In a statement published by the Emirates News Agency, Zayed bin Mohamed expressed gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their backing of the Community-Managed Virtual Authority. Zayed bin Mohamed said the new body carries forward the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan by placing community at the heart of governance. The authority represents an innovative model where skilled citizens will lead the entity on a rotating basis to develop impactful initiatives. This approach aligns with the UAE’s vision for greater citizen participation in shaping national development.
The Community-Managed Virtual Authority will appoint a director general and team members from the community for fixed terms based on competence and expertise. Zayed bin Mohamed noted that this structure ensures a continuous flow of fresh ideas and diverse perspectives. The entity is designed to produce practical solutions that address community needs and contribute to the UAE Centennial 2071 goals. It marks a pioneering step in participatory governance that positions the UAE as a global reference for future-oriented government models.
According to The National, the authority was launched at the conclusion of the Year of Community in January 2026 under a directive from the President. The initiative draws inspiration from Sheikh Zayed’s vision of empowering people to contribute to society. Reports indicate it will involve professionals, academics, youth and retirees in leadership roles on a periodic basis.
A WAM assessment found that the model entrusts the community with full management of a public authority within an institutional framework. This non-traditional approach aims to harness citizens’ capabilities for the benefit of the nation. The authority will focus on creating implementable programmes that deliver lasting value.
Reports from The National on Sheikh Zayed’s legacy show that his humanitarian contributions exceeded 90 billion dirhams and benefited 117 countries. His focus on education, health and community welfare established institutions that endure today. The new authority seeks to embody similar principles of shared responsibility and human development at a national level.
The Department of Community Development reported that volunteering hours in Abu Dhabi surpassed two million in 2025 with an economic value of more than 146 million dirhams. These figures from the department demonstrate growing community engagement that complements the authority’s participatory model. Such trends reflect the sustained impact of initiatives rooted in Sheikh Zayed’s vision of giving and involvement.
