008. The updated rules are published on the UAE Legislation website.
Eligibility is limited to UAE nationals who are permanent residents and currently receive federal social support or aid through local government initiatives. The damaged property must be located within the UAE, and applicants are required to submit an official damage report issued by authorized emergency, civil defense, or government bodies.
Damage resulting from negligence, trespassing, default, or intentional acts is excluded from coverage. Applicants must provide accurate documentation and cannot receive duplicate emergency compensation from other UAE entities for the same damage.
Scope of Support
The aid covers damage to the home and vital household contents such as furniture, domestic electrical appliances, and essential fittings. The compensation amount is determined based on an official damage assessment, with a ministerial schedule outlining values for various types of losses. The maximum payout per case is capped at Dh350,000.
Excluded items include vehicles, cash, business or professional assets, boats, animals, crops, jewelry, antiques, and swimming pools.
Application Process and Conditions
Applicants must submit their requests within 30 days of the crisis or disaster occurrence to the Ministry of Community Empowerment, along with all required documentation. The Ministry is mandated to respond within seven working days; failure to do so is considered a rejection.
Those denied assistance or awarded less than requested may appeal within 15 days of notification. The relevant committee has 30 days to issue a final decision.
If compensation has already been provided by another UAE entity but is less than the amount assessed under the new rules, the Ministry may cover the difference. Applicants must disclose any compensation received or expected.
Payments are generally made in the name of the affected homeowner. For rented properties, aid is limited to the tenant’s verified losses. The Ministry reserves the right to recover funds if support was obtained through false information, without prejudice to any civil or criminal proceedings.