According to the Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a resolution establishing the Community-Managed Virtual Authority in line with directives from the UAE President. The Deputy Prime Minister named Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to chair the new body as part of efforts to advance participatory governance. This step formalizes an initiative that places skilled community members in direct leadership roles within a government entity.
The authority employs a rotating leadership structure in which a director general and team members from the community serve for fixed terms. Participants are selected according to criteria focused on competence, expertise and capacity to deliver impactful outcomes. Each cohort is tasked with developing practical initiatives, programmes and solutions designed to address national priorities and deliver lasting value.
Earlier WAM coverage from January 2026 noted that the original presidential directive for the authority came as the Year of Community concluded. The model draws on the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to empower citizens in shaping the nation’s development. It forms part of a broader push to invest in human capital and test innovative approaches to public administration.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in an announcement on X, “The Community-Managed Virtual Authority opens new horizons for our nation’s youth to shape national initiatives.” He added, “It reflects our trust in our people’s capabilities and our commitment to empowering them to turn ideas into achievements for the nation and its future.” The chairman’s appointment is expected to steer initial operations under this framework.
The entity aligns with the UAE Centennial 2071 vision that prioritises innovation, initiative and optimal conditions for individual contributions. It is positioned to function as a global reference for participatory governance models centred on community empowerment. Diverse groups including professionals, academics, entrepreneurs, youth and retirees are set to participate through the rotational system.
Related WAM reports indicated that the authority will focus on producing ready-to-implement proposals that enhance quality of life and support sustainable development across the Emirates. The flexible selection process aims to maintain a steady exchange of ideas and expertise among successive teams. This approach seeks to embed community perspectives more deeply into institutional decision-making.
