UAE’s fishermen are the next beneficiaries of fuel subsidies in the country, as the government launches initiatives to help citizens amid a high inflationary environment.
The Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment partnered with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and Emirates National Oil Company to launch the scheme, state news agency WAM has reported.
Emirati minister Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri met with heads of fishermen’s associations to discuss the challenges in the fisheries sector, which is vital in the UAE’s food security concerns.
The current surge in fuel prices was one of the identified challenges in the UAE fisheries sector, and the scheme is aimed to help the industry.
The ministry has created a point system to determine eligible candidates to the scheme.
“Fishermen are allocated points based on their gross income, if and when they received any marine engine subsidies, the year they enlisted their boats in the Ministry’s public register, the frequency of practicing fishing, and the number of family members registered in their family books,” according to WAM.
The scheme is expected to benefit nearly 500 fishermen this year.
This follows the UAE government’s earlier reforms on its social welfare program, which will see low-income Emirati families receiving subsidies for fuel, food, electricity, and water.
The government called it “inflation allowances,” and said they are also giving stipends for education and unemployment.
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